Exploring the potentials of micro-environment ventilation in mitigating airborne transmission risk

Abstract

In the background of COVID-19, new requirements are occurring in the novel ventilation systems to mitigate airborne transmission risk in indoor environments. In this study, two micro-environment ventilation systems: personalized ventilation combined with radiant panel system (PVRP) and low velocity unit combined with radiant panel system (LVRP) were studied to explore the potential of reducing the airborne infection risk. In a simulated double layout office, the droplets generated by a thermal breathing manikin were used to simulate the breathing process of an infected person. Opposite the manikin, a heated dummy was as an exposed person. During the 102-minute measurement, the results show that the infection risk at the inhaled air with micro-environment systems is lowest. The heat gain levels do have much effect on infection risk with the PVRP system, but higher heat gain will increase the risk slightly with the LVRP system.