Template for Extended Abstract contributions to INDOOR AIR 2022

ABSTRACT

This investigation presents results of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling of aerosol behaviour within an arbitrary 'realistic' 100m2 office environment, with dynamic and variable respiratory droplet release profile applied based on published findings (Morawska et al., 2009). A multitude of ventilation strategies and configurations have been applied to the base model to compare the effectiveness of reducing the concentration of suspended aerosols over time. A key finding of the investigation indicates a relatively low sensitivity to increasing outside air percentage, and that the benefit from this strategy is heavily dependent on the in-duct droplet decay factor. The application of local recirculating air filtration systems with MERV-13 filters mounted on occupant desks proved significantly more effectiveness than increasing outside air concentration from 25% to 100% in reducing the quantity of suspended aerosols. This highlights that the ventilation industry should perhaps focus on opportunities to integrate filtration systems into furniture, partitions, cabinetry etc., and that an appliance-based solution may be more beneficial for reducing COVID-19 transmission in buildings (and likely more straightforward) than modifications to central ventilation systems, particularly in the application of refurbishments and retrofits. © 2022 17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2022. All rights reserved.