Branson is a consulting engineer and co-founder of Compliance Services Group, Inc., Engineers, Architects and Scientists (Lubbock, TX), where he currently serves as executive vice president. He is active in ASHRAE as a participant on several society and technical committees, with special focuses on IAQ and building automation. Branson has designed and deployed PCO technologies in numerous applications, including casinos, pathology labs, hobby shops, classrooms, and facilities for the U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. He may be contacted by e-mail at djbranson@csg.net.
Heterogeneous photocatalysis, also referred to as photocatalytic oxidation, or PCO, is an emerging advanced oxidizing technology that offers many application opportunities in the HVAC industry. One of the most highly anticipated uses is in providing energy-sensitive solutions to IAQ challenges. A number of system design considerations should be given by the specifying engineer toward maximizing the success of deploying PCO technology in building HVAC designs. This article presents several of those considerations to familiarize system designers with the process of applying PCO technologies.