Theses and Dissertations Collection

Efficient ventilation can contribute to reducing the cooling energy consumption of buildings, increasing the comfort level of the residents, and minimizing the risk of airborne infection in hospital rooms [72]. The dominant factor that affects the transmission and control of contaminants is the path between the contaminant source and exhaust. This understanding can be achieved with validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computer simulations, or with experimental techniques, such as measurements with smoke, neutrally buoyant markers, tracer gasses or tracer aerosol particles. As a supplementary technique to quantify airflows, the use of a state-of-the-art, three-dimensional sonic anemometer was explored. In this paper, we investigate ventilation in a patient room considering forced (mechanical) ventilation. This instrument allows for the precise measurement of the air velocity vector components in the range of a few centimeters per second, which is common in many indoor environments. Measurements of air velocities and directions at selected locations were made for the purpose of studying the airflow patterns in a mechanically ventilated patient room.