New chiller system installed on northern section of London’s Victoria line

Passengers travelling on the northern section of the Victoria line can now benefit from the installation of a new chiller system reducing temperatures in tunnels and platforms.

The new fan chiller will help reduce temperatures on London Underground’s Victoria line, between Blackhorse Road and Walthamstow Central, by up to 3 degrees.

Chiller fan reduces temperatures on northern section of Victoria line by up to 3 degrees

The fan system works by drawing in fresh air from the street through coils which have chilled water flowing through them.

The cooling fan is capable of moving the equivalent of 33 double-decker buses full of cold air every minute. Chilled air is sent into a mid-tunnel shaft between Walthamstow Central and Blackhorse Road Tube stations, making for more comfortable conditions for passengers in summer heat.

Mark Evers, Director of Customer Strategy, London Underground, said: “We understand that it can get uncomfortable for customers during the summer months, which is why we are always looking for new ways to help customers beat the heat. Projects like the installation of this fan system demonstrates how we are using innovation to develop new ways to cool the Tube and make customers’ journeys better.”

Two of London’s busiest Tube stations on the Victoria line are Green Park and Oxford Circus. Both stations were upgraded in 2012 with the installation of air cooling units that reduce temperatures at platform level. The Victoria line train fleet has also been replaced, with the new trains’ ventilation systems circulating cool air from ground level into the carriage.

London Underground is currently working with academics at London South Bank University (LSBU) to assist in its 300 million programme of investment in cooling infrastructure over the next 10 years. The project will explore new efficient and environmentally friendly methods to Cool the Tube.