Re-thinking of engineering operation solutions to HVAC systems under the emerging COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: Journal of Building Engineering Vol. 43; p. 102889
• Main Authors: Pan, Yungang, Du, Chenqiu, Fu, Zhuzhou, Fu, Mushu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2021
• Subjects: Engineering thinking; HVAC system; Operation strategy; Ventilation; Virus transmission prevention; Engineering thinking; Ventilation; Virus transmission prevention; HVAC system; Operation strategy
• ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102889

The purpose of the study is to discuss the appropriate HVAC operations in civil buildings from a perspective of engineering experience, to provide a safe and healthy indoor environment for working and living, responding to the prevention of COVID-19 transmission in buildings. The study reviewed the previous theoretical studies of relations between increased ventilation and the transmission of the virus, and based on a premise of value orientation, addressed that increasing the ventilation was still one of the most effective ways to promote the anti-epidemic property in the buildings. The study thus summarized the current characteristics of different HVAC systems in buildings, and put forward the target operation strategies respectively, which effectively increased the fresh air flow rate and meantime ensure the normal operation of the buildings. Suggestions as to the anti-epidemic designs for the newly constructed buildings were further presented. The outcomes of HVAC operation strategies are beneficial for instructing the normal operation of the building HVAC systems in the epidemic.
•Increasing ventilation is verified as an efficient measure to prevent the COVID-19 transmission.•HVAC operations should be value-orientated and base on engineering practice experiences.•HVAC system flexibility should consider a backup fan system, extra filtration, etc. at emergencies.•Specific operation strategies for different HVAC systems are proposed.•Designs of HVAC systems are suggested in future buildings combining normal time with emergency.