SYYCLOPS INC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 12e

Description

The ASHRAE epidemic task force was enlisted to help create guidelines for the reopening of schools after the COVID-19 pandemic. [16] Based on the guidance and HVAC alterations that were accommodated, the next logical question is how to continue to keep the guidance relevant and ensure proper protocol is being followed and risk is being mitigated. Current guidelines do not require sensor monitoring of the environment or calculate the individual risk to the student body based on the unique environmental factors in their area.[17] More stringent data collection and real-time monitoring of environmental factors could reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools. [18] The proposal is to build upon the 1000-plus IAQ sensors that have been installed in over 100 schools, interpret the data and establish a proof of concept. [29]The project will set up sensor reading thresholds, which will formulate an algorithm that will then directly interface with the building management systems. The project will go into the technical detail of actual readings of PM2.5/PM 1.0, CO2, temperature, TVOC’s, and humidity to compile the optimal air quality for teaching space. As occupancy occurs, the study will examine the decay rates of the CO2 based on occupancy, air change rates, and ventilation rates in the classroom space. As each of the readings modulates between good and unacceptable thresholds, proscribed actions are implemented to improve the IAQ. By better controlling the environmental factors that lead to an increased risk of infection, society can effectively reduce viral transmission and keep students, patients, customers, and employees safer when in public spaces. [26, 27] Businesses have suffered economic hardship from the government mandates regarding capacity and sanitation and would be willing to purchase a product that allowed them to resume business operations at an increased capacity or provided a greater level of safety to occupants. [26, 27] In addition, there would be a lower incidence of transmission, which would alleviate frequent employee time off for testing and quarantine. [16, 21] Schools have had to cease or drastically change educational paradigms to keep students safe. The ability to reduce student risk and possibly increase school capacity would improve education for public school students.