A systematic review of building systems and technologies to mitigate the spread of airborne viruses

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amna Salman ◽  
Anoop Sattineni ◽  
Salman Azhar ◽  
Kasia Leousis
Keyword(s):  
Indoor Air ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Mapping Technique ◽  
Hvac System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Systems ◽  
Airborne Viruses

Purpose The purpose of this study is to conduct a rigorous systematic literature review and present a summary of building systems and technologies that can be used to mitigate the spread of airborne viruses. With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, occupants’ health and indoor air quality (IAQ) have become a critical issue for facility managers to maintain the full functionality of the buildings. An improved understanding of these available systems will help facility managers and building owners to protect the health and safety of building occupants. Design/methodology/approach The PRISMA protocol was used for defining the literature search methodology. The concept mapping technique was used for determining the keywords. The keywords were then used to search for relevant articles using the Scopus database and Google Scholar. A thorough bibliometric analysis and qualitative analysis were conducted for the selected publications. Findings It was found that sensor technologies, botanical air-filtration systems and artificial intelligence could be used to effectively monitor and improve IAQ. In addition, natural ventilation is one of the low-cost and effective methods of reducing contaminants from the indoor air. Computational fluid dynamic modeling can be used to understand the flow of virus particles within the building through the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. Several changes to the HVAC system are also discussed. Originality/value This study contains a diversity of methods from the existing literature that were systematically selected to present the state-of-the-art building systems and technologies that can effectively improve IAQ. The researchers plan to follow up on the findings of this research and will conduct an empirical study to assess its impact on IAQ.

scholarly journals Passive control of the bed micro-environment by using naturally ventilated mattress

2019 ◽  
Vol 111 ◽  
pp. 02042
Author(s):  
Tereza Snášelová ◽  
Mariya Petrova Bivolarova ◽  
Arsen Krikor Melikov
Keyword(s):  
Indoor Air ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Thermal Manikin ◽  
System Control ◽  
Hvac System ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Methods Of Control

Proper sleep is of a big importance considering that people spend one third of their lives sleeping. Thermal conditions and indoor air quality have an impact on sleep and thus must be optimized and controlled to enhance sleep quality. However, changing the thermal environment in the whole bedroom is not efficient, because of unnecessary use of energy and slow response of the HVAC system. Control of the bed microclimate is a quick and efficient way to obtain optimal conditions. Passive methods of control may, in a simple and inexpensive way, create comfortable and beneficial conditions for sleep. The performance of a porous mattress from highly-breathable material was investigated to validate the hypothesis that the natural ventilation it generates improves thermal and humidity conditions in bed. A simple method using a wet cloth was used to simulate sweating on the surface of a thermal manikin resembling a person in bed. The results showed promising effect of the breathable material on improving thermal and humidity conditions in bed, especially when it was used without textile cover. However, the mattress together with its original textile cover did not provide any significant ventilation effect, neither on humidity conditions in the bed, nor on cooling of the manikin’s body.

The impact of natural ventilation on airborne biocontaminants: a study on COVID-19 dispersion in an open office

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Günsu Merin Abbas ◽  
Ipek Gursel Dino
Keyword(s):  
Indoor Air ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Air Contamination ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Time Of Infection ◽  
Free Running ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Open Office

PurposeBiocontaminants represent higher risks to occupants' health in shared spaces. Natural ventilation is an effective strategy against indoor air biocontamination. However, the relationship between natural ventilation and indoor air contamination requires an in-depth investigation of the behavior of airborne infectious diseases, particularly concerning the contaminant's viral and aerodynamic characteristics. This research investigates the effectiveness of natural ventilation in preventing infection risks for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through indoor air contamination of a free-running, naturally-ventilated room (where no space conditioning is used) that contains a person having COVID-19 through building-related parameters.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts a case study strategy involving a simulation-based approach. A simulation pipeline is implemented through a number of design scenarios for an open office. The simulation pipeline performs integrated contamination analysis, coupling a parametric 3D design environment, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and energy simulations. The results of the implemented pipeline for COVID-19 are evaluated for building and environment-related parameters. Study metrics are identified as indoor air contamination levels, discharge period and the time of infection.FindingsAccording to the simulation results, higher indoor air temperatures help to reduce the infection risk. Free-running spring and fall seasons can pose higher infection risk as compared to summer. Higher opening-to-wall ratios have higher potential to reduce infection risk. Adjacent window configuration has an advantage over opposite window configuration. As a design strategy, increasing opening-to-wall ratio has a higher impact on reducing the infection risk as compared to changing the opening configuration from opposite to adjacent. However, each building setup is a unique case that requires a systematic investigation to reliably understand the complex airflow and contaminant dispersion behavior. Metrics, strategies and actions to minimize indoor contamination risks should be addressed in future building standards. The simulation pipeline developed in this study has the potential to support decision-making during the adaptation of existing buildings to pandemic conditions and the design of new buildings.Originality/valueThe addressed need of investigation is especially crucial for the COVID-19 that is contagious and hazardous in shared indoors due to its aerodynamic behavior, faster transmission rates and high viral replicability. This research contributes to the current literature by presenting the simulation-based results for COVID-19 as investigated through building-related and environment-related parameters against contaminant concentration levels, the discharge period and the time of infection. Accordingly, this research presents results to provide a basis for a broader understanding of the correlation between the built environment and the aerodynamic behavior of COVID-19.

A numerical investigation on the impacts of voids combinations on natural ventilation of high-rise residential building

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamza Laloui ◽  
Noor Hanita Abdul Majid ◽  
Aliyah Nur Zafirah Sanusi
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Air Velocity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Living Unit ◽  
Ventilation Performance

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impacts of introducing voids combinations on natural ventilation performance in high-rise residential building living unit. Design/methodology/approach This study was carried out through field measurement and computational fluid dynamics methods. The parameters of the study are void types and sizes, and a wind angle was used to formulate case studies. Findings The results indicate that the provision of a single-sided horizontal void larger by 50% increase the indoor air velocity performance up to 322.37% to 0.471 m/s in the living unit and achieves the required velocity for thermal comfort. Originality/value Passive design features are the most desirable techniques to enhance natural ventilation performance in the high-rise residential apartments for thermal comfort and indoor air quality purposes.

scholarly journals Colorimetric pad for low-concentration formaldehyde monitoring in indoor air

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Watcharaporn Wongsakoonkan ◽  
Sumate Pengpumkiat ◽  
Vorakamol Boonyayothin ◽  
Chaiyanun Tangtong ◽  
Wisanti Laohaudomchok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Formaldehyde Concentration ◽  
Color Intensity ◽  
Direct Reading ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Concentration ◽  
Time Accuracy ◽  
User Friendly

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop an accurate, selective, low-cost and user-friendly colorimetric pad to detect formaldehyde at low concentration.Design/methodology/approach1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione, a reactive chemical, was selected to develop the colorimetric pad for indoor air formaldehyde measurement. Silica nanoparticle impregnated with the reactive chemical was coated on the cellulose filter surface to increase the reactive site. A certified formaldehyde permeation tube was used to generate six varied concentrations between 0.01 and 0.10 ppm in a test chamber. The color intensity on the pads was measured using an image processing program to produce a formaldehyde concentration reading chart. The colorimetric pad was tested for optimum reaction time, accuracy, precision, stability, selectivity and shelf life.FindingsThe color of the pads changed from white to yellow and the color intensity varied with the concentrations and appeared to be stable after exposure to formaldehyde for 8 hours. At room temperature, the stability of the pad was 7 days, and shelf life was 120 days. The accuracy, precision and bias of the pad were 12.38%, 0.032 and 6.0%, respectively. Carbonyl compounds, benzene and toluene did not interfere with the reading of this developed colorimetric pad.Originality/valueThe developed colorimetric pad meets NIOSH's criteria for an overall accuracy of ±25%, bias = 10%. They were accurate at low concentrations, user-friendly and had low cost compared to an electronic direct reading instrument (cost of chemicals and materials was 21.50 Bath or 0.69 USD per piece) so that favorable for the use of general people for health protection.

scholarly journals Low-Invasive CO2-Based Visual Alerting Systems to Manage Natural Ventilation and Improve IAQ in Historic School Buildings

Heritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 3442-3468
Author(s):  
Francesca Avella ◽  
Akshit Gupta ◽  
Clara Peretti ◽  
Gianmaria Fulici ◽  
Luca Verdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indoor Air ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Co2 Concentration ◽  
School Buildings ◽  
Architectural Features ◽  
Heritage Buildings ◽  
Alerting Systems ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

Children spend a large part of their growing years in schools, and as they are more sensitive to some pollutants than adults, it is essential to monitor and maximize the indoor air quality (IAQ) in classrooms. Many schools are located in historic and heritage buildings, and improving the IAQ, preserving the architectural features, poses a great challenge. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-invasiveness, low-cost, smart CO2-based visual alerting systems to manage natural ventilation and improve IAQ in historic school buildings. Indoor and outdoor parameters were monitored for three weeks in four schools with different levels of education (two classrooms per school; device installed in one only). Based on indoor CO2 concentration, air temperature and relative humidity, the device suggests when windows should be opened to ventilate. The comparison between the two classrooms show that the effectiveness of the device is highly dependent on the occupants: (i) reduction in the average CO2 concentrations of up to 42% in classrooms with frontal lesson and full occupancy, (ii) the device is not the most ideal solution for kindergarten due to the young age of the pupils, and (iii) it is more used during mild outdoor temperatures.

scholarly journals Risk Analysis of Road Tunnels: A Computational Fluid Dynamic Model for Assessing the Effects of Natural Ventilation

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Ciro Caliendo ◽  
Gianluca Genovese ◽  
Isidoro Russo
Keyword(s):  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Movement Time ◽  
Radiant Heat ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Maximum Heat ◽  
Road Tunnels ◽  
Maximum Heat Release ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd ◽  
Time Required

We have developed an appropriate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for assessing the exposure to risk of tunnel users during their evacuation process in the event of fire. The effects on escaping users, which can be caused by fire from different types of vehicles located in various longitudinal positions within a one-way tunnel with natural ventilation only and length less than 1 km are shown. Simulated fires, in terms of maximum Heat Release Rate (HRR) are: 8, 30, 50, and 100 MW for two cars, a bus, and two types of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), respectively. With reference to environmental conditions (i.e., temperatures, radiant heat fluxes, visibility distances, and CO and CO2 concentrations) along the evacuation path, the results prove that these are always within the limits acceptable for user safety. The exposure to toxic gases and heat also confirms that the tunnel users can safely evacuate. The evacuation time was found to be higher when fire was related to the bus, which is due to a major pre-movement time required for leaving the vehicle. The findings show that mechanical ventilation is not necessary in the case of the tunnel investigated. It is to be emphasized that our modeling might represent a reference in investigating the effects of natural ventilation in tunnels.

Recent advancements in low-cost portable sensors for urban and indoor air quality monitoring

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hernández-Gordillo ◽  
S. Ruiz-Correa ◽  
V. Robledo-Valero ◽  
C. Hernández-Rosales ◽  
S. Arriaga
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Quality Monitoring ◽  
Air Quality Monitoring ◽  
Portable Sensors

scholarly journals Window operation behaviour and indoor air quality during lockdown: A monitoring-based simulation-assisted study in London

2021 ◽  
pp. 014362442110177
Author(s):  
Farhang Tahmasebi ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Elizabeth Cooper ◽  
Daniel Godoy Shimizu ◽  
Samuel Stamp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Probabilistic Models ◽  
Performance Model ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Ventilation Strategies ◽  
The Impact

The Covid-19 outbreak has resulted in new patterns of home occupancy, the implications of which for indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy use are not well-known. In this context, the present study investigates 8 flats in London to uncover if during a lockdown, (a) IAQ in the monitored flats deteriorated, (b) the patterns of window operation by occupants changed, and (c) more effective ventilation patterns could enhance IAQ without significant increases in heating energy demand. To this end, one-year’s worth of monitored data on indoor and outdoor environment along with occupant use of windows has been used to analyse the impact of lockdown on IAQ and infer probabilistic models of window operation behaviour. Moreover, using on-site CO2 data, monitored occupancy and operation of windows, the team has calibrated a thermal performance model of one of the flats to investigate the implications of alternative ventilation strategies. The results suggest that despite the extended occupancy during lockdown, occupants relied less on natural ventilation, which led to an increase of median CO2 concentration by up to 300 ppm. However, simple natural ventilation patterns or use of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery proves to be very effective to maintain acceptable IAQ. Practical application: This study provides evidence on the deterioration of indoor air quality resulting from homeworking during imposed lockdowns. It also tests and recommends specific ventilation strategies to maintain acceptable indoor air quality at home despite the extended occupancy hours.

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