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Adaptation of HVAC Systems to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 in Buildings

Author

Listed:
  • Frantisek Vranay

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Architectural Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia)

  • Ladislav Pirsel

    (Alocons Ltd., Lombardiniho 22/B, 831 03 Bratislava, Slovakia)

  • Richard Kacik

    (Lightech Ltd., Stará Vajnorská 90, 831 04 Bratislava, Slovakia)

  • Zuzana Vranayova

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Architectural Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia)

Abstract

In 2020, all the world has been confronted with COVID-19. Bringing people together in buildings is proving to be a risk factor that we have to deal with. Although the greatest attention is paid to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, there are a number of other pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.) that can be transmitted through the air. These pathogens are sensitive to UV-C radiation. UV-C fluorescent lamps have been developed with technical parameters that are adapted to HVAC operating conditions. By using germicidal sources to disinfect the transported air, more than 90% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, more than 97% of Influenza A virus, and 100% of Legionella pneumophila can be inactivated. The use of UV-C emitters for air disinfection allows the use of circulation and recuperation. Total balance of energy and CO 2 emissions by variants and energies used, including humidification were performed for Slovak conditions. The operation of germicidal sources during the heating period in selected cities in our example would represent only 0.45% of the difference in heat demand and 0.42% of the difference in energy demand between operation according to recommendations and operation with germicidal sources. It is therefore an effective means of ensuring health safety and energy efficiency for the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Frantisek Vranay & Ladislav Pirsel & Richard Kacik & Zuzana Vranayova, 2020. "Adaptation of HVAC Systems to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 in Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:23:p:9992-:d:453474
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kamil Pochwat & Sabina Kordana-Obuch & Mariusz Starzec & Beata Piotrowska, 2020. "Financial Analysis of the Use of Two Horizontal Drain Water Heat Recovery Units," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-18, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Carola Lingua & Giulia Crespi & Cristina Becchio & Stefano Paolo Corgnati, 2023. "Designing IAQ-Resilient Post-Pandemic Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-17, January.
    2. Sabina Kordana-Obuch & Mariusz Starzec & Daniel Słyś, 2021. "Assessment of the Feasibility of Implementing Shower Heat Exchangers in Residential Buildings Based on Users’ Energy Saving Preferences," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-30, September.
    3. Annamária Behúnová & Lucia Knapčíková & Marcel Behún & Tomáš Mandičák & Peter Mésároš, 2021. "Intelligent Designing and Increasing the Variability of Healthy Residential Buildings by Customizing Recycled Polyvinyl Butyral," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-17, August.

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    1. Sabina Kordana-Obuch & Mariusz Starzec, 2022. "Horizontal Shower Heat Exchanger as an Effective Domestic Hot Water Heating Alternative," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-22, July.
    2. Sabina Kordana-Obuch & Mariusz Starzec & Daniel Słyś, 2021. "Assessment of the Feasibility of Implementing Shower Heat Exchangers in Residential Buildings Based on Users’ Energy Saving Preferences," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-30, September.

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