SMART AND SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY FOR A HEALTHIER INDOOR ENVIRONMENT IN NATURALLY VENTILATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

Abstract

In 2019, the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first appeared in Wuhan, China and spread across nearly 200 countries. With the vast majority of virus transmission occurring indoors from the inhalation of airborne particles containing the virus, there is a need to examine the performance of the FFU in improving ventilation to mitigate the spread of communicable diseases in indoor environments. This is especially so for homes, where remote learning and working has become the new normal.

The study was conducted in a naturally ventilated test-bed environment which simulates a Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) scenario, where the SHN personnel might be a potential carrier of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of the FFU in protecting other healthy household members from the virus, by providing adequate ventilation to dilute the virus laden air indoors. Thermal comfort parameters of the SHN personnel will also be studied to determine if the individual can remain thermally comfortable while undergoing isolation in the master bedroom.

The findings from this study demonstrate that the FFU located in the living room helps to positively pressurize the common area and prevents virus laden air from exfiltrating out of the master bedroom, keeping healthy occupants safe. In addition, indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters such as PM10, PM2.5, PM1 and carbon dioxide (CO2) saw reduction in levels and were within acceptable standards. For the thermal comfort study, results showed that the SHN personnel was able to remain relatively comfortable throughout her stay in the room. Improved thermal comfort can be achieved through adjustments made to the surroundings, which can result in energy savings.

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of ventilation to reduce the risk of airborne transmission of virus within households. The FFU is a viable solution which can be used as a complement alongside other existing COVID-19 mitigation strategies to curb the spread of virus in homes while improving IAQ.