Reducing indoor particle exposure using mobile air purifiers-Experimental and numerical analysis.
Adrian Tobisch1, Lukas Springsklee1, Lisa-Franziska Schäfer2
1Institute of Flow in Additively Manufactured Porous Media (ISAPS), Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, Max-Planck-Str. 39, 74081 Heilbronn, Germany.
AIP Advances
|January 14, 2022
Summary
Mobile air purifiers significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission risk by filtering aerosol particles. Obstruction of the air purifier outlet stream proved advantageous, reducing PM1 mass by 75% at head level.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Engineering
Background:
- Aerosol particles are a primary transmission route for COVID-19.
- Mobile air purifiers are utilized to mitigate indoor infection risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of mobile air purifiers in reducing aerosol particle exposure.
- To determine optimal air purifier orientation for infection risk reduction in indoor spaces like lecture halls.
Main Methods:
- Utilized up to 12 particle sensors for high spatial resolution monitoring of aerosol transport.
- Developed and validated a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on experimental data.
- Investigated particle exposure and reduction strategies using experimental and numerical simulations.
Main Results:
- Air purifier orientation significantly impacts particle concentration, with deviations up to 13% at head height.
- A 75% reduction in cumulated PM1 mass at head level was achieved with an air change rate of 5, demonstrating filtration efficacy.
- CFD simulations provided insights into particle pathways and airflow comfort.
Conclusions:
- Mobile air purifiers are effective in reducing aerosol particle concentrations and mitigating infection risk.
- Strategic placement and orientation of air purifiers, including outlet stream obstruction, can enhance performance.
- Integrated experimental and CFD approaches offer a comprehensive method for evaluating air purification strategies.
