Short answer

Integrate air curtain systems into office designs to actively manage airborne contaminants, focusing on effective jet velocity rather than solely on high-speed airflow, and ensure separate ventilation if thermal zoning is a requirement.

Field: Modelling
Source: Indoor and Built Environment (2018)
Method: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling using the Lagrangian method for droplet dispersion.
Evidence: Strong effect

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations demonstrate that an air curtain system can effectively prevent the dispersion of expiratory droplets in an office environment, even when it doesn't create distinct thermal zones. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in Indoor and Built Environment. Using Computational fluid dynamics (cfd) modelling using the lagrangian method for droplet dispersion., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate air curtain systems into office designs to actively manage airborne contaminants, focusing on effective jet velocity rather than solely on high-speed airflow, and ensure separate ventilation if thermal zoning is a requirement.

Study

ModellingHigh ImpactStrong effect

Air curtains can contain airborne contaminants without compromising thermal comfort.

Indoor and Built Environment · 2018

Key Findings

01An air curtain system effectively prevents the dispersion of expiratory droplets.
02The air curtain system's effectiveness in droplet removal is not directly proportional to jet velocity; 3 m/s was found to be feasible.
03The air curtain system alone did not create a non-uniform thermal environment without independent inlet and outlet for each region.
04The air curtain system outperformed a standard air cleaner in removing expiratory droplets.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing or retrofitting office spaces, consider implementing air curtain systems at doorways or within open-plan areas to mitigate the spread of airborne pathogens or pollutants.

Project actions

01When modelling airflow, consider the specific type of contaminant you are trying to contain.
02Explore how different air curtain designs and velocities impact containment effectiveness.
03Investigate the combined effects of air curtains with other ventilation strategies.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate the effectiveness of an air curtain system in preventing the dispersion of expiratory droplets and its impact on thermal comfort within a ventilated office.

MethodComputational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling using the Lagrangian method for droplet dispersion.

ProcedureCFD simulations were conducted on a ventilated office model. An air curtain system was integrated, with variations in its design, orientation, and jet velocity. The model assessed droplet dispersion and thermal comfort.

ContextVentilated office environments, indoor air quality management.

Variables

IV["Air curtain design","Air curtain orientation","Air curtain jet velocity"]

DV["Droplet dispersion","Thermal comfort"]

CV["Office geometry","General ventilation rate","Source of expiratory droplets"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Utilizes advanced CFD modelling for detailed analysis.
+Investigates a practical solution for airborne contaminant control.

Limitations

The simulation might not account for all real-world factors like furniture placement, occupant movement, or variations in air leakage.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the findings relies on the accuracy of the CFD model and its underlying assumptions. Reliability would be assessed by repeating simulations with minor variations in parameters.

Think critically

To what extent can air curtain systems be considered a standalone solution for indoor air quality, or do they always require integration with other ventilation and filtration systems?

Design Principles

"Containment of localized airborne contaminants can be achieved through directed airflow barriers, such as air curtains, which can be more effective than general dilution or filtration methods."

This research offers a practical approach to improving indoor air quality by containing airborne contaminants. Designers can leverage this understanding to implement solutions that enhance occupant health and safety without negatively impacting the thermal environment.

What This Means for Your Design

This study used computer simulations to show that a 'wall of air' (an air curtain) can stop germs from spreading when someone coughs or sneezes in an office. It works well even if the room stays the same temperature everywhere, and it's better than just using an air filter.

How to use in your project

1.Use findings on air curtain effectiveness to justify design choices for improved air quality in your design project.
2.Reference the simulation methodology to inform your own modelling approach if applicable.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research investigated the use of air curtain systems in ventilated offices to manage expiratory contaminants. Through computational fluid dynamics modelling, it was found that air curtains are effective in preventing the dispersion of droplets, outperforming standard air cleaners. While not creating distinct thermal zones independently, a jet velocity of 3 m/s proved feasible for containment, suggesting that targeted airflow barriers can significantly enhance indoor air quality.

Source

Indoor and Built Environment

Numerical investigation of thermal comfort and transport of expiratory contaminants in a ventilated office with an air curtain system

journal · 2018

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about air curtains can contain airborne contaminants without compromising thermal comfort?: Integrate air curtain systems into office designs to actively manage airborne contaminants, focusing on effective jet velocity rather than solely on high-speed airflow, and ensure separate ventilation if thermal zoning is a requirement. Evidence: Indoor and Built Environment (2018).
Why does "Air curtains can contain airborne contaminants without compromising thermal comfort." matter for design?: This research offers a practical approach to improving indoor air quality by containing airborne contaminants. Designers can leverage this understanding to implement solutions that enhance occupant health and safety without negatively impacting the thermal environment.
How can designers apply this research?: Integrate air curtain systems into office designs to actively manage airborne contaminants, focusing on effective jet velocity rather than solely on high-speed airflow, and ensure separate ventilation if thermal zoning is a requirement.
What were the main findings?: An air curtain system effectively prevents the dispersion of expiratory droplets.. The air curtain system's effectiveness in droplet removal is not directly proportional to jet velocity; 3 m/s was found to be feasible.. The air curtain system alone did not create a non-uniform thermal environment without independent inlet and outlet for each region.. The air curtain system outperformed a standard air cleaner in removing expiratory droplets.
What research method was used?: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling using the Lagrangian method for droplet dispersion..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from Indoor and Built Environment.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing or retrofitting office spaces, consider implementing air curtain systems at doorways or within open-plan areas to mitigate the spread of airborne pathogens or pollutants.
What are the limitations?: The study relies on numerical simulations, and real-world performance may vary. The effectiveness in creating non-uniform thermal environments without additional ventilation controls was not demonstrated.