Air Engineering Studies Research Group
Mission
To contribute to the study and improvement of air quality through research that integrates theoretical and applied engineering to foster technological innovation, both nationally and internationally.
Vision
To establish ourselves as a leading research group that advances knowledge in engineering and technology related to air quality, strengthening the basic sciences to enable the use of advanced computational tools, and contributing to academic education, scientific innovation, and the building of a resilient and sustainable society.
Objective
To generate specialized knowledge in engineering and technology, with an emphasis on aerospace engineering and its applications. To advance society through high-level theoretical, experimental, and computational analyses aimed at scientific innovation and sustainability.
AirES
Air Engineering Studies
INTRODUCTION
The AirES (Air Engineering Studies) Research Group at the Technological University of Panama promotes the study and improvement of air quality. Its research has already made a significant impact in both inventories of atmospheric pollutant emissions and open-source technological tools for environmental monitoring. Through these lines of work, AirES has established itself as a group that combines academic excellence, technological innovation, and social commitment, contributing knowledge and practical solutions to address the challenges of air quality and sustainability in Panama and around the world.
imagen: Ciudad de Panamá – por Karina Castillo – Pexels
AirES – NEWS
What We Do
Monitoring of Air Pollutants
We study the presence and concentration of air pollutants using measuring equipment, sensors, and monitoring stations. This area allows us to assess air quality, identify sources of pollution, and analyze their potential effects on health and the environment.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
We use numerical models and computational tools to simulate the behavior of fluids and gases. These tools allow us to analyze airflow, the dispersion of pollutants, and the interaction between atmospheric conditions and the built environment.
Air Quality Management
We develop strategies, policies, and actions aimed at preventing, controlling, and reducing air pollution. This includes evaluating environmental data, identifying risks, and formulating measures to protect public health and the environment.
Inventory of Stationary, Mobile, and Area-Wide Emissions
We quantify and classify pollutant emissions generated by industries, vehicles, and other activities throughout a region. These inventories help identify the main sources of pollution and serve as a basis for environmental planning and management.
Air Pollution Simulation
We use mathematical and computational models to represent the emission, transport, transformation, and dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere. This area allows us to evaluate future scenarios and estimate the impact of different sources or control measures.
Ventilation in Urban Areas
We analyze air circulation and renewal within cities and urban areas. We study how the layout of buildings, streets, wind, and other urban features influence the accumulation or dispersion of pollutants.
Our Publications
Spatial estimation of on-road mobile emissions during morning hours using machine learning: A case study in Panama city
Year of publication: 2026 | Authors: César Pinzón-Acosta, Franchesca González-Olivardia, Miguel Hidalgo-Rodríguez, Ana Valdés-Montenegro, Joseph Asprilla-González, Edmanuel Cruz | Type: Journal article
Ship Air Emission and Their Air Quality Impacts in the Panama Canal Area: An Integrated AIS-Based Estimation During Hotelling Mode in Anchorage Zone
Year of publication: 2025 | Authors: Yongchan Lee, Youngil Park, Gaeul Kim, Jiye Yoo, Cesar Pinzon-Acosta, Franchesca Gonzalez-Olivardia, Edmanuel Cruz, Heekwan Lee | Type: Journal article
Passenger car emissions in urban areas based on local vehicle fleet and environmental conditions
Year of publication: 2025 | Authors: Ana Valdés-Montenegro; Franchesca González-Olivardía; Cesar Pinzón-Acosta | Type: Journal article
MAGI: A Low-Cost IoT Architecture for Distributed AIS-Based Vessel Monitoring and Maritime Emissions Assessment in Panama
Year of publication: 2025 | Authors: Miguel Hidalgo-Rodriguez, Edmanuel Cruz, Cesar Pinzon-Acosta, Franchesca Gonzalez-Olivardia, José Carlos Rangel | Type: Journal article
Estimation of on-road mobile emissions based on the vehicle technology in a high-traffic avenue in Panama City, Panama
Year of publication: 2024 | Authors: Ana Valdes-Montenegro, Franchesca Gonzalez-Olivardia, Sarawut Thepanondh, Cesar Pinzon-Acosta | Type: Conference paper
Low-Cost Solutions for Automatic Identification System (AIS) in Ships: Evaluation and Potential for Emissions Monitoring, a Review
Year of publication: 2024 | Authors: Miguel Hidalgo, Edmanuel Cruz, Franchesca Gonzalez-Olivardia, César Pinzon | Type: Conference paper
AI-powered prototype for intelligent air quality monitoring in industrial environments,Prototipo basado en IA para el monitoreo inteligente de calidad del aire en entornos industriales
Year of publication: 2024 | Authors: Miguel Hidalgo, José Rangel, Franchesca Gonzalez-Olivardia, Miguel Acosta Reyes, Harold Paul Vásquez Sanjur, Delvis Joel Cruz, Edmanuel Cruz | Type: Conference paper