Adaptation of HVAC Systems to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 in Buildings

Frantisek Vranay, Ladislav Pirsel, Richard Kacik and Zuzana Vranayova
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Frantisek Vranay: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Architectural Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia
Ladislav Pirsel: Alocons Ltd., Lombardiniho 22/B, 831 03 Bratislava, Slovakia
Richard Kacik: Lightech Ltd., Stará Vajnorská 90, 831 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
Zuzana Vranayova: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Architectural Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 23, 1-20

Abstract: In 2020, all the world has been confronted with COVID-19. Bringing people together in buildings is proving to be a risk factor that we have to deal with. Although the greatest attention is paid to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, there are a number of other pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.) that can be transmitted through the air. These pathogens are sensitive to UV-C radiation. UV-C fluorescent lamps have been developed with technical parameters that are adapted to HVAC operating conditions. By using germicidal sources to disinfect the transported air, more than 90% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, more than 97% of Influenza A virus, and 100% of Legionella pneumophila can be inactivated. The use of UV-C emitters for air disinfection allows the use of circulation and recuperation. Total balance of energy and CO 2 emissions by variants and energies used, including humidification were performed for Slovak conditions. The operation of germicidal sources during the heating period in selected cities in our example would represent only 0.45% of the difference in heat demand and 0.42% of the difference in energy demand between operation according to recommendations and operation with germicidal sources. It is therefore an effective means of ensuring health safety and energy efficiency for the future.

Keywords: HVAC systems; COVID-19; recuperation; humidification; germicide emitter; UV-C fluorescent lamp (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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