Ultraviolet Sanitization and Filtration Equipment (UV SAFE)

Abstract

The spread of airborne particulate pathogens, such as the SARS-Cov-2 virus, is extremely common in public transportation environments. Many passengers are essential workers who have high contact with the general public, and the social distancing recommended to minimize pathogenic intra-individual transmission may not be possible when there is high passenger density. The SARS-Cov-2 virus, which is transmitted primarily through airborne water droplets, can persist in the air for minutes to hours. To address this issue, most public transportation systems employ single-point HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. However, they create turbulent flow that mixes air around and ultimately does not filter air quickly or efficiently. In this thesis, to tackle this obstacle, we introduce and characterize an ultra-compact sanitization and filtration system composed of UVC (ultraviolet light between 270 and 280 nm) LEDs, special Lambertian-reflecting materials, and a high-volume fan. We present a preliminary design and potential model improvements based on computer simulation and experimental validation.