Virginia Tech team secures contract to study indoor air quality

A biosensor will detect the presence of airborne pathogens, triggering a building-level response that could include increased ventilation and even warnings to vacate the premises. Illustration courtesy of Rajan Chakrabarty for WashU.

Virginia Tech engineers have been awarded a multi-year contract to advance research on indoor air cleaning and ventilation systems, with the goal of improving air quality in public buildings and mitigating airborne pathogen exposure.

The contract, funded by federal agencies, supports development of next-generation active air cleaning technologies, real-time monitoring, and control strategies for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in large indoor environments.

Researchers plan to test integrated systems combining ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), filtration, and airflow management, optimizing them to maintain safe air conditions while minimizing energy consumption.

Laboratory experiments and building simulations will validate design protocols and operational algorithms under a range of occupancy and environmental conditions. The team aims to propose standards and guidelines for deployment in schools, hospitals, offices, and public venues.

The contract reflects continued emphasis on infrastructure resilience in response to respiratory pandemics, recognizing that airborne transmission control remains a critical dimension of building design.

The research is expected to unfold over multiple phases, culminating in demonstration systems that could inform future building codes or public health standards.