Reduction of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and COVID-19 disease through ventilation and air conditioning systems
author:
Wojciech Cepiński, Paweł Szałański, Jacek Misiński
ORCID ID:
0000-0001-9263-3486, 0000-0002-9038-7469
No:
6/2020 Instal p. 28-36
DOI:
10.36119/15.2020.6.3
The article analyses potential ways of spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus in typical existing ventilation and airconditioning systems in non-health facilities. The recommendations presented by ASHRAE, REHVA, EUROVENT
MIDDLE EAST and Polish National Institute of Public Health (NIZP-PZH) have been used. Ventilated rooms and
particular elements of the ventilation system: route and tightness of ventilation ducts, air handling units, as well as the
location of the fresh air intake and exhaust air outlet were taken into account. The analysis of pressure distribution
profiles in duct systems and for various air handling units types was made. A number of methods of reducing the
risk of spreading COVID-19 in ventilation systems were proposed, with particular emphasis on reduction of possible
air leaks. A procedure was formulated to enable the achievement of this objective.
Keywords:
About Authors:
dr inż. Wojciech Cepiński, https://orcid/0000-0003-4294-0431; dr inż. Paweł Szałański, https://orcid/0000-0001-9263-3486;
dr inż. Jacek Misiński, https://orcid/0000-0002-9038-7469 – Katedra Klimatyzacji, Ogrzewnictwa, Gazownictwa i Ochrony Powietrza,
Wydział Inżynierii Środowiska, Politechnika Wrocławska, ul. C.K. Norwida 4/6, 50-373 Wrocław. Corresponding author: pawel.szalanski@pwr.edu.pl