Ultra Violet Photocatalytic Oxidization (UV-PCO) Technology

for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Modeling and Experiments

 

Research Assistant: W. Chen (wchen13@syr.edu)

 

Faculty Advisor: Dr. J. Zhang

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

The overall objectives of the proposed research are to develop and validate a comprehensive mathematical model, which can aid the design & optimization of UV-PCO device and predict its overall performance under typical indoor conditions.  Specific aims of this project are to:

 

(1)   Provide intrinsic photooxidation rate data and develop correspondent rate expressions for multi-VOC system using small-scale research reactor;

(2)   Study the influence of environmental conditions (T & RH) on reaction rate for multi-VOC system using small-scale research reactor;

(3)   Develop a comprehensive mathematical model, including UV-irradiation distribution sub-model, air flow sub-model, and multi-species contaminants reaction and transport sub-model, for selected type of reactors (i.e. monolith, annular);

(4)   Validate the model by conducting small and full-scale chamber tests on UV-PCO devices;

(5)   Compare the UV-PCO technology with other air cleaning technologies such as sorption filtration, UV-PCO, and plasma decomposition by full-scale experimental testing and model predictions.

 

The research project follows an integrated five-phase approach consisting of preparation & characterization of TiO2-coated substrate, rate data measurement & rate expression development for multi-VOC system, development of simulation and optimization model, model validation, and comparison of UV-PCO technology vs. other available technologies.