Exploring the potentials of stratum ventilation in mitigating cross-infection risk in the indoor environment

Ventilation has been identified as an important prevention measure for mitigating the cross-infection risk in the indoor environment. Increasing the ventilation rate is recommended by WHO and authorities because it can dilute the indoor concentration of virus-laden aerosols, and therefore, reduce the infection risk. However, in many public spaces with dense and sedentary occupants, such as landscape offices, classrooms, and public transportation, it is difficult to meet the safe ventilation demand due to the limitation of system capacity and high energy consumption. This project focus on a novel high efficiency ventilation system, stratum ventilation (SV). SV supplies fresh air to occupants’ breathing level and generates horizontal airflow layers in indoor environments. Because the supply air enters the breathing zone directly, the ventilation effectiveness is higher than conventional mixing or displacement ventilation.
This project aims to explore the potential of SV as an efficient prevention measure in mitigating cross-infection risk. Firstly, we will reveal the mechanism of airborne transmission in the stratum ventilated space, and study the interaction of various flow elements, including exhalation flow, thermal boundary layer of human and ventilation airflow. Second, we will identify the key parameters affecting the cross-infection risk and quantify their impacts. Finally, by comparing the performance of SV with the other ventilation systems, we will develop recommendations on ventilation solutions in mitigating cross-infection in different indoor scenarios. The outcomes of the project could provide recommendations on engineering control of airborne infectious disease in the indoor environment and improve preparedness for other future epidemics.

Participants: AAU and Chongqing University
The project is supported by Martha og Paul Kerrn-Jespersens Fond.