Development of a numerical optimization approach to ventilation system design to control airborne contaminant dispersion and occupant comfort
Airflow, contaminant concentration, and temperature distribution during heating and ventilation in a model room represented by a square cavity with inlet and outlet ports, have been studied. The aim of this work is concerned with the development and implementation of a practical and robust optimization scheme based on the combination of response surface methodology (RSM) and genetic algorithm (GA) with the aim of assisting hospital ward designers and managers/operators to enhance infection control (i.e., reduce the risk of airborne transmission) without compromising patient comfort and environmental impact.