HVAC
Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZenica, Sputnik and Sinovac are rolling out their vaccines around the world. So how can we plant to distribute the largest vaccines in history?
With 7 billion population, the need for freezers, refrigerators and ultra chillers are at its highest level. HVACR manufacturers are working round the clock to deliver these climate cooling equipment to hospitals, pharmacies and government institutions around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen mainly spreads through an infected person’s mouth or nose whenever they speak, sneeze, or cough.
What’s worse is that these virus particles, or so called droplets, remain in the air for up to three hours as reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Because of this, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the spread of the virus in encloses spaces is likely connected to the recirculation of air.
Even though the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heating (AIRAH) stated that there are still no evidence of spreading COVID-19 through air conditioning systems,
Representatives of European Heating and Ventilating Associations (REHVA) warns that studies or data have yet to rule out this possibility.
In fact, REHVA suggests not to use recirculation of air for centralized air handling units with recirculation sectors as the virus particles in return ducts will re-enter the building.
Instead, air renewal, which allows outdoor air inside the room to mix with the indoor air, should be practiced through proper ventilation.
With proper filtration and ventilation, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) notes that this will reduce the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 particles in the air and thus reducing the risk of indoor transmission.
As a general rule, ASHRAE recommends to follow several guidelines in optimizing comfort and security inside enclosed spaces.
Indoor temperature with air conditioning units should only be between 24 and 27ºC with relative humidity below 65%. Meanwhile, air velocity must be at most 0.2m/s to ensure proper distribution of air inside and avoid draft.
Pairing this with strict social distancing measures and frequent hand washing, we can significantly reduce the risk of virus transmission and put the safety of building occupants at the forefront.
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