scholarly journals An overview of solutions for airborne viral transmission reduction related to HVAC systems including liquid desiccant air-scrubbing

Energy ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 122709
Author(s):  
A. Giampieri ◽  
Z. Ma ◽  
J. Ling-Chin ◽  
A.P. Roskilly ◽  
A.J. Smallbone
Keyword(s):  
Hvac Systems ◽  
Viral Transmission ◽  
Liquid Desiccant ◽  
Transmission Reduction

scholarly journals An overview of solutions for airborne viral transmission reduction related to HVAC systems including liquid desiccant air-scrubbing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Giampieri ◽  
Janie Ling-Chin ◽  
Zhiwei Ma ◽  
Anthony Paul Roskilly ◽  
Andrew J. Smallbone
Keyword(s):  
Public Transport ◽  
Hvac Systems ◽  
Viral Transmission ◽  
Liquid Desiccant ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Temperature And Humidity ◽  
Transmission Reduction ◽  
Energy Penalty

The world is facing on-going challenges due to the spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is affecting the health of people worldwide and the economy of countries. Social distancing, lockdown and quarantine measures have been implemented globally to limit the spread of the virus with a profound impact on people’s lives. These are interventions which are not considered to be permanent and reproducible in the long-term. As more evidence is growing around the airborne transmission routes of the virus, as previously identified for other viruses such as tuberculosis, measles, influenza and coronaviruses, the role of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings, enclosed spaces and public transport in limiting the transmission of airborne pathogens has become a topic of significant relevance. Although the HVAC strategies recommended by professional engineering associations are capable of minimising the transmission of airborne pathogens, they are also responsible for an increase in energy consumption and possibly in a reduction of thermal comfort for occupants. The objective of the study is to review the role of HVAC in airborne viral transmission, to estimate the energy penalty associated with the implementation of the main HVAC strategies for transmission reduction and understand the potential of liquid desiccant technology as an air scrubber. That is capable to a) energy-efficiently control temperature and humidity in buildings, enclosed spaces and public transport; b) increase the indoor air quality by offering the conditions of temperature and humidity less favourable to the growth, proliferation and infectivity of microorganisms; and c) inactivate pathogens. The main factors involved in the process of the inactivation of viruses or pathogens by liquid desiccant solutions are also described together with possible modifications to the solutions to increase their heat and mass transfer and sanitising characteristics. The study is ended by an economic evaluation of the potential energy benefits resulting from the use of liquid desiccant technology. It is concluded that the technology could be particularly favourable in those buildings where humidity control and/or moisture removal is required or in buildings where viruses are more likely to be present, such as in healthcare facilities/operating rooms, or in the event of an airborne viral outbreak.

scholarly journals Solar assisted liquid desiccant cooling using clay based membranes

2018 ◽  
Vol 144 ◽  
pp. 04011
Author(s):  
S. Shanmuga Priya ◽  
Sneha Reddy ◽  
Priyadarshini Balachandar ◽  
Sanober Wadhwania
Keyword(s):  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Hvac Systems ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Environmentally Benign ◽  
Environmental Concerns ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Liquid Desiccant ◽  
Humid Climate ◽  
Cooling Systems ◽  
Intense Solar Radiation

The environmental concerns have led to the urge of the usage of non-conventional energy resources like solar, wind, thermal, geothermal etc. which provide enormous source of energy without causing any further diminution of the environment. Instead of the conventional HVAC systems that cause colossal environmental perils, usage of liquid desiccants in coming in vogue whereby reducing ecological threats. Moreover, solar assisted systems provide further impulse to such systems. This paper discusses about the various comparisons between liquid desiccants: Lithium chloride, Potassium formate and Calcium chloride and concludes that potassium formate is the best desiccant to be used among the three. Potassium formate (HCOOK) is used which is cheaper and less corrosive as compared to the other aqueous salts, and has a negative crystallization temperature. Potassium formate is a new liquid desiccant and thus, not much research is available currently. The weather conditions of Manipal provide an appropriate condition for the experimentations of solar aided liquid desiccant evaporative cooling systems due to its humid climate and intense solar radiation obtained. The small scale experimentation also encounters the problem of liquid desiccant carryover by the air flow, with the help of clay based membranes which are again cheap, environmentally benign and obtained in a facile way. The projected system takes complete advantage of pure solar energy aimed at the regeneration of liquid desiccant.

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