Numerical Assessment of the Influence of Heat Loads on the Performance of Temperature-Controlled Airflow in an Operating Room

Airborne bacteria-carrying particles (BCPs) in an operating room (OR) can cause post-operative infections in the patients. The ventilation system in the OR is crucial in removing or diluting airborne BCPs. This study numerically assessed a newly developed OR ventilation scheme – temperature-controlled airflow (TAF), with special focus on the influence of heat loads on the airflow and BCPs concentration. TAF supplies clean air at different temperature levels to different zones and establishes a high-momentum downward airflow pattern over the operating table. The results show that TAF is an efficient ventilation system that can provide good protection for the patients under low to moderately heavy heat loads. When the heat load is further increased to an extremely heavy level, the desired airflow pattern cannot be achieved and TAF becomes less efficient. The numerical results also suggest that the supply air temperature needs to be optimized according to the specific use conditions to maximize the performance of TAF.