Optimization of the process of room disinfection using ultraviolet C radiation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the energy efficiency of approaches used by equipment for room disinfection by UVC (ultraviolet C) radiation. Methods: The study considered only commercially available disinfection equipment that has scientific evidence verified through scientific articles. The evaluation was carried out based on simulations and mathematical models. In this evaluation, the energy consumption of the equipment was compared after the application of the approaches in a simulated control environment. The comparison of the consumption of the approaches was made considering the same disinfection points in the environment and for the same microorganisms and disinfection rates. Results: The evaluation showed that one of the approaches allowed a 64.71% reduction in electricity consumption, due to the reduction of the equipment's power to one fifth of its original value, without compromising the environment's disinfection capacity. Conclusion: This reduction is capable of enabling the use of scientifically proven equipment, since, as current equipment requires high electrical power to operate, only a few electrical outlets can supply energy to this equipment. Therefore, the equipment can be connected to any available socket in the environment where disinfection will be carried out, which can be essential during pandemic periods, such as COVID-19.