Skip to main content
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

  • Photo courtesy of Kraus-Anderson

    Minnesota District Completes $49.7M Addition, Renovation Project

    St. Paul Public Schools in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $49.7-million addition and remodeling project at two district schools, according to a news release.

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.

  • 144-Year-Old High-School Campus Debuts New Academic Facility

    San Diego High School (SDHS) in San Diego, Calif., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new student services and classroom building; the project is part of a larger SDHS Whole Site Modernization project that began in 2022.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.