The Technology for applying UV Energy in HVAC&R Systems takes a major leap forward. 

ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) recently published its Systems and Equipment Handbook with; for the first time ever, a much anticipated Chapter dedicated to “UV Systems and Equipment."

ASHRAE is the premier and largest professional trade association for the Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) Industry.  It was formed in 1894 and boasts 51,000 members.  Its mission is to advance the arts and sciences of HVAC.  One of its most important activities is its publication handbooks which include a series of four volumes.  One volume is revised and published each year.  These handbooks are used extensively by Building Designers, Architects, Engineers, Equipment Manufactures, Installers and Contactors in designing and supplying HVAC equipment for Commercial and Industrial Buildings as well as residences. 

With the release of the newest “Equipment and Systems” Handbook, and it’s UV Chapter 16, the application of UV in HVAC systems has been brought to a new level.  The chapter includes a collection of well written sections on UV lamp basics, fundamentals, application data, design guidelines, safety guidance and terminology regarding the proper use, installation, maintenance and benefits of UV installations in an HVAC system.

UV energy is used primarily for two reasons.  First, UV is applied to air conditioning coils to keep them clean and operating efficiently.  Heat transfer is improved and significant energy savings are realized all while improving a building’s Indoor Air Quality.  Second, UV is used to disinfect air in buildings such as Hospitals, Schools, Commercial Office Buildings, Homes and Correctional Facilities.

The new chapter was sponsored by a relatively new Technical Committee of ASHRAE, TC2.9, UV for Air and Surfaces.  UVDI has been intimately involved in this work through TC2.9.  Dave Witham, VP New Technology for UVDI was one of the charter members of the original task group and remains a key voting member of the Committee.  In addition he is a voting member of the Handbook and Standards Sub-Committees.  Many hours were dedicated by Dave and others toward the new chapter. 

The information presented in the handbook chapter draws from the pertinent scientific literature and the collective experience of engineers, lamp manufacturers, and system designers familiar with UV applications.  The result is a current, un-biased, best practices guide for common UV systems used with HVAC equipment.  It is a valuable tool for all HVAC practitioners and Building Owners and Operators.