In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vulnerability of care homes and their residents has been starkly revealed. A recent study published in the journal *Indoor Air Environments* (formerly known as Indoor Environments) sheds light on how portable air cleaners (PACs) can mitigate infection risks in these settings, with significant implications for the energy sector and building design.
Led by Yik Chirt Teoh from the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, the research employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate the impact of PACs on infection risk and draught rates in care homes. The study underscores the unique challenges posed by care homes, which blend elements of healthcare and residential facilities but have been largely overlooked in ventilation research.
The findings are compelling. “We found that PACs can reduce infection risk by 75% to 86% while maintaining an acceptable draught rate of less than 10%,” Teoh explains. However, the placement of these devices is crucial. Improper placement can lead to a mere 14% reduction in infection risk, highlighting the need for strategic deployment.
The study reveals that placing PACs closer to susceptible individuals, such as the elderly, results in a lower infection risk. Central placement, while effective, poses practical challenges due to tripping hazards. Different placements also lead to distinct airflow patterns, causing up to a 74% variation in infection risk.
This research has significant commercial implications for the energy sector. As buildings become increasingly energy-efficient, the demand for effective and efficient ventilation solutions is growing. PACs, with their ability to reduce infection risk without compromising comfort, could become a key component in future building design.
Moreover, the study’s use of CFD simulations offers a powerful tool for optimizing PAC placement. As Teoh notes, “Numerical simulations can guide the deployment of PACs to deliver intended infection risk reduction without compromising draught rate and practicability.”
The study’s findings could shape future developments in the field, driving innovation in ventilation technology and building design. As we continue to grapple with the challenges posed by infectious diseases, the insights from this research could prove invaluable in creating safer, healthier indoor environments.
In the words of Teoh, “This study demonstrates that the deployment of PACs in care homes can deliver a promising reduction in infection risk with an acceptable draught rate. However, placement requires thorough consideration to ensure effectiveness and practicality.”
As the energy sector and building industry continue to evolve, the lessons from this research could pave the way for smarter, safer, and more sustainable buildings. The journey towards healthier indoor environments is ongoing, but studies like this one bring us one step closer to that goal.