DE102021106402A1 - Method and system for assessing an air quality status of a habitable room for room users - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for assessing an air quality condition, in particular a ventilation condition, of an, in particular public, lounge for a large number of room users to ensure a specified air quality during a specified stay of a specified number of people N of room users, the lounge being at least partially separated from the outside environment at least at times and has a predetermined room volume, the recreation room preferably having at least one ventilation device for supplying outside air from the outside environment into the recreation room, having the steps of:- determining at least one supply air variable which is characteristic of the supply of outside air into the recreation room;- determining at least one ventilation efficiency parameter, which is characteristic of an efficiency of the ventilation device;- determining at least one air quality variable as a function the determined supply air size and the ventilation efficiency parameter based on the length of stay and the specified number of room users.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for assessing an air quality condition, in particular a ventilation condition, of a, in particular public, recreation room for a large number of room users to ensure a specified air quality during a specified length of stay for a specified number of room users, the recreation room being compared to the outside environment at least is temporarily at least partially delimited and has a predetermined volume of space.

In particular, the present invention relates to the assessment of, in particular, air conditioning systems (so-called "air conditioning systems") of places of assembly in buildings, in particular theaters and concert halls.

In particular, the present invention relates to the assessment of public lounges in particular with regard to a potential risk of infection of a person staying there (hereinafter also referred to as "visitor") with an illness which is caused by a second person who is also staying in the lounge at least temporarily at the same time person, can be transferred. The present invention preferably relates to the assessment of an air quality status of a recreation room, in particular with regard to an infection risk and/or a risk of contagion with a disease which is at least partially and preferably essentially transmissible to humans via the airway.

Sufficient and permanent mechanical ventilation with fresh outside air is essential to reduce the risk of infection in closed rooms. This applies in particular to rooms in venues where visitors, artists and employees stay longer.

If one considers the risk of infection via the airway for people in closed rooms, venues differ significantly from, for example, living rooms, school and meeting rooms, open-plan offices, supermarkets and passenger compartments. On the one hand, almost 100% of the venues have ventilation systems and, on the other hand, they often have a considerable volume of space. If the distance rules are observed and the systems continue to operate at full capacity, they enable a considerable and permanent dilution of potentially infectious air components such as aerosols.

There are publications from which reference values for room ventilation can be derived, compliance with which minimizes the risk of infection via the airway.

From the devices and methods that are currently known from the prior art, there is the disadvantage that until the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic there was no need to examine the performance of the ventilation in public venues more closely and therefore there are no objective methods for assessing the air quality of public venues.

The present invention is based on the object of overcoming the disadvantages known from the prior art and of providing a particularly simple and transparent method and a system for assessing the air quality status of a lounge for room users (persons), with which the performance of the mechanical room ventilation, in particular for Pandemic ventilation can be objectively assessed and with which the performance of the room ventilation can be documented (e.g. by means of a certificate), so that it creates trust for the room users.

Furthermore, the procedure and the system should be sufficiently flexible so that the current state of knowledge and discussion consensus can be sufficiently taken into account.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

In a method according to the invention for assessing an air quality condition, in particular a ventilation condition, of a, in particular public, recreation room for a large number of room users to ensure a specified air quality during a specified length of stay of a specified number of room users, the recreation room is at least temporarily and at least partially isolated from the outside environment delimited (by a housing and/or outer walls) and has a predetermined spatial volume.

The method preferably relates to the assessment of an air quality state of (at least) a recreation room (a building), in particular with regard to the risk of infection with a disease which is at least partially and preferably essentially transmissible to humans via the airway.

The determination and/or assessment of an air quality condition and/or an assessment of the risk of infection is preferably based on the assumption that at least one person in the room is infected with at least one specified disease (at least temporarily and preferably over the entire specified length of stay). It is also conceivable that the determination and/or assessment of an air quality condition and/or an assessment of the risk of infection is based on the assumption that a specified number of room users are in the recreation room (who are in it at least temporarily and preferably for the entire specified length of stay ) is infected with at least one predetermined disease. It is preferably assumed that precisely one person who is in the recreation room as a room user is infectious with regard to a specified disease.

The disease is preferably one that can be transmitted via the air, in particular by means of air pollutants (such as viruses). The disease is preferably an infectious disease.

In this case, the recreation room preferably has at least one ventilation device for supplying outside air from the outside environment into the recreation room.

According to the method according to the invention, at least one supply air variable is determined which is characteristic of the supply of outside air into the recreation room. In particular, the supply of (healthy) breathing air takes place through the supply of outside air.

At least one ventilation efficiency parameter, which is characteristic of the efficiency of the ventilation device, is also determined.

Preferably, at least one air cleaning variable is determined, which is characteristic of air cleaning of room air by at least one air cleaning device in the recreation room.

According to the method according to the invention, at least one air quality variable is determined as a function of the supply air variable determined, the ventilation efficiency parameter (preferably the air purification variable) based on the length of stay and the specified number of people.

The air quality status variable is preferably made available for output and/or in particular output by an output device.

The air quality variable is preferably characteristic of a (potential) risk of infection of a person in the room (hereinafter also referred to as "room user" or "visitor") with a disease, which is transmitted by a second person who is also in the room at least temporarily at the same time can be.

The proposed method offers the advantage of an objective verification concept for verifying the assurance of adequate ventilation quality in a habitable room. The proposed method also offers the advantage of a pandemic-friendly ventilation of rooms, which, in particular in a practical and timely form that can be carried out quickly, allows a determination of the current state with regard to a recreation room.

The proposed method also offers the advantage that, in principle, it can be applied to all rooms with an increased number of people.

A recreation room is to be understood in particular as a recreation room for a large number of people, in which the large number of people can stay, in particular at the same time. The lounge preferably has, in particular, essentially (fixed) predetermined seats, preferably according to a seating plan. At least one seat can be assigned to each person and/or one seat is provided. It is possible that the (fixed) allocation of a seat (for each person) takes place by means of (prior) reservations and/or ticket issuance (e.g. through sale).

The recreation room can essentially be essentially a single room in a building. The recreation room is preferably a room in a building with several rooms.

The common room is preferably a venue, in particular for performances, such as theatres, concert halls, philharmonic halls, music theatres, opera houses, an auditorium, museums, cinemas, assembly rooms, event rooms, galleries, etc. The method proposed according to the invention is also applicable to e.g. living rooms, school and meeting rooms, open-plan offices, supermarkets, sports halls, gymnasiums and/or passenger compartments.

The lounge is preferably a lounge with chairs and/or a lounge with chairs. Seats and in particular seats (unambiguously) can preferably be assigned to the respective room users, preferably according to a seating plan and/or a (in particular fixed, predetermined) seating plan.

The common room can only essentially have one floor in which the (in particular all) room users stay (essentially) for the specified length of stay. However, the lounge can also have at least two and preferably at least three floors, some of which are laterally offset and/or arranged one above the other, which are connected to one another (at least over the specified length of stay) (for air exchange) and which delimit a common (contiguous) room volume .

The air quality status of a building is preferably assessed room by room. Only the rooms in which the number of people or the visitors stay for at least a predetermined period of time (essentially without interruption) are included. The specified period of time is preferably at least five minutes, preferably at least ten minutes and particularly preferably at least 15 minutes.

The specified period of time is preferably determined and/or defined as a function of a specified release quantity of infectious components (in the breathing air) or particles, and in particular viruses, in relation to a person and/or a propagation behavior of the infectious components (in the breathing air) in the room air.

For example, entrance areas, cloakrooms, access corridors, toilet rooms, toilet areas are preferably not taken into account, since they are assumed to be for only a short period of time and in particular for a length of stay that is shorter than the specified period. In particular, even in the case of toilet areas, only short residence times are usual or these have shorter residence times than the specified period of time. In addition, a separate ventilation concept and/or hygiene concept is usually provided for these. As a rule, toilet areas are sufficiently mechanically ventilated and their usage density is regulated by an in-house hygiene concept.

The ventilation device preferably removes stale room air and/or (air) pollutants from the lounge and in particular from a lounge zone of the room users in the lounge.

The ventilation device is preferably a ventilation device with a ventilation function. The ventilation device is preferably an HVAC system or has at least one of this type. Preferably, the ventilation device and/or the HVAC system is fan-supported or has at least one fan. The ventilation device preferably provides at least one of the operating functions of filtering and/or heating and/or cooling and/or humidifying and/or dehumidifying. The ventilation device is preferably used to provide a predetermined room temperature and/or room humidity within the living room, in particular essentially in a living area of the room users.

When determining the air quality status variable and/or when determining the ventilation efficiency parameter, it is preferably taken into account whether the ventilation device and/or the (mechanical) ventilation system(s) of a ventilation device (during the residence time) are operated with pure outside air and/or (at least partially). and/or always) mixed air operation takes place. In particular, it is taken into account whether used air from the lounge can get back into the supply air of the lounge.

When determining the air quality status variable and/or when determining the ventilation efficiency parameter, it is preferably taken into account whether there is a (slight) overpressure in the living room (in relation to the air pressure of the outside environment of the living room) or (essentially) during the specified length of stay in the living room maintained in a state of overpressure relative to the outside environment.

When determining the air quality status variable and/or when determining the ventilation efficiency parameter, it is preferably taken into account where an air flow from a mechanical ventilation system and/or a ventilation device enters and/or exits the living room or at which point (in relation to the room height and/or based on an (average) head height of the room occupants, an air flow is fed into and/or removed from the lounge. If, for example, the air flow exits at the top edge of a chair, a ventilation device or mechanical ventilation system acts in such a way that the air flow from a room occupant upwards Here (near the upper edge of the chair) exhaled aerosols are entrained in the air flow and discharged as best as possible.

The ventilation efficiency parameter is preferably determined on the basis of a room ventilation form. In the case of room ventilation, a distinction is preferably made between mixed ventilation and/or displacement ventilation and/or (horizontal and/or vertical) displacement ventilation.

An air flow direction is preferably taken into account when determining the ventilation efficiency parameter.

When determining the ventilation efficiency parameter, it is preferably taken into account whether it is a displacement ventilation, with an essentially air flow from bottom to top (i.e. in the direction from a floor of the recreation room towards a ceiling of the recreation room) and/or a cross flow (from a side of the living space to another (and preferably opposite) side of the living space) and/or mixed ventilation (top to top).

When determining the ventilation efficiency parameter, air routing of the room air within the recreation room (and in particular at least partially effected and/or supported by the ventilation device) is preferably taken into account. An air distribution device, in particular at least (the spatial arrangement of) a ventilation duct and/or ventilation pipe and/or a controlled air duct) can preferably be taken into account when determining the ventilation efficiency parameter.

When determining the ventilation efficiency parameter (preferably in addition to the type of room ventilation), it is preferably taken into account at what height (related to the room height of the living room) the supply of outside air (fresh air) and/or removal of the room air takes place. In particular, it is taken into account whether the supply and/or discharge of air takes place near the ceiling of the living room and/or near the floor.

When determining the ventilation efficiency parameter, it is preferably taken into account whether outside air (fresh air) is supplied near the floor and/or at head height and/or in the upper wall area and/or in the ceiling plane.

When determining the ventilation efficiency parameter, it is preferably taken into account whether outside air (fresh air) is discharged from the lounge, in particular into the outside environment at head height and/or in the upper wall area and/or in the ceiling plane.

When determining the ventilation efficiency parameter, it is preferably taken into account whether an arrangement of at least one supply air outlet and preferably all supply air outlets is near the floor and/or at head height and/or in the upper wall area and/or in the ceiling level.

When determining the ventilation efficiency parameter, it is preferably taken into account whether an arrangement of at least one exhaust air outlet and preferably all exhaust air outlets is at head height and/or in the upper wall area and/or in the ceiling plane.

A factor for room ventilation efficiency ε _v is preferably assumed as the ventilation efficiency parameter.

Values between 0.5 and 2, preferably between 0.8 and 1.2, are preferably used for the ventilation efficiency parameter.

Values _from the following table are preferably used for the (room) ventilation efficiency parameter (the so-called factor for room ventilation efficiency): Mixed ventilation with supply and exhaust air outlets (supply air and exhaust air outlets) close to the ceiling in the same room _εV = 0.8 Mixed ventilation with ZUL passages near the ceiling and ABL passages near the floor (also called cross ventilation) _εV = 1.0 Displacement ventilation: SUP (supply air) below (floor and/or backrest), ABL (exhaust air) above _εV = 1.2

A larger value for the ventilation efficiency parameter is preferably used for a lounge with displacement ventilation than for a lounge with mixed ventilation. This value is preferably at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, higher than that for a lounge with mixed ventilation.

It is preferred for a lounge with mixed ventilation (and in particular cross-ventilation) in which a supply air supply (e.g. through supply air openings) (in particular exclusively) is in the area near the ceiling and exhaust air discharges (e.g. through exhaust air openings) (in particular exclusively) in near the floor, a larger value is used for the ventilation efficiency parameter than for a living room with mixed ventilation, in which there is both supply air supply (e.g. through supply air diffusers) (in particular exclusively) and exhaust air discharge (e.g. through exhaust air diffusers) (in particular exclusively) in the area close to the ceiling. This value is preferably at least 10%, preferably at least 20% and particularly preferably at least 25% higher than that for a living room with mixed ventilation and supply air and exhaust air ducting in the area close to the ceiling.

Preferably, the supply air variable around the supply air flow V _ZUL of the ventilation device, in particular of an HVAC system or all HVAC systems, for the (habitable) room, preferably measured in the unit m ³ /h, is assumed.

(Dwelling) rooms that are not themselves connected to an HVAC system or a ventilation system - for example rooms with natural window ventilation - are not taken into account in the supply air size. In particular, a supply air quantity of a supply air flow V _ZUL =0 is assumed for such rooms. An effective personal volume flow is then only possible permanently through the operation of secondary air devices. A further increase in air purification and in particular air renewal (removal of CO ₂ ) is possible by opening windows. However, this ventilation effectiveness depends on the opening time and the climatic conditions. Although natural window ventilation is strongly recommended, it is not counted as a permanent air purification service.

Permanently supported window ventilation is preferably taken into account when determining the supply air size. If, in particular, technical measures ensure permanent air renewal via open windows, the permanently achieved air flow is taken into account in particular for the supply air flow V _ZUL or can be counted as the supply air flow V _ZUL .

Examples of technical possibilities are: Factor for room ventilation efficiency Installation of an exhaust air system in a window. The (lounge) room is thus brought to negative pressure and the currently prevailing outside air flows through other window openings. ε _v = 0.8 Overflow of supply air from an adjacent room with mechanical ventilation via doors held open. The window-ventilated room is thus pressurized and the overflowing supply air flows through the room via the open windows or external doors. ε _v = 0.8

The options listed in the table above should be considered in particular for foyers with a bar but without permanent ventilation. They are seen as relatively easy to implement and inexpensive. However, they require careful planning in compliance with safety requirements.

When considering window ventilation in a living room (especially when determining the supply air size), a distinction is preferably made between whether the window ventilation is natural window ventilation or whether it is permanently supported window ventilation.

Such consideration can preferably depend on measuring devices that record and/or monitor permanent window ventilation.

When determining the air quality status variable, a room volume V _R , which in particular encloses the (habitat) room or delimits it from the outside environment, is preferably taken into account.

When determining the air quality state variable, the specified (or expected) length of stay T _A of the (room) user in the (habited) room is preferably taken into account.

When determining the air quality status variable, an average (in particular clear room height) of the living room is preferably taken into account.

When determining the air quality status variable, a dilution variable is preferably taken into account which is characteristic of a time-dependent dilution potential of air pollutants. The dilution size preferably depends on a ratio, in particular the quotient, between the room volume V _R and the length of stay T _A of the (room) users.

The quotient V _R /T _A is preferably taken into account when determining the air quality state variable. The room volume is regarded in particular as the time-dependent dilution potential of air pollutants and is approximately taken into account with this quotient.

When determining the air quality status variable, the presence and/or the operation or an operating mode of air cleaning devices in the recreation room (by taking the air cleaning variable into account) is preferably taken into account.

The air cleaning device is in particular a secondary air cleaning device.

The air cleaning variable of an air cleaning device or of all air cleaning devices preferably depends on a volume flow of air cleaning devices operated in the (habitable) room, in particular secondary air cleaning devices (in particular measured in m ³ /h).

The volume flow of (each) air cleaning device is preferably measured. A measurement of the volume flow in real time is conceivable. However, it is also conceivable that constant operation of the air cleaning device is provided and a variable that is characteristic of the volume flow of the air cleaning device is entered (by a user). The air purification variable is preferably determined on the basis of the input variable(s) for the (respective) volume flow of the air purification device(s).

The air cleaning parameter preferably depends on a factor η _SLG for the effectiveness of the air cleaning device(s) in the occupied zone or in the occupied area (the room user within the occupied room). Air cleaning devices and in particular secondary air devices can be impeded in their flow propagation due to their diverse designs and individual setups in the room. Therefore, for their effectiveness in the personal volume flow, the following is preferably assumed (in particular preferably independent of the design and/or arrangement and/or installation of the (respective) air purification device) (in particular as a lump sum): $${\mathrm{n}}_{\text{SLG}}=0.5$$

In particular, air cleaning devices or secondary air devices do not replace room air with outside air (and/or fresh air), but only clean room air. The avoidance of the increase in CO2 concentration in the (habitable) room by (room) users is only possible through air renewal with outside air through window ventilation and/or mechanical air supply.

It is also conceivable that the factor for the effectiveness of the air cleaning device is determined by measurement using a measuring device for the respective air cleaning device. It is conceivable that an image capturing device such as a camera captures a design and/or the respective installation or arrangement in the recreation room. An image processing device preferably determines the design and/or the arrangement of the air cleaning device in the room from the captured image (preferably by means of object recognition methods, particularly preferably based on artificial neural networks). A factor for the effectiveness of the air cleaning device is preferably determined from this (for example by simulation and/or calculation and/or comparison with an already existing data set).

When determining the air quality status variable (in a first approximation), preference is given to a supply air flow for the room (during games or during the specified length of stay) and preferably a permissible number of people (in particular under pandemic conditions). A ventilation efficiency of the type of room ventilation, a room volume, a (specified) usage time and/or possibly additional cleaning devices, in particular air cleaning devices, are also preferably taken into account.

berücksichtigt.When determining the air quality status variable, the following relationship is preferred from the supply air flow V _ZUL of a ventilation device, an associated factor for room ventilation efficiency ε _v of the respective ventilation device, the room volume V _R of the (habitable) room, the specified length of stay T _A in the common room, the Volume flow of air cleaning device(s) operated in the (habitable) room and a (respective) relevant factor for the effectiveness of the air cleaning device(s), namely the sum of $${\text{V}}_{\text{PERMIT}}*{\mathrm{e}}_{\text{V}}+{\text{V}}_{\text{R}}/{\text{T}}_{\text{A}}+{\text{V}}_{\text{SLG}}*{\mathrm{n}}_{\text{SLG}}$$

taken into account.

When determining the air quality status variable, an effective personal volume flow is preferably taken into account, which preferably results from the following relationship: $${\text{V}}_{\text{wP}}=\left({\text{V}}_{\text{PERMIT}}*{\mathrm{e}}_{\text{V}}+{\text{V}}_{\text{R}}/{\text{T}}_{\text{A}}+{\text{V}}_{\text{SLG}}*{\mathrm{n}}_{\text{SLG}}\right)/\text{N}$$

VwP

um einen wirksamen personenbezogenen Volumenstrom (insbesondere Einheit m³/h),

VZUL

um einen (bereits obig beschriebenen) Zuluftstrom von einer Belüftungseinrichtung, insbesondere einer RLT-Anlage, für den (Aufenthalts-)Raum (insbesondere Einheit m³/h) (bei mehreren Belüftungseinrichtungen werden derartige jeweilige Summanden V_ZUL * ε_V addiert),

εV

um einen Faktor für Raumlüftungseffizienz,

VR

um das Raumvolumen (insbesondere Einheit m³), welches der (Aufenthalts-)Raum insbesondere einschließt,

TA

um eine Aufenthaltszeit (insbesondere Einheit h) und insbesondere um die vorgegebene Aufenthaltsdauer der (Raum-)Nutzer in dem (Aufenthalts-)Raum,

N

um die Anzahl der Raumnutzer und/oder die zulässige Personenzahl im (Aufenthalts)Raum gemäß Hygienekonzept,

VSLG

um den Volumenstrom von im (Aufenthalts-)Raum betriebenen Luftreinigungseinrichtung(en), insbesondere von Sekundärluftreinigungsgeräten, (insbesondere Einheit m³/h),

ηSLG

um einen Faktor für die Wirksamkeit der Luftreinigungseinrichtung(en), insbesondere der Sekundärluftgeräte, in der Aufenthaltszone (der Raumnutzer).

In summary, these are in particular (the variables already mentioned above):

VWP

to an effective personal volume flow (in particular unit m ³ /h),

VZUL

a supply air flow (already described above) from a ventilation device, in particular an HVAC system, for the (habitable) room (in particular unit m ³ /h) (in the case of several ventilation devices, such summands V _ZUL * ε _V are added),

εV

by a factor for room ventilation efficiency,

VR

the volume of space (in particular unit m ³ ) which the (habitable) space encloses in particular,

TA

a length of stay (in particular unit h) and in particular the specified length of stay of the (room) users in the (lounge) room,

N

by the number of room users and/or the permitted number of people in the (lounge) room according to the hygiene concept,

VSLG

to the volume flow of air cleaning device(s) operated in the (habitable) room, in particular secondary air cleaning devices, (in particular unit m ³ /h),

ηSLG

by a factor for the effectiveness of the air cleaning device(s), in particular the secondary air devices, in the occupied zone (of the room users).

The effective person-related volume flow is preferably used as the air quality status variable.

The number of (performing) artists and/or musicians can preferably (in principle) also be taken into account when determining the air quality state variable.

The number of artists and/or musicians is preferably not taken into account for the number of people N in the common room, in particular in an auditorium, if the exhaust air flow from the stage (in the common room) and/or the orchestra area (the common room) takes place via a stage tower.

The number of artists and/or musicians is preferably included in the number of people N in the common room if there is no ventilation area separation.

In a preferred method, an activity variable that is characteristic of an activity by people in the living room is determined, and the air quality state variable is determined as a function of the activity variable.

The activity size can be an average (probable and/or expected) activity of the room users. However, it is also conceivable that a detection device for detecting the activity (in particular in real time) is used to determine an activity variable. For example, it is conceivable that a camera (as a measuring device) is provided, which captures the room users at least partially and preferably essentially a large proportion of the room users. An evaluation of the activity of the room users can preferably be carried out, in particular via (computer-implemented) object detection methods. It can preferably be determined whether the room users are sitting and/or standing and/or behaving quietly and/or moving about predominantly and/or on average. It is also conceivable that a measure for the degree of movement and/or a dynamic is determined.

At least (and preferably precisely) one activity level from a plurality of predetermined activity levels is preferably assigned to the recorded and/or ascertained and/or specified and/or expected (average) activity of the persons.

For example, an (average) behavior of the room users in which they (essentially) (only) sit and/or stand and/or speak can be assigned a (common) activity level II.

Alternatively, the activity can also be entered by a user, preferably via an input device.

In a further preferred method, the air quality status variable is determined based on a specified release quantity of viruses from a person and/or based on a spread behavior of viruses (of a specified type) in the room air.

In a further preferred method, the air quality state variable is determined on the basis of an effectiveness parameter for the effectiveness of the at least one air cleaning device (if an air cleaning device is provided). This offers the advantage that (as explained above) a design and/or a (geometric) arrangement of the air cleaning device in the room can be taken into account.

The above-described factor for the effectiveness η _SLG of an air cleaning device is preferably used or drawn on as the effectiveness parameter.

In a further preferred method, the air quality status variable is compared with a predetermined threshold value.

The air quality status variable is preferably determined, and in particular the effective person-related volume flow Vw _P is determined taking into account the room data of the recreation room and/or taking into account system data of the recreation room. A volume and/or an area and/or a usage time (or the specified length of stay) and/or a number of people and/or a hygiene concept and/or window ventilation in relation to the common room is preferably taken into account in the (aforementioned) room data. A supply air flow and/or a supply air filter and/or a circulating air flow and/or one or more secondary devices (for air purification) and/or the position of the air passages are preferably taken into account in the (aforementioned) system data.

The specified threshold value preferably depends on the room type of the lounge and/or on the degree of occupancy (of the lounge) and/or on the (specified) length of stay (or length of stay) and/or on a degree of activity (of the room users).

The predefined threshold value (and/or the air quality status variable) preferably depends on a hygiene concept implemented by the room user, for example wearing a mask and in particular the type of mask (or its filter effect).

A personal minimum air flow Vmin is preferably selected as the threshold value. The following comparison is preferred: $${\text{V}}_{\text{wP}}\ge {\text{V}}_{\text{at least}}$$

If this size comparison is correct, the air quality status of the lounge is considered to minimize the risk of infection and is therefore acceptable (in the sense that it allows a stay that is suitable for a pandemic and reduces the risk of infection).

If the effective personal air flow V _wP reaches or exceeds the personal minimum air flow Vmin, the room ventilation is considered to minimize the risk of infection and a certificate sheet is preferably issued.

If the minimum flow Vmin is not reached, (general) recommendations for a timely and preferably cost-effective improvement of the effective personal ventilation flow V _wP (out) are given.

The ascertainment and/or the determination of Vmin is preferably based on reference data. The reference data preferably includes information on 1 infected person with and/or without a mask and/or information on the type of use (of the lounge) and/or a time of use and/or a number of people and/or an indication of a risk ratio R/R _Ref , such as for example R/R _Ref ≤ 1 (or R/R _S ≤ 1, see also the following explanations on R/Rs).

The table below shows examples of the selection of a personal minimum air flow Vmin as a threshold value or as a comparative value for assessing pandemic-friendly ventilation of public spaces, especially in arcades, preferably with activity level II of the room users (activity level II: sitting, standing, speaking). Room type : occupancy rate, length of stay, activity level personal minimum air flow Vmin (m ³ /h) auditorium. Studio stage: 40% occupancy with a mask, 2 h, II 40 Foyer with bar: approx. 50% of people without a mask, 30 min, II 45 Foyer without bar: people mostly with masks, 30 min, II 30

The predefined threshold value (and/or the air quality status variable) can preferably be selected depending on whether the room users and/or which proportion of the room users and/or which expected proportion of the room users implement specified hygiene measures. Examples of a specified hygiene measure are wearing a mouth and nose protector, observing a distance rule, isolation after the end of the performance and the like.

The predefined threshold value (and/or the air quality status variable) can preferably be selected depending on whether an operator of the recreation room implements predefined hygiene measures. In particular, such hygiene measures can include at least one measure that is selected from a group of measures that require regular cleaning and/or disinfection of door handles and/or handrails on stairs, frequently used surfaces (furniture, tables, counters, toilets, especially flushing toilets, taps and the like), increasing the cleaning cycles throughout the building, increasing the number of cleaning staff, leaving the doors inside the building or to the common room open in order to limit the use of handles and thus avoiding disease or virus transmission via door handles, providing and /or control of access to sanitary facilities (in particular by staff) in such a way that a minimum distance of at least 1.5 m within the sanitary facilities can be guaranteed Guaranteeing the minimum distance within the sanitary facilities, cleaning of seats (on the upper edge of the leather surface) after and/or before an event and the like.

Depending on a result of this comparison of the air quality state variable with the predefined threshold value, a warning message is preferably provided for output (in particular by means of at least one output device).

The output device can be a stationary or mobile terminal device. It is preferably a graphical output device, such as a screen.

If the minimum flow Vmin is not reached, general recommendations for a timely and preferably cost-effective improvement of the effective person-related ventilation flow V _wP are preferably output using at least one output device.

Preference can be given (as a recommendation for improvement measures) to an improvement measure that is selected from a group that includes a reduction in the number of people in the (habitable) room until the required minimum air flow is reached, an increase in the supply air flow, a retrofitting of secondary air devices, a guarantee by suitable organizational measures, a review of the state of the art of the HVAC systems and the like.

A (determined) variable can preferably be output via the output device, which is characteristic of the number of people by which the assumed number of people would have to be reduced in order to achieve the minimum flow.

A variable can preferably be output by means of the output device which is characteristic of an increase in the supply air flow which is required to achieve the minimum flow, in particular at least.

If the above-mentioned personal minimum currents Vmin and boundary conditions are observed, the ratio of the risk (R/Rs) that an infected person will infect another person remains well below 1 (R/R _S <1). In this case, the risk of infection Rs is/is preferably selected, which a person has when visiting a supermarket with a mask and/or which arises when visiting a 30% occupied cinema without a mask if another person in the room is infected. Due to the relative representation (or consideration) of the risk of infection R/Rs, the ratio of the risk of infection is the same even if the infectivity of the viral load changes.

It is preferably considered realistic that during a performance break, for example, only about 50% of the guests are served, who then do not wear mask protection.

In a further preferred method, the air quality state variable is determined as a function of the number of people. This offers the advantage that the air quality status of the living room can be assessed depending on a (pandemic-related) permissible number of people.

In a further preferred method, the determination of the air quality status variable is dependent on seat occupancy and/or a room occupancy plan. This offers the advantage that a minimum distance between the room users and a geometric arrangement of the room users in relation to one another can be taken into account.

In a further preferred method, a number of floors of the occupied space is taken into account when determining the air quality state variable. This offers the advantage that a very finely adjustable assessment of the air quality in the living room is possible.

In a further preferred method, a value for a minimum distance between pairs of adjacent seats to be occupied is provided and/or output for output, in particular as a function of the air quality state variable.

The air quality status variable is preferably output by means of the output device.

The ventilation device preferably has at least one mechanical ventilation system. A general hygiene standard of and in particular every mechanical ventilation system is preferably assessed as part of the assessment of the air quality status. In particular, it is preferably checked whether the (in particular all) ventilation systems are serviced and/or cleaned annually according to the specifications of the VDMA. Furthermore, it is checked whether hygiene inspections are carried out within the prescribed deadlines and/or whether defects found are (immediately) remedied. It is preferably checked whether the filters of the ventilation device and/or the mechanical ventilation system are changed at least once a year.

When determining the air quality state variable, the class of filters that are used in particular when outside air and/or fresh air (in the supply air) are supplied to the ventilation device is preferably taken into account.

The assessment is preferably based on the assumption that the room users (essentially) comply with the (current) AHA rules, the length of stay must not exceed the assumed (specified) length of stay for the personal minimum air flow, the level of activity corresponds to that of a normal visit to the theater (II). , the wearing of masks has an overall filter efficiency of approx. 50% and/or preferably the ventilation continues to run for at least one hour after the rooms have been used.

The air quality status variable is preferably determined as a function of the presence of an operated air recirculation device. In particular, an air recirculation device is a device for preparing and circulating room air without supplying outside air.

With a recirculation system (e.g. a system with recirculation), a possible viral load in the room is first diluted by the room air volume. A further reduction occurs when it flows through filters and/or other cleaning processes. Until there are more precise findings and/or analysis results on the risk of infection from HVAC systems with recirculation mode, the following conditions should preferably be observed: Recirculation mode is to be avoided during performances or when using the common room during the specified length of stay, the carbon dioxide content in the exhaust air should be 800 ppm not exceed. If, in particular, a permanent share of recirculated air is required, supply air filters of at least class ePM1 75% (previous class: F8) or separate recirculated air purification stages should preferably be used.

The present invention is also based on a system for assessing an air quality condition, in particular a ventilation condition, of a, in particular public, lounge for a large number of people to ensure a specified air quality during a specified length of stay for a specified number of people, the lounge being at least partially compared to the outside environment at least at times is delimited and has a predetermined spatial volume, the recreation room preferably having at least one ventilation device for supplying outside air from the outside environment into the recreation room.

According to the invention, the system has an analysis device which is suitable and intended for at least one supply air variable which is characteristic of the supply of outside air into the living room, at least one ventilation efficiency parameter which is characteristic of the efficiency of the ventilation device, preferably at least one air cleaning variable which is characteristic of air cleaning of room air by at least one air cleaning device in the living room, and the analysis device is suitable and intended for this, at least one air quality status variable depending on the determined supply air variable, the ventilation efficiency parameter, preferably the air cleaning variable based on the length of stay and the specified number of people determine.

It is therefore also proposed within the scope of the system according to the invention that an objective determination of an air quality status variable takes place, which can be output via an output device or a variable derived therefrom and/or as a function of which the ventilation device can be controlled.

Depending on the air quality status variable or one derived therefrom, at least one actuator of a ventilation device can preferably be activated

The system is preferably suitable and intended for carrying out method steps described as part of the method individually or in combination with one another.

The measuring and/or detection devices and/or data processing and/or image processing devices described above in connection with the method can preferably be part of the system.

• 1 einen schematischen Ablauf der Verfahrensschritte eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens entsprechend einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform; und
• 2 ein schematisches Flussdiagramm zur Prüfung einer pandemiegerechten Raumlüftung gemäß dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren entsprechend einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform.

Further advantages and embodiments result from the accompanying drawings:

• 1 a schematic sequence of the process steps of a method according to the invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment; and
• 2 a schematic flow chart for testing a pandemic-appropriate room ventilation according to the inventive method according to a preferred embodiment.

1 shows a schematic sequence of the method steps of a method according to the invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

The method relates in particular to an assessment of an air quality condition, in particular a ventilation condition, of a, in particular public, lounge for a large number of room users to ensure a specified air quality during a specified length of stay T _A for a specified number of people N of room users, with the lounge being compared to the outside environment at least temporarily is delimited at least in sections and has a predetermined volume V _R , the recreation room preferably having at least one ventilation device for supplying outside air from the outside environment into the recreation room.

The reference number 10 designates the method step of determining an inlet air variable V _ZUL , which is in particular an inlet air flow from the ventilation device of the recreation room, for example an HVAC system.

Reference number 12 designates a method step for determining a ventilation efficiency parameter, which is selected here as a factor for room ventilation efficiency ε _v .

Reference number 14 designates the preferred method step, in which an air cleaning variable V _SLG is determined, which is characteristic of air cleaning of room air by at least one air cleaning device (optionally present and/or operated in the room). The specification of a volume flow of the air cleaning device(s) operated in the recreation room (for example secondary air cleaning devices) is preferably selected as the air cleaning variable.

wobei η_SLG einen (angenommenen und/oder ermittelten) Faktor für die Wirksamkeit der Luftreinigungseinrichtung(en) in einer Aufenthaltszone der Raumnutzer in dem Aufenthaltsraum beschreibt.The variables ascertained from the preceding method steps 10, 12 and 14 can preferably be used to ascertain an air quality state variable V _wp in method step 16. The transmission is preferably carried out using the following formula: $${\text{V}}_{\text{wP}}=\left({\text{V}}_{\text{PERMIT}}*{\mathrm{e}}_{\text{V}}+{\text{V}}_{\text{R}}/{\text{T}}_{\text{A}}+{\text{V}}_{\text{SLG}}*{\mathrm{n}}_{\text{SLG}}\right)/\text{N},$$

where η _{SLG describes} an (assumed and/or determined) factor for the effectiveness of the air purification device(s) in a zone where the room users are in the room.

In this case, the air quality status variable is an effective person-related volume flow V _wP .

2 shows a schematic flow chart for testing a pandemic-appropriate room ventilation according to the method according to the invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

Preferably, after the start of the method, a determination and/or determination of room data for the recreation room, system data in relation to systems operated in the recreation room (in particular air conditioning systems or ventilation devices and preferably air cleaning devices, such as secondary (air cleaning) devices) and especially reference data.

The spatial data can include information and/or data selected from a group which contains information and/or data relating to a volume (of the lounge) and/or an area (of the lounge) and/or a usage time (or the predetermined stay duration) and/or a number of people and/or a hygiene concept and/or window ventilation in relation to the common room.

The system data preferably includes information and/or data selected from a group which includes information and/or data relating to a supply air flow and/or (at least) one (and preferably all) supply air filters and/or a circulating air flow and/or a or several secondary devices (for air purification) and/or the position of the air outlets.

The reference data preferably includes information and/or data relating preferably to 1 infected person with and/or without a mask and/or information/data to a type of use (of the recreation room) and/or to a time of use and/or to a number of people and/or refers to an indication of a ratio of the risk R/R _Ref , such as R/R _Ref ≤ 1 (or R/R _S ≤ 1, see also the explanations on R/Rs above).

In a (subsequent) further step, the effective personal volume flow V _wP (in particular as an air quality status variable) is preferably determined taking into account the room data of the lounge and/or taking into account system data of the lounge.

The personal minimum air flow Vmin is preferably ascertained and/or determined on the basis of the reference data.

A comparison of the effective person-related volume flow V _wP with the person-related minimum air flow Vmin then preferably takes place in a comparison step.

If the determined effective personal volume flow is greater than or equal to (preferably actually greater than) the personal minimum air flow Vmin, i.e. in particular when the personal minimum air flow Vmin is reached or exceeded, the room ventilation of the common room is considered to minimize the risk of infection and is preferred Certificate sheet issued. If the personal minimum air flow Vmin is not reached, (general) recommendations are given for a timely and cost-effective improvement of the effective personal ventilation flow.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are new compared to the prior art, either individually or in combination. It is also pointed out that the individual figures also describe features which can be advantageous in and of themselves. The person skilled in the art recognizes immediately that a specific feature described in a figure can also be advantageous without adopting further features from this figure. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art recognizes that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual figures or in different figures.

Reference List

10, 12, 14, 16

process steps

Claims (10)

Method for assessing an air quality condition, in particular a ventilation condition, of an, in particular public, lounge for a large number of room users to ensure a specified air quality during a specified length of stay of a specified number of people N of room users, the lounge being at least partially separated from the outside environment at least at times and has a predetermined room volume, the recreation room preferably having at least one ventilation device for supplying outside air from the outside environment into the recreation room, comprising the steps of: determining at least one supply air variable which is characteristic of the supply of outside air into the recreation room; - determining at least one ventilation efficiency parameter which is characteristic of an efficiency of the ventilation device; - Preferably determination of at least one air cleaning variable, which is characteristic of an air cleaning of room air by at least one air cleaning device of the recreation room; - Determination of at least one air quality variable depending on the determined supply air variable, des Ventilation efficiency parameters, preferably the air purification variable based on the length of stay and the specified number of room users. procedure after claim 1 , characterized in that an activity variable characteristic of an activity of the room users staying in the recreation room is determined and the air quality state variable is determined as a function of the activity variable. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination of the air quality status variable is based on a predetermined release quantity of viruses from a person and/or based on a spread behavior of viruses in the room air. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air quality state variable is determined on the basis of an effectiveness parameter for the effectiveness of the at least one air cleaning device. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air quality variable is compared with a predetermined threshold value and a warning message is provided for output as a function of a result of this comparison. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air quality variable is determined as a function of the number of people. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination of the air quality variable is dependent on seat occupancy. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a number of storeys of the habitable room is taken into account when determining the air quality status variable. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a value for a minimum distance between pairs of adjacent seats to be occupied is provided and/or output for output, in particular as a function of the air quality state variable. System for assessing an air quality condition, in particular a ventilation condition, of an, in particular public, lounge for a large number of room users to ensure a specified air quality during a specified length of stay for a specified number of room users, the lounge being at least partially separated from the outside environment at least at times and a has a predetermined room volume, the recreation room preferably having at least one ventilation device for supplying outside air from the outside environment into the recreation room, characterized in that the system has an analysis device which is suitable and intended for this, at least one supply air variable which is required for the supply of outside air into the living room, at least one ventilation efficiency parameter, which is characteristic of an efficiency of the ventilation device, preferably little to determine at least one air purification variable, which is characteristic of air purification of room air by at least one air purification device in the living room, and the analysis device being suitable and determined for this purpose, at least one air quality status variable depending on the determined supply air variable, the ventilation efficiency parameter, preferably the air purification variable based on the length of stay and to determine the specified number of people.

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