Performance evaluation of the individual room control-negative pressure ventilation system in apartment

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for effective infection control measures in residential settings, particularly for self-quarantine scenarios. This study evaluates the performance of the Individual Room Control-Negative Pressure Ventilation (IRCNPV) system, designed to create and maintain negative pressure in a designated isolation room (IR) within apartments. The system integrates a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system, motorized diffusers, and a Negative Pressure Exhaust Unit (NPEU) to ensure effective containment of airborne contaminants. A mock-up housing laboratory experiment was conducted to assess the system's ability to maintain negative pressure under various conditions, including ventilation system operation, window opening, kitchen hood operation, and simulated stack effects. Results demonstrated that the IRCNPV system consistently maintained negative pressure across all scenarios, with an average pressure difference of −3.24 Pa between the IR and adjacent spaces. Natural ventilation through window openings showed enhancement in pressure differentials, while the operation of supply air within the IR reduced negative pressure, emphasizing the need for controlled ventilation strategies. In conclusion, the IRCNPV system provides a practical, adaptable, and energy-efficient solution for infection control in residential apartments, offering robust containment capabilities for pandemic preparedness and quarantine scenarios.