Infection control and sustainability measures for a healthcare facility

Manoj Kumar Satheesan, Ling Tim Wong, Kwok Wai Mui

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingConference article published in proceeding or bookAcademic researchpeer-review

Abstract

Potential disease outbreaks and climate change scenarios of recent past demand balancing of infection control as well as energy use within healthcare settings as need of the hour, although it is quite challenging and often overlooked. In this study, infection risk posed through aerial dispersion of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a typical semi-enclosed mechanically ventilated ward cubicle in Hong Kong is analyzed through Computational Fluid Dynamics and annual energy consumption of ward is estimated through building energy simulation tool (Energy plus). Fundamental transport and deposition mechanism of droplet nuclei of size 0.167µm under different air change rates (3h-1-13h-1) are evaluated and their effectiveness is estimated through infection risk indicators. Results suggest that ventilation rate can be critical while laying out infection control strategies and an air change rate between 6h-1-9h-1 would be optimal to sustain comfort as well as well-being of ward users while reducing carbon footprint.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication16th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate
Subtitle of host publicationCreative and Smart Solutions for Better Built Environments, Indoor Air 2020
PublisherInternational Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate
ISBN (Electronic)9781713823605
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2020
Event16th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate: Creative and Smart Solutions for Better Built Environments, Indoor Air 2020 - Virtual, Online
Duration: 1 Nov 2020 → …

Publication series

Name16th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate: Creative and Smart Solutions for Better Built Environments, Indoor Air 2020

Conference

Conference16th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate: Creative and Smart Solutions for Better Built Environments, Indoor Air 2020
CityVirtual, Online
Period1/11/20 → …

Keywords

  • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
  • Energy consumption
  • Hospital inpatient ward
  • Middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
  • Ventilation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
  • Pollution

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