Effect of ceiling fan in mitigating exposure to airborne pathogens and COVID-19

Abstract

Ceiling fans are the ubiquitously used electrical appliance in indoor spaces that affect the local airflow pattern and, consequently, transmission of airborne pathogens and respiratory droplets. This study numerically investigated the effect of airflow induced by the ceiling fan and ventilation rate on aerosol distribution to mitigate exposure to airborne pathogens and COVID-19. A full-scale room with a ceiling fan, natural ventilation and an occupant was modelled through transient computational fluid-particle dynamics (CFPD). To analyze the relationship between the ceiling fan rotation speed and the aerosol distribution, a ceiling fan was operated with 160, 265 and 365 revolutions per minute (RPM). The effect of the ceiling fan on particles was analyzed for particles of different sizes. The increasing ceiling fan rotation speed, the percentage deposition of the aerosol particles with diameters >40 μm was increased. The effect of different ventilation rates on aerosol distribution was evaluated. The increased ventilation rate, the percentage of the total aerosol particles flushed out was increased. The effectiveness of the mask in mitigating the exposure risk of airborne pathogens was also investigated. In combination with the natural ventilation and mask, the ceiling fan was demonstrated to have the potential to reduce airborne pathogen transmission in indoor spaces.

Spatial and temporal distribution of bioaerosols produced by patients with different postures in a negative pressure isolation ward under different ventilation modes

“…Numerous studies have shown that ventilation layout is the key influencing factor of airflow distribution within the ward. 9,10 Reasonable design of the location of air supply and exhaust outlets can optimize airflow distribution, which contributes to reducing the concentration of indoor contaminants. [11][12][13] Liu et al 14 studied the spatial and temporal distribution of bioaerosol particles under different mixed ventilation modes.…”