IAQ focus of Honeywell’s university partnership
2nd March 2021
USA: Honeywell has formed a research partnership with Syracuse University to fund research on emerging indoor air quality technologies.
The partnership will include the naming of a Honeywell Indoor Air Quality Laboratory at Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science which will be used by researchers to help create healthier and safer building environments.
“Our work with Syracuse will measure the performance of a variety of emerging indoor air quality technologies to not only improve occupant productivity and well-being but also help building owners understand the best solutions for different building environments and situations,” commented Manish Sharma, vice president and chief technology and product officer of Honeywell Building Technologies. “In the long term, this will help them to better attract occupants, manage energy efficiency and improve their real estate value.”
World-class research
Keen to work with Honeywell on indoor air quality research, Syracuse University’s J Cole Smith, dean of College of Engineering and Computer Science, said: “Professors Jensen Zhang and Bing Dong have been at the forefront of indoor air quality research and the Honeywell Indoor Air Quality Lab at Link Hall will enhance our world-class research abilities.”
“When private industry and academia team up, we can create meaningful change. This collaboration will help identify potential solutions to further improve indoor air quality and create healthier building environments to enhance the occupant experience,” said Suresh Venkatarayalu, chief technology officer, Honeywell.
The Syracuse University lab will be used to solve several research objectives to determine the impact of air quality on human productivity and creativity. This will include using the lab to conduct side-by-side comparisons of next-generation IAQ improvement technologies and advanced building systems. The analysis will be based on key IAQ parameters measured by sensors and through AI-driven HVAC controls. The research will include characterising and evaluating IAQ sensors.
Additionally, the research will develop AI and machine learning algorithms for dynamic ventilation management. The intent is to identify new ventilation strategies that comply with ASHRAE 62.1 IAQ standards while also achieving goals such as improved occupant productivity, with potentially fewer sick days, as well as enhanced energy savings.
