To gather this data, the team utilized small, innovative sensors designed by Pierre-Emmanuel Gaillardon, a professor of electrical and computer engineering. These devices were commercialized through a University of Utah startup called TELLUS. At a cost of just $450 per unit, these sensors are a fraction of the price of compliance-grade monitoring equipment, allowing the researchers to deploy a much larger number of devices across the campus. The sensors were strategically installed on walls at breathing height to ensure the data reflected the actual air quality experienced by the buildings’ occupants.
Research Continues to Find Solutions
While the initial paper is based on an 18-month study window that concluded in April 2024, the project is far from over. The monitors remain active across the campus, continuing to feed data to researchers. The work has been supported by Seed2Soil and Student Collective Investment Fund (SCIF) grants, with information about the project posted near the devices to engage the campus community.
The findings are already being used to help campus building managers develop more sophisticated operational strategies. The ultimate goal is to maintain high indoor air quality without sacrificing energy efficiency, particularly during the increasingly frequent wildfire seasons. However, implementing a "one-size-fits-all" solution is nearly impossible given the scale of the university’s infrastructure.
Sean Nielson, an engineer with Facilities Management’s Sustainability and Energy group and a co-author of the study, emphasized the complexity of managing the campus’s approximately 18 million square feet of building space. "Every building and system has unique features," Nielson said. "Looking at buildings and systems individually is something we’re going to consider in the future and see what we can do to modify that system."
The solution is not as simple as merely closing the dampers on smoky days. Building codes require a minimum amount of outside air to be circulated to dilute and flush out indoor contaminants, such as carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). "Finding the ideal balance between outside air and recirculated inside air is difficult due to the high number of variables," Nielson added.
One potential tool for improvement is the application of higher-rated MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) air filters. While these filters are more effective at capturing fine particles, they can also restrict airflow and put additional strain on older HVAC fans. Nielson noted that there are practical limitations to how these filters can be applied to existing equipment and what specific contaminants they can effectively remove.
As the research continues, the team hopes to provide a clearer roadmap for building managers, not just at the University of Utah but for large institutions across the country. By understanding the specific ways in which different pollutants interact with mechanical systems, they aim to create indoor environments that remain true sanctuaries, regardless of the air quality outside.
