Analysis of parametric optimization on the design of negative pressure room

Abstract

Negative pressure rooms are crucial for the prevention of the dispersion of infectious diseases. Using the ANSYS-Fluent finite volume method (FVM), standard k (Formula presented.) ϵ turbulent, species transport, and discrete phase model with the transient condition, this research aims to reduce the amount of airborne contamination inside the negative pressure room. In the current design, both 10 area ratios and static supply pressures (Formula presented.) 1–(Formula presented.) 30 Pa are considered. The optimum condition is reached at an area ratio of 9 and 13 Air change per hours (ACHs) with a 96% reduction in CO2 concentration and an exhaust velocity of 3 m/s and a minimum power consumption of 247 W at a supply pressure of ((Formula presented.) 10) Pa. The effective direct airflow pattern is observed as a safe environment by analyzing the streamlines and velocity vector distributions. To prevent the infectious viruses spread, the particle tracking of coughed droplets is analyzed so that 100% of aerosol particles can be extracted within 3 s. The door-opening effect showed that the desired negative pressure could be maintained even if the door opened for a long time. This work will benefit the design engineers for any intended negative pressure room and provide a secure working environment for the medical personnel.