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Ventilating aged-care center based on solar chimney: Design and theoretical analysis
Qingyuan Wang1, Guomin Zhang2, Qihong Wu1
1School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China.
Energy and Buildings
|May 9, 2022
Summary
A novel solar chimney design enhances natural ventilation in aged care facilities, reducing COVID-19 cross-infection risk. This system achieves 7.22 air changes per hour, exceeding WHO recommendations for airborne infection isolation rooms.
Area of Science:
- Building science
- Environmental engineering
- Infectious disease control
Background:
- Natural ventilation is a primary strategy for COVID-19 prevention in buildings, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Aged care centers require effective ventilation to mitigate airborne disease transmission and ensure resident safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the viability of solar chimneys for natural ventilation in aged care facilities.
- To propose and evaluate a new solar chimney design aimed at reducing COVID-19 cross-infection risks.
- To provide a guideline for implementing solar chimneys in similar facilities.
Main Methods:
- Numerical and theoretical analysis of a novel solar chimney design.
- Investigated airflow paths including window, ceiling vent, attic, and chimney cavity.
- Developed a theoretical model for multi-room aged care centers with a shared attic.
Main Results:
- Solar chimney performance, measured by natural ventilation rate, depends on window area, ceiling vent area, cavity height, and solar radiation.
- A ceiling vent placement closer to the corridor improves room ventilation coverage.
- A 1.0 m cavity gap offers a balance between ventilation performance and construction costs.
- Achieved 7.22 air changes per hour (ACH) even at low solar radiation (200 W/m²), surpassing the WHO's 6 ACH minimum for isolation rooms.
Conclusions:
- The proposed solar chimney design is viable for aged care centers, significantly enhancing natural ventilation.
- The system effectively meets and exceeds WHO ventilation guidelines for airborne infection control.
- This study provides a validated design and practical recommendations for future solar chimney installations in healthcare settings.
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