Abstract
In this paper, the use of HVAC systems and non-HVAC control measures to reduce virus-laden bioaerosol exposure in a highly occupied indoor space is investigated. A simulation tool was used to model the fate and transport of bioaerosols in an indoor space in the hotel industry (bar or pub) with three types of HVAC system (central air handling system (CAHS), dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), and wall unit system (WUS)). Non-HVAC control measures such as portable air cleaners (PAC) and local exhaust fans were considered. Occupant exposure was evaluated for 1 μm bioaerosols, which transport SARS-CoV-2, for 3 h/day of continuous source and exposure. The combined effects of ventilation (400 l/s of outdoor air), recirculated air filtration (90% efficacy), and a PAC with a capacity up to 900 m3/h mitigated the (normalized) integrated exposure of the occupant by 0.66 to 0.51 (CAHS) and 0.43 to 0.36 (DOAS). In the case of WUS, the normalized integrated exposure was reduced by up to 0.2 when the PAC with a capacity of up to 900 m3/h was used. The corresponding electricity consumed increased by 297.4 kWh/year (CAHS) and 482.7 kWh/year (DOAS), while for the WUS it increased by 197.1 kWh/year.
Highlights
The tourism sector accounted for about 12.4% of the gross domestic product (GDP)in 2019 [1] and is the linchpin of the Spanish economy, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is estimated to have dropped by around 44% in 2020 [2]
This paper studies the relative reduction in virus-laden bioaerosol exposure in a highly occupied indoor space typical of the Spanish hospitality sector using (i) different types of HVAC system and (ii) non-HVAC control measures
Three common types of HVAC system were analyzed for controlling the spread of virus-laden bioaerosols in a highly occupied indoor space in Tarragona (Spain) weather conditions
Summary
The tourism sector accounted for about 12.4% of the gross domestic product (GDP). In 2019 [1] and is the linchpin of the Spanish economy, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is estimated to have dropped by around 44% in 2020 [2]. The hospitality sector is a key part of international and domestic tourism in Spain and has undeniably been one of the hardest hit during the pandemic, with a dramatic fall in occupancy levels The tourism sector is highly sensitive and vulnerable to risk situations caused by external factors such as the current pandemic. The vulnerability of the sector to COVID-19 has been quantified in the 50 provinces of Spain in a recent study [4]
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