Energy-efficient UV disinfection

Germicidal ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an effective method for disinfection. The corona-pandemic has accelerated the demand for this technology to reduce the spread of virus. This method is however energy consuming, especially for high degrees of cleanliness.

The aim is to support the energy efficient application of existing technologies and the introductionof new UV-LED technology. With focus on the efficacy of bringing radiation to the surface to be disinfected, UV systems based on low pressure mercury lamps and the newest UV LEDs, will be developed, demonstrated and compared. UV-LEDs still has a lower initial efficacy, but has a number of advantages like compact form factor, narrow intensity distribution and immediate turn-on, which can compensate for this in UV systems. Computer design and optimization of UV optical systems shall show the obtainable system efficiency in different applications.

This is used for development and demonstration of at least two different UV disinfection systems for the partners. Analysis and comparison of achieved system energy efficiency based on market best available technology, and a future analysis, since UV-LED technology is expected to follow the same trend, which within two decades has made LED technology the most efficient lighting technology.

For end users to be able to ensure that the necessary UV-radiation dose and desired disinfection effect have been given, measurement methods for affordable sensors are investigated and developed, such as camera reading of disposable UV-dosimeters.

The results will be disseminated widely to the industry and end users through SoMe, teaching, articles, and conferences.