Abstract
Dispersion characteristics of respiratory droplets in indoor environments are important in controlling transmission of airborne diseases indoors. This study investigates the spatial concentration distribution and temporal evolution of exhaled and sneezed/coughed droplets within the range of 1.0-10.0μm in an office room with three air distribution methods, specifically mixing ventilation (MV), displacement ventilation (DV), and under-floor air distribution (UFAD). The simulation results indicate that exhaled droplets with diameters up to 10.0μm from normal respiration process are uniformly distributed in MV. However, they become trapped in the breathing height by thermal stratifications in DV and UFAD, resulting in a high droplet concentration and an increased exposure risk to other occupants. Sneezed/coughed droplets are more slowly diluted in DV/UFAD than in MV. Low air speed in the breathing zone in DV/UFAD can lead to prolonged human exposure to droplets in the breathing zone.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings - 6th International Symposium on Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning, ISHVAC 2009 |
| Pages | 811-818 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Volume | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2009 |
| Event | 6th International Symposium on Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning, ISHVAC 2009 - Nanjing, China Duration: 6 Nov 2009 → 9 Nov 2009 |
Conference
| Conference | 6th International Symposium on Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning, ISHVAC 2009 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | China |
| City | Nanjing |
| Period | 6/11/09 → 9/11/09 |
Keywords
- Airborne disease
- Displacement ventilation
- Respiratory droplets
- Transmission
- UFAD
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Building and Construction
- Geography, Planning and Development
