PNNL

On behalf of the Department of Energy (DOE), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking partner sites to conduct a nationwide field evaluation study on Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) air disinfection system installations.

PNNL is evaluating GUV technology as an energy-efficient approach to improve indoor air quality, reduce the spread of diseases in buildings, and prepare for future epidemics or pandemics. More information about DOE’s current research activities with GUV technology can be found in Germicidal Ultraviolet Disinfection | Department of Energy.

We are looking for partner sites that have recently installed or are planning to install upper-room and/or whole-room GUV systems and are interested in supporting this study by allowing PNNL to access the sites to evaluate their installation. PNNL will evaluate aspects including the effectiveness, safety, and energy use. The data collected will be analyzed and published in a report to showcase GUV installations and educate stakeholders about best practices. The purpose of the report is not to highlight good performing GUV fixtures or criticize under-performing fixtures or installations. Certain information will not be published in the report such as the name of partner GUV site, GUV manufacturer, and GUV fixture name and model. This report will help inform stakeholders about the costs, benefits, and applications of GUV technology in buildings. If interested in participating in this study by providing access to a site with upper-room GUV and/or whole-room GUV installations, please contact us or fill out the form found at the bottom of the page.

What are the benefits of participating as a partner site?

• Receive a no-cost independent expert evaluation of the effectiveness, safety, and energy use of your GUV installation.
• Help other building owners identify beneficial technologies to improve indoor air quality.
• Provide national leadership and recognition for efforts to improve indoor air quality, improve health, and prepare for future pandemics (partner sites also have the option of anonymized participation if desired.)

What types of GUV installations will PNNL evaluate?

For the purposes of this study, DOE will only evaluate Upper-Room and Whole-Room GUV system installations. In-duct GUV or portable air cleaners with GUV are not eligible to be evaluated by this study.

Upper-Room GUV systems are installations where the ultraviolet energy is applied only in the upper region of the room, above the heads of occupants. These systems disinfect the air as it is circulated into the upper part of the room. None or a negligible amount of the emitted UV is projected downwards where occupants may be located.

Whole-room GUV systems emit ultraviolet energy directly into the occupied area of a room. These systems are carefully designed to limit the ultraviolet energy exposure to be below safety guidelines. Many whole-room GUV systems utilize krypton-excimer based fixtures that are much safer for people to be exposed to, often referred to as “Far-UVC”.

Site Qualifications

• Upper-room and/or Whole-room GUV installations in one or multiple rooms, located in the United States.
• Installation(s) located in buildings or applications where people congregate and there is a higher risk of airborne disease transmission. Examples include , but are not limited to: community centers, schools, offices, restaurants, fitness centers, elderly care facilities, healthcare facilities.
• Rooms should be unoccupied for some period of time during the day or evening when PNNL staff can collect data and measurements
• Partners should have an on-site facility manager and/or project champion who is familiar with the facility and with whom PNNL can coordinate the evaluation.

PNNL will work with partners to minimize any disruption and conduct evaluations during times when rooms are not occupied.

What is being evaluated?

The follow characteristics and qualities of the GUV system will be evaluated.

• UV and airflow measurements to evaluate the performance of the GUV system.
• Check any potential impacts of UV on room surfaces, e.g., color fading.
• Verify the energy usage of the GUV system.
• Occupant survey about their experience with the GUV system.
• Facility manager survey about operational and maintenance practices of the GUV system.

Submit Interest to Participate

Deadline to submit is February 15,2023. Please complete a separate entry form for each site.

Contact Information

Questions? Contact the GUV Research Team at PNNL
GUV@pnnl.gov

Published on January 10, 2023. Last edited January 12, 2023.