Computational fluid dynamics analysis to assess performance variability of in-duct UV-C systems

UV-C is becoming a mainstream air sterilization technology and is marketed in the form of energy-saving and infection-reduction devices. An accurate rating of device performance is essential to ensure appropriate microbial reduction yet avoid wastage of energy due to over performance. This article demonstrates the potential benefits from using computational fluid dynamics to assess performance. A computational fluid dynamics model was developed using discrete ordinate irradiation modeling and Lagrangian particle tracking to model airborne microorganisms. The study calculates the UV dose received by airborne particles in an in-duct UV system based on published EPA experimental tests for single-, four-, and eight-lamp devices. Whereas the EPA tests back calculated UV dose from measured microorganism inactivation data, the computational fluid dynamics model directly computes UV dose, then determines inactivation of microorganisms. Microorganism inactivation values compared well between the computational flui...