Study of pathogen transfer through membranes for energy exchangers to reduce airborne transmission of COVID-19 in buildings

引起COVID-19的SARS-CoV-2病毒的空气传播很少受到关注，尽管已知其他呼吸道病原体的空气传播（例如，SARS-CoV-1和肺结核）。含有SARS-CoV-2病毒的呼出气溶胶预计大小为1至5微米，这意味着它们可能在空气中停留数小时，并可以长距离运输（室内可达100米，甚至更远）。因此，暖通空调（HVAC）系统在SARS-CoV-2病毒和其他病原体的传播中发挥着重要作用。 空气传播可以通过增加对建筑物的新鲜室外空气供应来减少，这称为通风。空气-空气能量交换器是通风系统的组成部分，因为它们减少了调节通风空气所需的能量。由于在大流行期间增加通风率以减少病原体的传播，因此量化能量交换器中的病原体转移至关重要。本项目的重点是基于膜的空气-空气能量交换器。 本研究的目的是量化病原体通过适合于膜交换器的膜的转移。建议的研究是基于我们以前的研究经验，气体污染物的传输，传热，水分传输和结霜的各种类型的膜基能量交换器。这个拟议的项目需要建立一个小规模的测试设施，以测量病原体通过膜的转移。将确定膜特性和操作条件（温度和湿度）对病原体转移的影响。 该项目将产生一种由Aldes Canada制造的新型膜基交换器，该交换器可最大限度地减少病原体转移，以保持健康的室内环境，同时降低能耗。这将有利于加拿大的经济，并降低加拿大建筑物内传染病通过空气传播的风险。 该项目将产生一种由Aldes Canada制造的新型膜基交换器，该交换器可最大限度地减少病原体转移，以保持健康的室内环境，同时降低能耗。这将有利于加拿大的经济，并降低加拿大建筑物内传染病通过空气传播的风险。

The airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, has received little attention, even though airborne transmission of other respiratory pathogens is known (e.g., SARS-CoV-1 and tuberculosis). Exhaled aerosols containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus are expected to be 1 to 5 micrometers in size, which means they may remain airborne for hours and can be transported long distances (up to 100 m indoors and even further within air ducts). Thus, heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play an important role in the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other pathogens. Airborne transmission may be reduced by increasing the supply of fresh outdoor air to a building, which is called ventilation. Air-to-air energy exchangers are in integral part of ventilation systems because they reduce the energy required for conditioning the ventilation air. As ventilation rates are increased during pandemics to reduce the transmission of pathogens, it is critical to quantify pathogen transfer in energy exchangers. This project focuses on membrane-based air-to-air energy exchanger. The goal of this research is to quantify pathogen transfer through membranes that are suitable for membrane exchangers. The proposed research is based on our previous research experience on gaseous contaminant transfer, heat transfer, moisture transfer and frosting of various types of membrane-based energy exchangers. This proposed project entails building a small-scale test facility to measure pathogen transfer through membranes. The effect of membrane properties and operating conditions (temperature and humidity) on pathogen transfer will be determined. The project will lead to a new membrane-based exchanger manufactured by Aldes Canada, which minimizes pathogen transfer to maintain a healthy indoor environment while reducing energy consumption. This will benefit Canada's economy and reduce the risk for the airborne transfer of infectious diseases in Canadian buildings. The project will lead to a new membrane-based exchanger manufactured by Aldes Canada, which minimizes pathogen transfer to maintain a healthy indoor environment while reducing energy consumption. This will benefit Canada's economy and reduce the risk for the airborne transfer of infectious disease in Canadian buildings.