Virus spreading in cruiser cabin

Abstract

This paper concerns virus droplet simulations in a typical cruiser's cabin. Effects of ventilation rates and positions of the coughing person were investigated. The study also emphasizes the importance of including evaporation models to simulate the process accurately. A higher ventilation rate is not always the best strategy to avoid the spread of airborne diseases, as saliva droplets can spread further at high ventilation rates. Regardless of the ventilation strategy, they evaporate faster than the room's air renewal. One should aim for minimum droplet spreading inside the cabin and different ventilation strategies for occupied cabins. The authors propose using ventilation systems at medium flow rates of around 120 m3/h or three air changes per hour when a cabin is occupied. This value is also close to the recommended value of 108 m3/h from the latest standard by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The suggested value minimizes droplet spreading while maintaining good ventilation, comfort, and energy consumption.