Engineering a New Paradigm in Sustainable HVAC Infrastructure
Sustainable HVAC decarbonization is no longer theoretical. A landmark engineering study conducted at Lincoln Center demonstrates that high-efficiency particulate mitigation can be achieved without the traditional energy penalty associated with MERV 16 systems.
Subject: High-Efficiency Particulate Mitigation and Decarbonization of AHU Systems
Lead Principal Investigator: Tarang Patel, HVAC Mechanical Engineer
Industrial Partner: Reviveaire (Lead Collaborator: Nick Agopian, President)
Primary Research Site: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York City
The Efficiency-Energy Paradox in High MERV Filtration
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: A CRITICAL INTERVENTION
In an era of stringent indoor air quality (IAQ) mandates and global decarbonization goals, Tarang, acting in a Critical Lead Role, spearheaded a landmark engineering study at one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions: Lincoln Center. This research challenged the “Efficiency-Energy Paradox”—the industry standard assumption that higher air filtration (MERV 16) must result in higher energy consumption. Mechanical Engineer Tarang Patel & Lead Industrial Partner / Collaborator, Nick Agopian, successfully validated a technical bypass of this limitation. By implementing a hybrid Aireshield + MERV 13 system, we successfully decoupled particulate mitigation efficiency from energy consumption, establishing a new benchmark for sustainable infrastructure.
Hybrid Aireshield + MERV 13 System Design
THE CHALLENGE: SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITATIONS
Traditional MERV 16 filtration systems create extreme static pressure, forcing HVAC fans to consume excessive electricity. As the Lead Mechanical Engineer, Tarang designed and executed a technical bypass of this limitation, integrating Reviveaire’s advanced plasma-field technology to achieve superior sterilization without the traditional “energy penalty.”
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY & ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION
Under the direct supervision and technical design of Tarang Patel, AHU #7 was transformed into a live laboratory. The methodology involved replacing traditional mechanical barriers with a hybrid Aireshield + MERV 13 integrated system.
Tarang Patel’s engineering oversight focused on Total Suspended Particle (TSP) analysis and Electromechanical Load Verification, utilizing high-precision telemetry electromechanical load verification to capture high-fidelity data on the following variables:
- Electromechanical Load Profiling: Real-time capture of Wattage, Amperage, and Total kWh to assess the impact of reduced static pressure on motor efficiency.
- Volumetric Particulate Analysis: Utilizing Total Suspended Particle (TSP) analysis per cubic foot to verify the efficacy of the 5,500V Confined Plasma Field against sub-micron pathogens.
- System Integration: Replacing traditional MERV 16 mechanical barriers with a lower-resistance Aireshield/MERV 13 hybrid to minimize the pressure drop across the filter bank.
EMPIRICAL RESULTS:
(36% kWh Reduction)
QUANTIFIABLE SCIENTIFIC IMPACT
Particulate Mitigation Performance vs MERV 16
The data analyzed and verified by Tarang represents a significant breakthrough in mechanical engineering and building science:
- Substantial Energy Mitigation: The study achieved a 36.4% reduction in Total kWh consumption, a 30.4% reduction in Wattage and a 35.6% reduction in Amperage. This provides a scalable blueprint for reducing the carbon footprint of large-scale commercial real estate.
- Superior Air particle filtration: Despite the lower mechanical resistance, the combo system outperformed the industry-standard MERV 16 by 74% in particulate removal efficiency
(TSP per cubic foot). - Public Health Advancement: The research confirmed that the plasma-enhanced system provides a superior defense against sub-micron pathogens, a critical finding for high-occupancy public venues.
Alignment with ASHRAE Standard 241
As the Lead Mechanical Engineer for this project, Tarang was not merely a participant but the primary architect of the testing protocol and data verification process. This research constitutes an original scientific contribution of major significance to the field of Mechanical Engineering.
By proving that carbon emissions can be reduced by over 30% while simultaneously increasing air safety by 74%, Tarang has established a new technical benchmark for the Reviveaire product line and the broader HVAC industry.
Implications for Commercial Real Estate Decarbonization
Conclusion: Major Significance to the HVAC Industry
This study constitutes an original scientific contribution of major significance. By proving that carbon emissions can be reduced by over 30% while simultaneously increasing air safety by 74%, Tarang Patel has provided a scalable blueprint for the decarbonization of large-scale commercial real estate globally. This research directly supports the implementation of ASHRAE Standard 241 (Control of Infectious Aerosols) without compromising global sustainability mandates.
About ReviveAire
Reviveaire is a U.S.-based innovator in indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions, developing advanced plasma air filtration systems that go beyond traditional HVAC filters. Our team combines engineering expertise with a deep understanding of environmental health to design products that are UL 2998 certified ozone-free, CARB compliant, and built for longterm performance. We believe every breath should be safe, pure, and free from airborne contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, allergens, and mold spores. That’s why the Aireshield Filter Module is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing HVAC tracks— transforming them into continuous air disinfection systems that are energy-efficient, sustainable, and virtually maintenance-free.
Press Contact: Daniel Flint, Marketing Director Reviveaire LLC, 217 Market st., Kenilworth NJ 07033 – Phone: 908-241-6111 – Email: info@reviveaire.com