Thermo-fluid dynamics analysis and air quality for different ventilation patterns in an operating theatre

Contrary to other applications, the basic design criteria of a ventilation system and air distribution for operating rooms are not primarily those related to thermal comfort, but to indoor air quality(IAQ). The aim of the present research concerns the study of the performance of different ventilation schemes for a standard orthopaedic Operating Theatre (OT). Taking into account our previous studies of a real OT under operating use conditions, in this research different air flow configurations combined with some air curtain solutions on were investigated by numerical simulations. IAQ indexes and thermal comfort parameters, deduced from simulation results were calculated and discussed referring to the best performance and efficacy of the studied air flow schemes. Results comparison shows that the position in the center of the room and the large surface of the air inlet ceiling diffusers, compared to that of the air return grilles, guarantee the best efficacy of the air flow both for unidirectional vertical and horizontal. Moreover, some air curtain solutions on the ceiling allow the air distribution and quality control, limiting the effects of a short-circuit between the air flow inlet and outlet and the contaminants reduction in critical zones.