Trane Thailand Launches New Solutions in Existing Air-conditioning System to Help Hotels and Shopping Malls to Combat Pandemic Impact

Trane Thailand launches innovative Air Cleaning Systems with advanced technology called PCO+UVGI that has potential to reduce virus contamination for the "Now Normal Indoor Air Quality"
BANGKOK, Sept. 28th, 2020 – Trane Thailand, manufacturer and distributor of Trane air conditioning, parts and solutions, has launched innovative technology solutions for the "Now Normal Indoor Air Quality" to help hotels and shopping malls improve the health, safety and efficiency of their indoor air environments.
Trane air cleaning systems use PCO + UVGI – Photocatalytic Oxidation and Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation to improve indoor air quality in buildings, such as hotels, shopping malls and office towers. Hotels have been among the first sector to apply the technology as they recover from a pandemic-driven downturn. The tourism sector is one of Thailand's economic engines, accounting for 18 percent of GDP in 2019. Arrival of tourists from abroad during the first six months of 2020 dipped by 66 percent. Due to the spread of the virus and travel restrictions, tourists are more cautious about traveling and staying at hotels. "We are the first in our industry in Thailand to launch a new suite of solution that applies advanced technology in commercial air-conditioning systems to reduce contamination of pathogens. Industry research indicates that HVAC technologies can mitigate the risk of exposure to infectious aerosols in built environments, though the transmission and mitigation of COVID-19 in buildings is yet to be tested and confirmed. Trane's unique solution uses a combination of technologies called PCO+UVGI, which can control and reduce contaminants in the air, including particles, gases and viruses," according to Mr. Phanlop Techasuwan, Managing Director of Trane Thailand.

About the technology
Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) applies a process called photo-catalysis, which uses ultraviolet radiation creating powerful oxidizing agents to oxidize many biological contaminants to break them down.  In this process, those harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are converted to simpler chemicals, such as carbon dioxide and water.

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) has a dual purpose: its primary function is an energy source for the catalytic reactions of the PCO process, while it also provides a germicidal effect on microorganisms by using ultraviolet light in the "C" band (UVC) to damage the DNA or RNA and inactivate a wide range of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria and viruses commonly found in buildings.

This unique technology can be installed in larger airside systems or in smaller air-conditioning equipment as plug-in units to facilitate retrofits in buildings of different sizes and purposes, without any change in the air-conditioning systems. As tested, the solutions are effective in delivering an improved air environment with more than 99 percent effectiveness in removal of both H1N1 virus and microbial contaminants (e.g. Staphylococcus albus bacteria).

"This technology is characterized in the 'ASHRAE Position Document on Filtration and Air Cleaning' that it can reduce viruses, bacteria and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). It will be a good choice for building owners to increase occupants' confidence as buildings reopen," Mr. Phanlop said.

Besides PCO+UVGI, Trane's suite of technological innovations in response to Covid-19 pandemic also include High Voltage Electrostatic Filter, Trane Catalytic Air Cleaning System (TCACS), Dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS). Trane also will soon launch new fan coil units designed for the Hotel segment.

Trane Technology Helps Hotel Guests Feel Safer
Mrs. Chanpen Chantanavaranon, Deputy General Manager of Pattaya Park Beach Resort Hotel, says that the COVID-19 pandemic creates concern for her hotel's guests. To prevent contamination and increase safety, the hotel complies with safety regulations and guidelines and implements safety measures like temperature screening for guests, and masks and gloves for all staff. To further prevent contamination, the hotel recognizes the air conditioning system as one of the key elements for property and environmental management. The hotel is applying the advanced PCO+UVGI technology from Trane Thailand to reduce air contamination risks for the revolving restaurant tower, the 54th-55th floors each of which can accommodate about 250-300 customers per floor.

"We are the first hotel in Thailand that is using Photocatalytic Oxidation and Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (PCO+UVGI). Our guests include families with little children and seniors who may particularly feel concerned about health. We look for new technology or innovation to apply at hotel to build confidence among guests as well as other customers. Trane's latest innovative air cleaning systems with advanced technology that can reduce virus contamination will help increase safety in indoor air environment and build guest confidence incredibly to help us cope with the current situation" Mrs. Chanpen says.


Additional Information:
There is evidence from The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and other sources that HVAC technologies can mitigate the risk of exposure to infectious aerosols in built environments; however, the transmission and mitigation of COVID-19 in buildings is yet to be tested and confirmed.