Abstract
Airborne transmission is the primary way for the spread of infectious diseases. A specific transmission route that contaminants expire from the lower-floor window and then re-enter the upper-floor window has been verified widely. This study aims at the possible control of this spread route, and the effects of mechanical exhaust are investigated. The required minimum mechanical exhaust rate to eliminate the expiration from windows due to buoyancy is calculated. Further, the relationships between the required exhaust rate and two factors, indoor/outdoor temperature difference and window height, are analysed. It is found that such a minimum mechanical exhaust rate exists and it varies with both the temperature difference and window height. Specifically, it is 10 ACH when the temperature difference is 5°C and window height is 0.4m, and when the temperature difference and window height are doubled, the required minimum exhaust rate rises by 40% and 20% respectively. This study offers a preliminary insight into more effective control of infectious diseases.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Indoor Air 2014 - 13th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate |
Publisher | International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate |
Pages | 538-545 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2014 |
Event | 13th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, Indoor Air 2014 - Hong Kong, Hong Kong Duration: 7 Jul 2014 → 12 Jul 2014 |
Conference
Conference | 13th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, Indoor Air 2014 |
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Country/Territory | Hong Kong |
City | Hong Kong |
Period | 7/07/14 → 12/07/14 |
Keywords
- Buoyancy effects
- CFD simulation
- Control of infectious diseases
- Expiration from open windows
- Mechanical exhaust
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pollution
- Building and Construction
- Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
- Computer Science Applications