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

  • University of West Florida Opens New Laboratory Facility

    The University of West Florida recently announced that renovation work is complete on a new lab building for its campus in Pensacola, Fla., according to university news. Building 80 will serve as the home to the university’s civil engineering program and the Tyler Chase Norwood Construction Management Program.

  • Different Starting Points, Same End Goal

    Higher education campuses can enhance student experience by implementing mobile credentials to streamline building access, on-campus payments, and access to other amenities. This enables students to connect to their campuses through the technology they use most: their mobile devices.

  • Recent University of Pennsylvania Projects Receive LEED Certifications

    The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Penn., recently announced that three of its recent construction projects have earned LEED certifications, according to university news. The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology (VLEST) received a LEED Platinum certification, Amy Gutmann Hall a LEED Gold, and the OTT Center for Track and Field a LEED silver.

  • ClassVR headsets

    Avantis Education Revamps Hardware for ClassVR Solution

    Avantis Education recently announced the launch of two new headsets for its flagship educational VR/AR solution, ClassVR. According to a news release, the Xcelerate and Xplorer headsets expand the company’s offerings into higher education while continuing to meet the evolving needs of K–12 users.

Digital Edition