Computational analysis of airborne particle behaviour in a single-bed intensive care unit with deflector implementation

This study employs a one-way coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian model to investigate the behaviour of virus-laden particles emitted from three sources within a three-dimensional single-bed intensive care unit (ICU). The analysis encompasses the examination of airflow patterns and thermal fields alongside an assessment of the distribution, removal, and deposition mechanisms of particles. This investigation is conducted under a range of conditions, including variations in air inlet angle, the implementation of the deflector, adjustments in the position of both the patient bed and healthcare worker (HCW) and varying air inlet velocity. The temporal and spatial dynamics of particles released from the sources are analyzed in relationship to these mechanisms. The outcomes reveal that employing deflectors with suitable width and position diminishes the presence of suspended particles in the ICU and improves removal efficiency, thereby reducing the risk of infection. It is observed that an augmentation in the air inlet velocity results in a diminution of suspended particle concentrations in the ICU. Moreover, positioning the patient bed and HCW centrally or close to outlet vents enhances the particle removal efficiency. The particle concentration is analyzed for five different cases across each of the eight equally sized subsections of the intensive care unit, and the subsections with the lowest particle concentrations, indicating a reduced risk of transmission, are found. The findings can provide a beneficial perspective and guidance for strategic design in intensive care units focused on reducing the risk of infection transmission.