Add as a preferred source on Google

Ceiling Unit Uses UVC Light to Clean Classroom Air

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 08/12/20

A Florida company with an office in Purdue Research Park has introduced a technology it said would help schools reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Energy Harness has released a device that attaches to ceiling grids and uses UVC light to clean and circulate air. The Active Airflow UV-C Fixture unit has a fan system to draw in the air, where it is cleaned and then cycled back into the classroom.

The company said it hopes to have the technology installed and ready for the school year for Beech Grove City Schools and Franklin Township Community School Corporation, both located in central Indiana, near Indianapolis.

The team created the technology by applying its expertise in LED lighting and their familiarity with school clients. "We wanted to help because we know schools can be great at disinfecting surfaces and areas, but they may not have the same options to clean the air," said Patricio Daneri, managing director of Energy's Midwest division, in a press release.

"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," added Tom Gearhart, director of operations for the Beech Grove City Schools.

Daneri suggested that some schools may be able to use special federal and state funding during the pandemic to help cover the costs of the technology.

The research park is a Purdue University-affiliated operation (co-managed by the Purdue Research Foundation) with six locations that house 260 companies, including Energy Harness.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • textured paper collage shows a school building on fire as a fire truck sprays water into the flames

    Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

    We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.

  • DLR Group Appoints New K–12 Education Practice Leader

    Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it has named its new global K–12 Education leader, Senior Principal Carmen Wyckoff, AIA, LEED AP, according to a news release. Her teams have members in all 36 of the firm’s offices in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Europe, and Asia.

  • Construction Begins on East Austin CTE-Focused High School

    The Del Valle Independent School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new CTE-focused high school in Austin, Texas, according to a news release. Del Valle High School will measure in at 473,338 square feet and have the capacity for 2,400 students.

  • Texas State University Completes Stadium Renovations

    Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, recently announced that it has completed a series of additions and renovations to its football stadium, according to a news release. Formerly known as the Bobcat Stadium End Zone Complex, the Johnny and Nathali Weisman Football Performance Center is an 85,000-square-foot expansion featuring hospitality spaces, banquet spaces, exterior concourses, and upgrades to the field house.

Digital Edition