Illustration of an office space utilizing upper room GUV in comparison to increased outdoor air fraction, increased air change rate, and improved filtration.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) research finds upper room GUV is more effective and energy efficient than increased outdoor air fraction or air changes to mitigate COVID-19 transmission in buildings. (Image courtesy of PNNL)

Excellent indoor air quality (IAQ) is an essential feature of healthy buildings. Benefits to the health and wellbeing of building occupants can in turn provide large economic benefits, but design and operation to deliver these benefits may impact building energy use. Germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) radiation, also known as UV germicidal irradiation (UVGI), is a method of air and surface disinfection that may be more effective and energy efficient to reduce airborne disease transmission than alternatives such as energy-intensive high-ventilation solutions. Emerging GUV technologies represent an opportunity to realize additional energy savings through fixture design and application practices while maintaining the germicidal benefits. Currently, LED GUV sources and fixtures have relatively low efficiency and lifetime but there is headroom to improve through increased source efficiency, improved fixture design, and enhanced reliability. In conjunction with proper ventilation and filtration, GUV is a promising technology for providing optimal IAQ to building occupants.

Ongoing research supported by DOE looks to improve our understanding of this emerging technology and its potential to deliver safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient buildings. 

CALiPER Product Testing

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is testing commercially available GUV lamps and fixtures using industry-standard test methods. CALiPER GUV testing provides objective product performance information, evaluates performance claims, informs testing methods and standards, and identifies needed improvements.

CALiPER GUV Round 1 analyzes the independently tested performance of 13 GUV products purchased between February and July 2022. The summary report presents Round 1 test results and recommendations, and the full report provides more detailed discussion of the tested products, methods, and results.

Field Studies

Field evaluations will assess and demonstrate real-world application of GUV technologies, evaluating effectiveness, energy use, safety, and more.

Simulation Studies

Simulation studies will characterize and quantify effectiveness, energy efficiency, decarbonization, and electrification benefits across building types and climate zones, beginning with office buildings.

Related Research

Roundtables