Case Study Overview
Cosentini has deployed AtmosAir’s bi-polar ionization technology for continuous air purification within their indoor office space in New York City to improve indoor air quality for employees and customers who work and visit their office. As indoor air quality remains a priority for many, Cosentini is measuring and leveraging digital sensors and modular air control technology to provide and maintain optimal indoor air quality within their office space. With an effort to ensure the health, wellness, and safety within the indoor environment, third-party testing and validation was completed within Cosentini’s office space by April 2021.
When AtmosAir bi-polar ionization is properly applied within the indoor environment, the efficacy of proven results is shown below as to how to reach optimal indoor air quality. Cosentini’s effort to deploy AtmosAir bi-polar ionization is one part of the overall solution to a healthier indoor environment. Another element of this is real-time indoor air quality monitoring and data transparency, which enables Cosentini to view the quality of the air in the office space. Soon, employees and visitors will also be able to view this for themselves via monitors installed in the lobby area. The air is maintained at an optimal level by leveraging AtmosAir bi-polar ionization technology and the power of dynamic digital controls, sensors and real time indoor air quality monitoring.
Cosentini and AtmosAir are helping employees, visitors and customers See Air Differently.
About Cosentini Associates
Cosentini Associates is a long-established building system consulting engineering firm headquartered in New York City. They offer an integrated array of services: mechanical/HVAC, electrical, and plumbing (MEP); fire protection; fire engineering and code consulting; mission-critical design; information technologies (comprising telecommunications, audiovisual, and security design); lighting design; sustainable design and LEED consulting; commissioning; and disaster relief services.
Product Overview
AtmosAir dielectric barrier discharge bi-polar ionization has been tested to show improvements to indoor air quality when increasing ambient ion levels between 500 and 1,500 ions per cm3. At these ion saturation levels, the AtmosAir technology has shown an 85.8% reduction to 0.3 micron particles as tested by Intertek to ANSI / AHAM AC 1 method, an average 90% reduction in VOC compounds as tested by Syracuse University to ANSI / AHAM AC 2 and ATL testing which shows a 99% reduction in aerosolized MS2 Staph and Ecoli within the air, method all standardized protocols.
AtmosAirTM ionization systems at the offices of Cosentini, utilize dynamic ionization control using the AtmosSmart system which measures and leverages digital sensors to provide for optimal ion output. The sensor array of ionizers continually monitors the dynamic indoor air quality conditions: Temperature, Relative Humidity, Carbon Dioxide, Total Volatile Organic Compounds, Formaldehyde, PM 2.5, Carbon Monoxide and Ozone.
Threshold value limits are controlled through proprietary algorithms for the measured elements based on existing standards and guidelines for air contaminants (USEPA, WHO, OSHA, NIOSH). As air quality levels change, the ionizer will automatically adjust ion intensity levels for optimal concentrations.
AtmosSmart is installed in the return duct to sample the air coming back from the occupied space and feedback to the AtmosAir units which are installed in the main supply ducts.
Also installed on both floors are AtmosAware IAQ monitors which give real time readings of CO2, Temperature, RH, PM 2.5 and TVOC in the occupied space, that can be displayed on a PC, phone, or tablet.
Application Overview
In February 2021, AtmosAirTM installed six (6) AtmosAir air purification systems to serve floors 14 and 15 occupied by prominent engineering firm Cosentini Associates. The design was for two (2) AtmosAir bi- polar ion air purification systems in each of 3 air handling systems in three separate mechanical rooms, serving both floors. These systems are controlled by AtmosSmart dynamic ion adjustment systems. Additionally two (2) AtmosAware space IAQ monitors are installed on each floor.
Testing Overview
AtmosAirTM was asked to verify that ion levels within the occupied spaces were being increased by these systems and maintained to optimal levels. On April 22nd, AtmosAirTM performed ion level readings in ten (10) separate areas on both floors to measure ion levels with AtmosAirTM systems operating and AtmosAirTM systems turned off. Also, Hillmann Consulting, an independent 3rd party IH firm observed the ion readings and took ozone measurements in all the same areas at the same time to measure if any unacceptable levels of ozone resulted from any ion increases.
Results
The measurements showed ion levels were increased in all areas with AtmosAirTM systems operating by an average of 2,000 ions per cm3 and no ozone was added as a result of the ion increases. In several areas, ozone levels were actually higher with AtmosAirTM systems turned off. Overall ozone levels with AtmosAirTM systems operating were .007 PPM (7 PPB), well below the most stringent guideline for indoor ozone levels of .05 PPM (50 PPB) as established by CARB (California Air Resources Board) and the governmental standard by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) of .1 PPM (100 PPB). Indoor ozone levels without AtmosAir systems operating averaged .017 PPM, (17 PPB). Outdoor ozone that day measured .04 PPM (40 PPB).
The Impact of wildfires on Outdoor Air Quality with Sustained Indoor Air Quality
In light of an extraordinary situation, New York City has seen an impact to outdoor air quality coming from the West Coast wildfires. While the outdoor air in NYC has been impacted showing higher particulate levels, minimal to no impact has occurred inside Cosentini’s office space located in NYC, while using AtmosAir bi-polar ionization, technology which continuously purifies indoor air. According to real time air quality monitoring, a comparison of indoor vs. outdoor air showed higher particulate levels outdoors were found due to the influence of the west coast fires making the quality of the air decrease, while the indoor air quality remained at a normal state where AtmosAir’s air purification technology currently operates
The data collected from the indoor air quality monitoring system in Cosentini’s office shows the differential in air quality from outdoors to indoors during this time period. It is clear to see, the air inside Cosentini’s offices is much cleaner than the outdoor air.
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