How modern ventilation systems from LUNOS counteract the spread of viruses via aerosols
In connection with the Corona pandemic that has been rampant for more than two years, most people have come into contact with the term 'aerosol' at one time or another. These small airborne particles are considered to play a central role in the spread of COVID-19 and many experts emphasise the need to protect against them as best as possible.
But what exactly do aerosols do and what options are there for combating them as part of the pandemic response? You will find the answers to these and other questions in this article.
What are aerosols?
Aerosols are tiny suspended particles that can circulate in the air in solid or liquid form for hours. They are currently being discussed in connection with the Corona pandemic, as viruses such as Sars-CoV-2 can attach themselves particularly well to their surface.
They enter the air through breathing, speaking and singing. Volume also plays a role. The louder we speak, the more aerosols we emit with the exhaled air, the more viruses can attach to them and the more people can become infected. This is especially true when dense aerosol clouds are circulating.
The RKI (Robert Koch Institute) regularly emphasises the serious impact that aerosols, in addition to droplets, have on the spread of the pandemic. Droplet infections were thought to be controlled with distance regulations, wearing masks and regular disinfection of hands. But what is the best way to deal with infection through aerosols? Here, an adequate supply of fresh air plays a role above all.
Very important - regular air exchange through ventilation
Already in the initial phase of the pandemic, official recommendations were given on correct ventilation behaviour - for example in kindergartens, schools and offices. According to these recommendations, windows should be opened completely on a regular basis until a complete exchange of air has taken place. Cross-ventilation is considered to be particularly good protection, as it creates a purifying air flow throughout the room. If weather conditions permit, it is also advisable to open the windows permanently.
When ventilation is no longer enough - decentralised ventilation systems
But what do you do if you can't leave the window open all day because of cold, rain or street noise? In this case, the virus concentration indoors should be reduced with modern decentralised ventilation systems with heat recovery.
They draw fresh air into the interior rooms and simultaneously convey the stale air outside. This air exchange creates a dilution effect that significantly reduces the virus concentration in the room and the risk of infection with the Corona virus.
A high degree of heat recovery is ensured by installing the units in pairs, alternating between supply and extract air modes. This enables a significant reduction in heating costs during the cold season. Further advantages are that dirt, noise and odours are prevented from entering the interior rooms by powerful filter systems.
Differences between air conditioning and ventilation systems
The biggest difference between air conditioning and ventilation systems is the different processing of the air. Air conditioning systems draw in the room air, cool it down and then distribute it back into the room (recirculation method).
Ventilation systems, on the other hand, draw in the stale air and release it to the outside environment. In reverse operation, the system then draws in new fresh air from outside and distributes it inside the room. This is also referred to as the fresh air or outside air method.
From this point of view, air-conditioning systems pose a risk in the context of the Corona pandemic, as the virus-laden air is not transported out, but is distributed even more in the room. This is especially problematic with regard to so-called superspreaders, i.e. people who are not aware of their infection. They can infect many people in a short time in air-conditioned environments such as restaurants or coaches. The virus is spread not only among the people sitting next to them, but throughout the room.
Correctly adjust ventilation systems
To ensure the optimal functioning of ventilation systems and to reduce the virus load as much as possible, some tips should be followed. The following are particularly worth mentioning here:
- Refrain from using recirculated air, switch completely to outside air.
- Increase the ventilation capacity
- Increase the daily running time
- Shorten the intervals between filter changes and cleaning.
- Switch the exhaust air in the toilet to continuous operation
- Open additional windows if possible
- Keep the humidity between 40 and 60%.
Note:
Even with the best ventilation system and despite regular ventilation, it is not possible to create a completely virus-free environment. Hygiene and distance regulations must still be scrupulously adhered to. This includes covering the mouth and nose if necessary.
Find the right ventilation system for your needs
Are you looking for a ventilation system for private or commercial premises? Then Lunos is the right contact for you. As the market leader, we offer you a wide range of powerful solutions for every need. For example, take a look at our combined systems such as the e² series, which is one of the smallest decentralised fans with heat recovery in residential ventilation. The system is also convincing in terms of noise. It is one of the quietest units in its class and is therefore predestined for use in living rooms and bedrooms.
Our Nexxt model, for example, is ideally suited for use in kindergartens, schools, offices, hotels and doctors' surgeries, and is characterised by its very high volume flow. In addition, it has a very low power consumption, which ensures economical consumption in the long term.