Multizonal modeling of SARS-CoV-2 aerosol dispersion in a virtual office building.
Build Environ
; 206: 108347, 2021 Dec.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1415240
ABSTRACT
The dispersion of indoor airborne contaminants across different zones within a mechanically ventilated building is a complex phenomenon driven by multiple factors. In this study, we modeled the indoor dispersion of airborne SARS-CoV-2 aerosols within a US Department of Energy detailed medium office prototype building using CONTAM software. The aim of this study is to improve our understanding about how different parts of a building can experience varying concentrations of the airborne viruses under different circumstances of release and mitigation strategies. Results indicate that unventilated stairwells can have significantly higher concentrations of airborne viruses. The mitigation strategies of morning and evening flushing of conditioned zones were not found to be very effective. Instead, a constant high percentage of outdoor air in the supply mix, and the use of masks, portable HEPA air cleaners, MERV 13 or higher HVAC air filters, and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation disinfection were effective strategies to prevent airborne viral contamination in the majority of the simulated office building.
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International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
English
Journal:
Build Environ
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.buildenv.2021.108347
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