AI Chat Paper
Note: Please note that the following content is generated by AMiner AI. SciOpen does not take any responsibility related to this content.
{{lang === 'zh_CN' ? '文章概述' : 'Summary'}}
{{lang === 'en_US' ? '中' : 'Eng'}}
Chat more with AI
Powered by AMiner. Clicking this button will take you away from SciOpen.
Home Building Simulation Article
PDF (3.7 MB)
Cite
EndNote(RIS) BibTeX
Collect
Submit Manuscript AI Chat Paper
Show Outline
Outline
Show full outline
Hide outline
Outline
Show full outline
Hide outline
Research Article | Open Access

Impact of ionizers on prevention of airborne infection in classroom

Chen Ren1, Fariborz Haghighat1,2, Zhuangbo Feng1, Prashant Kumar1,3,4, Shi-Jie Cao1,3( )
School of Architecture, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou, Nanjing 210096, China
Energy and Environment Group, Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1M8, Canada
Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), School of Sustainability, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, Surrey, UK
Institute for Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, Surrey, UK
Show Author Information

Abstract

Infectious diseases (e.g., coronavirus disease 2019) dramatically impact human life, economy and social development. Exploring the low-cost and energy-saving approaches is essential in removing infectious virus particles from indoors, such as in classrooms. The application of air purification devices, such as negative ion generators (ionizers), gains popularity because of the favorable removal capacity for particles and the low operation cost. However, small and portable ionizers have potential disadvantages in the removal efficiency owing to the limited horizontal diffusion of negative ions. This study aims to investigate the layout strategy (number and location) of ionizers based on the energy-efficient natural ventilation in the classroom to improve removal efficiency (negative ions to particles) and decrease infection risk. Three infected students were considered in the classroom. The simulations of negative ion and particle concentrations were performed and validated by the experiment. Results showed that as the number of ionizers was 4 and 5, the removal performance was largely improved by combining ionizer with natural ventilation. Compared with the scenario without an ionizer, the scenario with 5 ionizers largely increased the average removal efficiency from around 20% to 85% and decreased the average infection risk by 23%. The setup with 5 ionizers placed upstream of the classroom was determined as the optimal layout strategy, particularly when the location and number of the infected students were unknown. This work can provide a guideline for applying ionizers to public buildings when natural ventilation is used.

Keywords

infection riskclassroomionizernegative ionsremoval efficiency

Electronic Supplementary Material

Download File(s)
bs-16-5-749_ESM.pdf (11.4 MB)

References

 

Abdolghader P, Haghighat F, Bahloul A (2018). Predicting fibrous filter’s efficiency by two methods: Artificial neural network (ANN) and integration of genetic algorithm and artificial neural network (GAINN). Aerosol Science and Engineering, 2: 197–205.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Adachi M, Pui DYH, Liu BYH (1993). Aerosol charge neutralization by a corona ionizer. Aerosol Science and Technology, 18: 48–58.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Ai Z, Mak CM, Gao N, et al. (2020). Tracer gas is a suitable surrogate of exhaled droplet nuclei for studying airborne transmission in the built environment. Building Simulation, 13: 489–496.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

ASHRAE (2020). ASHRAE Position Document on Infectious Aerosols. Atlanta, GA, USA: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air conditioning Engineers.
 

Berry G, Parsons A, Morgan M, et al. (2022). A review of methods to reduce the probability of the airborne spread of COVID-19 in ventilation systems and enclosed spaces. Environmental Research, 203: 111765.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Buonanno G, Stabile L, Morawska L (2020). Estimation of airborne viral emission: Quanta emission rate of SARS-CoV-2 for infection risk assessment. Environment International, 141: 105794.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Cao S, Meyers J (2014). Asymptotic conditions for the use of linear ventilation models in the presence of buoyancy forces. Building Simulation, 7: 131–136.
Crossref Google Scholar
 
CDC (2021). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Ventilation FAQs. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 

Dai H, Zhao B (2020). Association of the infection probability of COVID-19 with ventilation rates in confined spaces. Building Simulation, 13: 1321–1327.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Ding J, Yu CW, Cao S (2020). HVAC systems for environmental control to minimize the COVID-19 infection. Indoor and Built Environment, 29: 1195–1201.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Feng Z, Long Z, Yu T (2016). Filtration characteristics of fibrous filter following an electrostatic precipitator. Journal of Electrostatics, 83: 52–62.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Feng Z, Cao S, Haghighat F (2021a). Removal of SARS-CoV-2 using UV+Filter in built environment. Sustainable Cities and Society, 74: 103226.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Feng Z, Cao S, Wang J, et al. (2021b). Indoor airborne disinfection with electrostatic disinfector (ESD): Numerical simulations of ESD performance and reduction of computing time. Building and Environment, 200: 107956.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Fischer RJ, Morris DH, van Doremalen N, et al. (2020). Effectiveness of N95 respirator decontamination and reuse against SARS-CoV-2 virus. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 26: 2253–2255.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Grabarczyk Z (2001). Effectiveness of indoor air cleaning with corona ionizers. Journal of Electrostatics, 51–52: 278–283.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Grinshpun SA, Mainelis G, Trunov M, et al. (2005). Evaluation of ionic air purifiers for reducing aerosol exposure in confined indoor spaces. Indoor Air, 15: 235–245.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Han B, Kim H-J, Kim Y-J, et al. (2008). Unipolar charging of fine and ultra-fine particles using carbon fiber ionizers. Aerosol Science and Technology, 42: 793–800.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Hawendi S, Gao S (2018). Impact of windward inlet-opening positions on fluctuation characteristics of wind-driven natural cross ventilation in an isolated house using LES. International Journal of Ventilation, 17: 93–119.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Hinds WC (2012). Aerosol Technology: Properties, Behavior, and Measurement of Airborne Particles, 2nd edn. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
 

Huang R, Agranovski I, Pyankov O, et al. (2008). Removal of viable bioaerosol particles with a low-efficiency HVAC filter enhanced by continuous emission of unipolar air ions. Indoor Air, 18: 106–112.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Kim M, Jeong SG, Park J, et al. (2021). Assessment of pre-filter systems to control indoor inflow of particulate matter. Journal of Building Engineering, 43: 103052.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Kohanski MA, Lo LJ, Waring MS (2020). Review of indoor aerosol generation, transport, and control in the context of COVID-19. International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology, 10: 1173–1179.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Kumar P, Morawska L (2019). Could fighting airborne transmission be the next line of defence against COVID-19 spread? City and Environment Interactions, 4: 100033.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Kumar P, Hama S, Omidvarborna H, et al. (2020). Temporary reduction in fine particulate matter due to ‘anthropogenic emissions switch-off’ during COVID-19 lockdown in Indian cities. Sustainable Cities and Society, 62: 102382.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Kumar P, Omidvarborna H, Tiwari A, et al. (2021). The nexus between in-car aerosol concentrations, ventilation and the risk of respiratory infection. Environment International, 157: 106814.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Kumar P, Hama S, Abbass RA, et al. (2022). In-kitchen aerosol exposure in twelve cities across the globe. Environment International, 162: 107155.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Lai ACK, Cheung ACT, Wong MML, et al. (2016). Evaluation of cold plasma inactivation efficacy against different airborne bacteria in ventilation duct flow. Building and Environment, 98: 39–46.
Crossref Google Scholar
 
Lee Y, Kim YS, Han B, et al. (2020). Extremely low ozone emission electrostatic compact air purifier using carbon fiber ionizers and carbon film collection stage. In: Proceedings of 2020 IEEE Industry Applications Society Annual Meeting.
Crossref
 

Leng J, Wang Q, Liu K (2020). Sustainable design of courtyard environment: From the perspectives of airborne diseases control and human health. Sustainable Cities and Society, 62: 102405.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Li S, Zhang S, Pan W, et al. (2019). Experimental and theoretical study of the collection efficiency of the two-stage electrostatic precipitator. Powder Technology, 356: 1–10.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Li C, Tang H (2021). Study on ventilation rates and assessment of infection risks of COVID-19 in an outpatient building. Journal of Building Engineering, 42: 103090.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Li H, Leong FY, Xu G, et al. (2021). Airborne dispersion of droplets during coughing: A physical model of viral transmission. Scientific Reports, 11: 4617.
Crossref Google Scholar
 
Liu P, Xie X, Liao M, et al. (2015). Measured air infiltration and ventilation rates in naturally ventilated classrooms. In: Proceedings of Conference of ISHVAC-COBEE 2015.
 

Malayeri M, Haghighat F, Lee CS (2019). Modeling of volatile organic compounds degradation by photocatalytic oxidation reactor in indoor air: A review. Building and Environment, 154: 309–323.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Nakpan W, Yermakov M, Indugula R, et al. (2019). Inactivation of bacterial and fungal spores by UV irradiation and gaseous iodine treatment applied to air handling filters. Science of the Total Environment, 671: 59–65.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Niazi S, Groth R, Spann K, et al. (2021). The role of respiratory droplet physicochemistry in limiting and promoting the airborne transmission of human coronaviruses: A critical review. Environmental Pollution, 276: 115767.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Noorimotlagh Z, Jaafarzadeh N, Martínez SS, et al. (2021). A systematic review of possible airborne transmission of the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) in the indoor air environment. Environmental Research, 193: 110612.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Nunayon SS, Zhang HH, Jin X, et al. (2019). Experimental evaluation of positive and negative air ions disinfection efficacy under different ventilation duct conditions. Building and Environment, 158: 295–301.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Park JH, Yoon KY, Kim YS, et al. (2009). Removal of submicron aerosol particles and bioaerosols using carbon fiber ionizer assisted fibrous medium filter media. Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, 23: 1846–1851.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Park S, Choi Y, Song D, et al. (2021). Natural ventilation strategy and related issues to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) airborne transmission in a school building. Science of the Total Environment, 789: 147764.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Pushpawela B, Jayaratne R, Nguy A, et al. (2017). Efficiency of ionizers in removing airborne particles in indoor environments. Journal of Electrostatics, 90: 79–84.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Qi J, Wei C (2021). Performance evaluation of climate-adaptive natural ventilation design: A case study of semi-open public cultural building. Indoor and Built Environment, 30: 1714–1724.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Ren C, Xi C, Wang J, et al. (2021). Mitigating COVID-19 infection disease transmission in indoor environment using physical barriers. Sustainable Cities and Society, 74: 103175.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Ren C, Cao S, Haghighat F (2022a). A practical approach for preventing dispersion of infection disease in naturally ventilated room. Journal of Building Engineering, 48: 103921.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Ren C, Zhu H, Cao S (2022b). Ventilation strategies for mitigation of infection disease transmission in an indoor environment: a case study in office. Buildings, 12: 180.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Rudnick SN, Milton DK (2003). Risk of indoor airborne infection transmission estimated from carbon dioxide concentration. Indoor Air, 13: 237–245.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Santos AF, Gaspar PD, Hamandosh A, et al. (2020). Best practices on HVAC design to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection within indoor environments. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 63: e20200335.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Satheesan MK, Mui KW, Wong LT (2020). A numerical study of ventilation strategies for infection risk mitigation in general inpatient wards. Building Simulation, 13: 887–896.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

See SW, Balasubramanian R (2011). Characterization of fine particle emissions from incense burning. Building and Environment, 46: 1074–1080.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Shargawi JM, Theaker ED, Drucker DB, et al. (1999). Sensitivity of Candida albicans to negative air ion streams. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 87: 889–897.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Shaughnessy RJ, Levetin E, Blocker J, et al. (1994). Effectiveness of portable indoor air cleaners: Sensory testing results. Indoor Air, 4: 179–188.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Shiue A, Hu SC, Tu M (2011). Particles removal by negative ionic air purifier in cleanroom. Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 11: 179–186.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Srivastava S, Zhao X, Manay A, et al. (2021). Effective ventilation and air disinfection system for reducing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection risk in office buildings. Sustainable Cities and Society, 75: 103408.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Sun C, Zhai Z (2020). The efficacy of social distance and ventilation effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 transmission. Sustainable Cities and Society, 62: 102390.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Suwardi A, Ooi CC, Daniel D, et al. (2021). The efficacy of plant-based ionizers in removing aerosol for COVID-19 mitigation. Research, 2021: 2173642.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Wang B, Mortazavi R, Haghighat F (2009). Evaluation of modeling and measurement techniques of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation effectiveness—Towards the design of immune buildings. Indoor and Built Environment, 18: 101–112.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Wang J, Huang J, Feng Z, et al. (2021). Occupant-density-detection based energy efficient ventilation system: Prevention of infection transmission. Energy and Buildings, 240: 110883.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Weerasuriya AU, Zhang X, Gan VJL, et al. (2019). A holistic framework to utilize natural ventilation to optimize energy performance of residential high-rise buildings. Building and Environment, 153: 218–232.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Wei J, Li Y (2015). Enhanced spread of expiratory droplets by turbulence in a cough jet. Building and Environment, 93: 86–96.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Weschler CJ (2000). Ozone in indoor environments: Concentration and chemistry. Indoor Air, 10: 269–288.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

WHO (2020). Recommendations for Health Workers With Low Risk for COVID-19 Infection. Geneva: World Health Organization.
 

Wu CC, Lee GWM, Cheng P, et al. (2006). Effect of wall surface materials on deposition of particles with the aid of negative air ions. Journal of Aerosol Science, 37: 616–630.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Xu C, Luo X, Yu C, et al. (2020). The 2019-nCoV epidemic control strategies and future challenges of building healthy smart cities. Indoor and Built Environment, 29: 639–644.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Xu F, Gao Z (2022). Study on indoor air quality and fresh air energy consumption under different ventilation modes in 24-hour occupied bedrooms in Nanjing, using Modelica-based simulation. Energy and Buildings, 257: 111805.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Ye J, Qian H, Ma J, et al. (2021). Using air curtains to reduce short-range infection risk in consulting ward: A numerical investigation. Building Simulation, 14: 325–335.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Zhai ZJ, Li H, Bahl R, Trace K (2021). Application of portable air purifiers for mitigating COVID-19 in large public spaces. Buildings, 11: 329.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Zhao B, Liu Y, Chen C (2020). Air purifiers: A supplementary measure to remove airborne SARS-CoV-2. Building and Environment, 177: 106918.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Zhou P, Yang Y, Lai ACK, et al. (2016). Inactivation of airborne bacteria by cold plasma in air duct flow. Building and Environment, 106: 120–130.
Crossref Google Scholar
 

Zhu H, Ren C, Cao S (2021). Fast prediction for multi-parameters (concentration, temperature and humidity) of indoor environment towards the online control of HVAC system. Building Simulation, 14: 649–665.
Crossref Google Scholar
Building Simulation
Volume 16 Issue 5,
May 2023
Pages 749-764
DOI: 10.1007/s12273-022-0959-z
Cite this article:
Ren C, Haghighat F, Feng Z, et al. Impact of ionizers on prevention of airborne infection in classroom. Building Simulation, 2023, 16(5): 749-764. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-022-0959-z

555

Views

43

Downloads

6

Crossref

9

Web of Science

8

Scopus

1

CSCD

Altmetrics
Received: 11 May 2022
Revised: 12 October 2022
Accepted: 31 October 2022
Published: 02 December 2022
© The Author(s) 2022

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made.

The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder.

To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Return