Reducing Aerosol Particle Concentration in Indoor Spaces with Mechanical Ventilation and Aircleaning: Evidences and Challenges

Lili Xia*, Alessio Ricci, Peng Qin, Bert Blocken

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This study aims to experimentally investigate the efficiency of a mechanical ventilation (MV) system, with and without the presence of air cleaners (ACs), to reduce the aerosol particle concentration in indoor spaces. The measurements were performed in a case study room equipped with a MV system, an AC, and 16 artificial aerosol generators (AGs) to represent an intentional multifold of human respiratory aerosol generation. Five aerosol particle sizers (APS) were used to measure the concentration of the aerosol particles. Overall, five different scenarios (with and without ACs) were reproduced. The results show that when only AC was used 98% of the aerosol particles were removed within 30 min and the concentration peak was about half of that found for the scenario without AC and MV. When AC and MV with three different modes were used in combination, the concentration peak was found even less pronounced, with about 98% aerosol removed in about 20 min for 1st, 15 min for 2nd, and 13 min for 3rd ventilation settings.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 5th International Conference on Building Energy and Environment. COBEE 2022
PublisherSpringer
Pages1803-1806
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9789811998225
ISBN (Print)9789811998218
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Sept 2023
Event5th International Conference on Building Energy and Environment 2022 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: 25 Jul 202229 Jul 2022

Publication series

NameEnvironmental Science and Engineering
ISSN (Print)1863-5520
ISSN (Electronic)1863-5539

Conference

Conference5th International Conference on Building Energy and Environment 2022
Abbreviated titleCOBEE 2022
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period25/07/2229/07/22

Keywords

  • Aerosol concentration
  • Air purifier
  • Indoor ventilation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Information Systems

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