research program

Ventilation and air cleaning of interior spaces are promising methods for the reduction of airborne pathogen spread and may reduce the number of (airborne) infections. With this in mind, and in response to the 2020-2022 COVID-19 pandemic, the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), in collaboration with TNO have initiated this research program focusing on ventilation (P3VENTI) as part of the larger Pandemic Preparedness Program of VWS (300 million Euros, annually).

Describes a project which aimed to develop strategies to improve and control the performance of HVAC systems for incorporation into codes and guidelines. One subtask of the project was an investigation of maintenance procedures, including a literature review, the definition of cleanliness for the major components and a 'new maintenance guideline'.

The project aimed to conduct research on the reasons for pollution caused by HVAC systems. It was found that the reasons vary widely depending on the type of construction, use and maintenance of the system. Filter and ducts are major sources of pollutants, with humidifiers and rotating heat exchangers coming a close second. Heating and cooling coils are less of a problem, as is the effect of air flow. Puts forward a new maintenance guideline based on the existing VDI 6022.