The integration of UV-C sources in air-circulation systems has great promise, especially given the growing knowledge about the dangers of airborne spread of the coronavirus. One obvious possibility is installing UV-C systems in HVAC equipment, and Utility TVA is offering incentives for customers that install such systems. The Energy Harness approach is independent of the HVAC system, but still uses active air handling to draw room air into the unit.
“We have demonstrated and studies have shown the effectiveness of UV-C light in killing the COVID-2 family of pathogens,” said Patricio M. Daneri, managing director of Energy Harness’ Midwest division. “Our Active-Airflow unit provides the added advantage of safe usage during the school day in occupied classrooms. The unit has a fan system to draw in the air, where it is cleaned and then cycled back into the room.”
The LEDs in the unit radiate in the 260–280-nm range — wavelengths known to have germicidal efficacy. Ultimately, germicidal efficacy is based on UV-C dosage, which is a function of UV-C power per area multiplied by exposure time. So in this instance, the key factors would be the radiometric output of the UV-C LEDs (168W) and the airflow (116 CFM).
The company states the UV dosage to be 12,000 to 18,000. Energy Harness said that each unit can disinfect a 256-ft2 space. That would typically mean multiple units in each classroom in a school setting.
Beech Grove City Schools Install System
Beech Grove City Schools will have 15 units scattered throughout its five buildings—in the nurses’ stations and select classrooms, Director of Operations Tom Gearhart said. Beech Grove had worked with Energy Harness to replace its fluorescent lights in classrooms and hallways “and have been very satisfied with them as an organization.” So when Daneri told district officials about the UV-C fixture, they were interested.
The Active-Airflow system is being installed in schools that are part of the Beech Grove City Schools and Franklin Township Community Schools districts in Indiana. “We have had success working with the Energy Harness team before and are excited about this new technology product to help keep our community safe,” said Tom Gearhart, director of operations for the Beech Grove City Schools.
SOURCE: Energy Harness