Experimental study on the control effect of different ventilation systems on fine particles in a simulated hospital ward. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kong, Xiangfei; Guo, Chenli; Lin, Zhang; Duan, Shasha; He, Junjie; Ren, Yue; Ren, Jianlin
• Is Part Of: Sustainable cities and society. Volume 73(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Cross-infection -- Side return air distribution -- Ventilation performance -- Particulate matter -- Exposure control; Sustainable urban development -- Periodicals; Sustainable buildings -- Periodicals; Urban ecology (Sociology) -- Periodicals; 307.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2021.103102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-6707

Abstract

Highlights: Propose the optimal ventilation strategy to reduce particle exposure in a hospital ward by comparing various air distribution patterns and different ward patterns. Measure the temperature field, airflow velocity field and concentration field of particulate matter in different air distribution forms accurately and establish a large number of databases. Assess the infection risk duo to inhalation exposure of the healthcare worker and patients to viral particles released by the patient in the same ward on different air distribution forms. Abstract: In recent years, a large number of respiratory infectious diseases (especially COVID-19) have broken out worldwide. Respiratory infectious viruses may be released in the air, resulting in cross-infection between patients and medical workers. Indoor ventilation systems can be adjusted to affect fine particles containing viruses. This study was aimed at performing a series of experiments to evaluate the ventilation performance and assess the exposure of healthcare workers (HW) to virus-laden particles released by patients in a confined experimental chamber. In a typical ward setting, four categories (top supply and exhaust, side supply and exhaust) were evaluated, encompassing 16 different air distribution patterns. The maximum reduction in the cumulative exposure level for HW was 70.8% in ventilation strategy D (upper diffusers on the sidewall supply and lower diffusers on the same sidewall return). The minimum value of the cumulative exposure level for a patient close to the source of the contamination pertained to Strategy E (upper diffusers on the sidewall supply and lower diffusers on the opposite sidewall return). Lateral ventilation strategies can provide significant guidance for ward operation to minimizing the airborne virus contamination. This study can provide a reference for sustainable buildings to construct a healthy indoor environment.