Investigating the impact of a window air conditioner with H-14 HEPA filter on lessening SARS-COV-2 aerosols

Abstract

This research breaks new ground by proposing a unique solution to combat SARS-COV-2 aerosols: modifying a readily available window air conditioner’s indoor blower to accommodate a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. While traditional public health measures like lockdowns and mask-wearing remain crucial, this study explores an innovative engineering approach to air purification within homes and offices. The widespread impact of COVID-19 across various sectors—agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and more—necessitates exploring diverse solutions. Current efforts to utilize HEPA filters in HVAC systems face limitations. These filters, while highly effective at capturing airborne particles, increasingly impede airflow and require substantial pressure, posing challenges for standard HVAC systems to maintain efficient operation. This study addresses this critical gap by proposing a targeted modification to a specific window air conditioner (AC) model (GJC07AF-K3RNB9D) to incorporate an H-14 HEPA filter. Utilizing cutting-edge design tool (CF-TURBO) and advanced simulation software (STARCCM +), the research will provide a new blower specifically optimized for this application. This virtual testing will meticulously evaluate the modified system’s performance, ensure optimal airflow, predict noise levels, and identify any potential design flaws before implementing the modification in a physical prototype. The success of this study could pave the way for the development of increasingly efficient and accessible HEPA-based air purification solutions for everyday use, particularly in areas with limited resources. Furthermore, this research can be a valuable foundation for future work aimed to increasingly improve indoor air quality (IAQ).