Trane Technologies Launches Air Purification System for Public Buses: 98% Effective in Deactivating Surrogate for Virus That Causes COVID-19*

Rhea-AI Summary

Thermo King, a brand of Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), has launched a new air purification solution designed for buses, aiming to enhance public transit safety and support economic recovery. This system is proven to deactivate 98% of certain viruses, including those similar to COVID-19. The solution integrates with bus HVAC units, utilizing advanced graphene-enhanced technology to purify air without harmful byproducts. As public transport ridership recovers, the product aims to instill confidence among commuters, aiding in economic mobility and reducing carbon footprints.

Positive

• Air purification solution proven to deactivate 98% of certain viruses.
• Supports economic recovery by enhancing public transit safety.
• Integrated with existing bus HVAC systems for effective air purification.
• Innovative technology enhances safety beyond previous solutions.

Negative

• None.

To help improve public transit safety and support economic recovery, Thermo King, a strategic brand of global climate innovator Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), has launched a new air purification solution for buses that continuously purifies the air while the bus is in operation. Thermo King’s Air Purification Solution has been independently tested and proven to be 98% effective in deactivating certain viruses, including a surrogate for the virus that causes COVID-19*.

“Our public transit customers understand that riders may feel apprehensive about getting back into their normal routines and taking public transportation,” said Karin De Bondt, president of Thermo King Americas. “Customers and consumers face a wide range of claims in the market regarding air purification. We offer a proven solution, tested and validated by third party experts, that provides safer, healthier air quality for drivers and passengers while in transit.”

Thermo King’s exclusive Air Purification Solution is integrated in the bus heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. The solution leverages a filter, paired with an innovative cleaning technology, to capture and deactivate certain viruses like the virus that causes COVID-19*, bacteria and volatile organic compounds as the air is exchanged. It was tested extensively by an independent laboratory following guidelines of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Public bus transit is a major driver of economic stability in cities across the U.S., with millions of people who rely on it every day,” said De Bondt. “As passengers feel confident about resuming public transport, they will have greater access to jobs and schools, supporting economic mobility across socio-economic groups. Resumption of public transport also lowers the carbon footprint, supporting more sustainable cities.”

In 2019, Americans took 9.9 billion trips on public transportation, with 87% of these trips having a direct economic impact on local economies. According to the American Public Transportation Association, at the height of the pandemic in 2020, some cities experienced a nearly 90% decline in bus ridership.

Trane Technologies has been at the forefront of helping to create safer, healthier, and more efficient environments for homes, buildings and transportation around the world. In 2020, the company introduced the Center for Healthy and Efficient Spaces (CHES) and convened an external advisory council to support these efforts.

More on Thermo King’s Air Purification Solution Features:

• Leverages an innovative graphene-enhanced photocatalytic oxidation (GPCO) device coupled with a pre-filter.
• The pre-filter collects particulate matter while the GPCO device produces oxidants that deactivate various pathogens as the air passes through.
• Graphene’s properties enhance the performance and safety of the solution beyond what was possible with previous-generation photocatalytic oxidation products.
• The solution allows operation while passengers are present and does not emit harmful byproducts such as ozone and removes harmful VOCs such as formaldehyde.

*Additional Background on Independent Tests:

• Thermo King’s Air Purification Solution was tested at air flow rates that simulate the air changes per hour common in transit buses.
• The independent laboratory tested multiple types of contaminants, including viruses and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• While not tested against COVID-19 specifically, the lab used MS2 Bacteriophage, a common surrogate used for the SARS-CoV-2 virus known to cause COVID-19.
• All test results were processed and validated by a third-party industry expert who is also an ASHRAE fellow, and a member of the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force.
• Thermo King’s solution was proven to be 98% effective within 20 minutes of turning on the device.
• Thermo King’s Air Purification Solution should be used in conjunction with guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities such as face coverings and social distancing.

About Trane Technologies

Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane and Thermo King, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes, and transportation. Learn more at TraneTechnologies.com.

About Thermo King

Thermo King – by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator – is a worldwide leader in sustainable transport temperature control solutions. Thermo King has been providing transport temperature control solutions for a variety of applications, including trailers, truck bodies, buses, air, shipboard containers, and railway cars since 1938. For more information, visit www.thermoking.com or www.europe.thermoking.com.

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FAQ

What is Thermo King's new air purification solution for buses?

Thermo King's air purification solution is designed to continuously purify the air in buses, effectively deactivating certain viruses and improving air quality for passengers and drivers.

How effective is Thermo King's air purification solution?

The solution has been independently tested and proven to be 98% effective in deactivating certain viruses, including a surrogate for the virus that causes COVID-19.

How does the air purification solution work?

It utilizes a filter and a graphene-enhanced photocatalytic oxidation device to capture and deactivate viruses, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds as air circulates.

What impact does public transit have on the economy?

Public bus transit significantly contributes to economic stability, with 87% of trips directly impacting local economies.

What is the significance of this launch for Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT)?

The launch of the air purification solution underscores Trane Technologies' commitment to providing innovative climate solutions that enhance health and safety in public transportation.