DOE CALiPER Report Published On GUV Upper-Room Luminaires

The DOE’s new CALiPER testing report on upper-room Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) luminaires highlights significant advancements and persistent challenges in this technology. Upper-room GUV, recommended by both ASHRAE and the CDC, has shown promise in delivering substantial energy savings while meeting ASHRAE Standard 241 and CDC ventilation targets without requiring major HVAC upgrades. Key findings of the study include:

Energy Efficiency

Some upper-room GUV luminaires demonstrate up to 7 times higher energy efficiency compared to others. This improved efficiency not only offers potential energy savings but also allows for the use of fewer GUV luminaires to achieve the same performance, enhancing affordability and cost-effectiveness for end-users.

LED Technology Advancements

In upper-room applications where directional capability is advantageous, new UV-emitting LEDs now offer comparable performance to traditional low-pressure mercury lamps. This development marks a significant step forward in LED technology for GUV applications.

Performance Variability

Despite overall improvements, not all UV-emitting LEDs performed equally. One LED-based product lost 25% of its output after just 500 hours of testing, significantly reducing its germicidal effectiveness. In contrast, two other LED products showed only minor output loss and maintained good performance.

Testing Standards

The report emphasizes the need for improved testing standards and methods to ensure accurate and consistent results. PNNL is actively collaborating with testing laboratories and standards organizations to refine these test methods.

Energy Implications

Research from PNNL demonstrates that upper-room GUV can be a highly energy-efficient solution for meeting new clean air targets. Compared to traditional HVAC-only approaches, GUV technologies can achieve the CDC and ASHRAE targets with significantly lower energy consumption and carbon emissions. This is particularly important as existing building HVAC systems may not have the capacity to meet these targets without major upgrades.

Safety Considerations

While upper-room GUV shows promise, safety remains a critical concern. The report highlights that some products directed over 50% of their UV output into lower portions of the room, potentially exposing occupants to unsafe levels of UV radiation. This underscores the importance of proper design and installation of upper-room GUV systems.

Future Developments

The DOE report indicates ongoing progress in the field of GUV lighting, with opportunities for further improvement in reflector designs and LED technology. A future report on testing of whole-room “far UV-C” luminaires is forthcoming, which may provide additional insights into GUV applications.

The report concludes that while upper-room GUV technology shows significant potential for energy-efficient air disinfection, challenges remain in product consistency, safety, and standardization. Continued research and development in this field are crucial for realizing the full potential of GUV in creating healthier, more energy-efficient indoor environments.

The full DOE-PNNL report can be downloaded here

Image: US DOE

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and President of Lighting Solution Development, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has co-chaired ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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