Design and Development of a Smart HVAC Duct Cleaning Robot Incorporating Real-Time Vision Monitoring and UVGI-Based Microbial Control

Authors

  • A. S. N. Husainy Department of Automation and Robotics, Sharad Institute of Technology College of Engineering, Yadrav-Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, India
  • Anish Vishwakarma Department of Automation and Robotics, Sharad Institute of Technology College of Engineering, Yadrav-Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, India
  • Shreyash Gurav Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sharad Institute of Technology College of Engineering, Yadrav-Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, India
  • Sudarshan Jagtap Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharad Institute of Technology College of Engineering, Yadrav-Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, India
  • Samruddhi Gharage Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sharad Institute of Technology College of Engineering, Yadrav-Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70112/arme-2026.15.2.4363

Keywords:

Duct cleaning, UVGI, IAQ, Robotics

Abstract

Indoor air quality within HVAC systems significantly influences occupant health, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. Over time, air ducts accumulate dust, debris, allergens, and microbial contaminants, leading to reduced airflow performance and increased health risks. This paper presents the design and development of an Autonomous Air Duct Cleaning Robot integrated with high-pressure water jet cleaning and Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) technology. The robotic system is equipped with a compact locomotion mechanism, ESP32-CAM for real-time monitoring, and a controlled rotary nozzle operating at high velocity for effective contaminant removal. Fluid dynamic principles validate the cleaning mechanism, achieving dust removal efficiencies exceeding 90% for fine particles. In addition to mechanical cleaning, the UVGI module operating at approximately 254 nm enables microbial inactivation within enclosed duct environments, enhancing biological safety. Experimental evaluation confirms stable navigation, reliable wireless communication, and sufficient battery endurance for sectional duct cleaning tasks. The integrated approach reduces human exposure to hazardous environments while improving HVAC efficiency and indoor air quality. The proposed system offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for modern duct maintenance applications.

References

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Published

30-09-2026

How to Cite

A. S. N. Husainy, Vishwakarma, A., Shreyash Gurav, Jagtap, S., & Gharage, S. (2026). Design and Development of a Smart HVAC Duct Cleaning Robot Incorporating Real-Time Vision Monitoring and UVGI-Based Microbial Control. Asian Review of Mechanical Engineering, 15(2), 57–65. https://doi.org/10.70112/arme-2026.15.2.4363

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 2 (2026): July-December 2026

Section

Research Article

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