International. The coronavirus pandemic has fundamentally changed the way many people think about hygiene. Who would have thought a year ago that we would wear masks in public and sanitize our hands several times a day? People who work at counters or checkout areas, or who deal with many customers in general, are particularly affected.
Many companies have improved virus protection with acrylic glass screens. However, these do not offer complete protection because the air can also carry viruses behind the screens. To achieve better protection of affected workers, Fraunhofer IBP in Holzkirchen has developed the "protective awning", a kind of airlock that protects people in the box or counter from the air in the rest of the room.
Portable protective canopy
The protective cover is a practical air filtering device no larger than a room humidifier that is easy to move to the work area on rotating wheels. The device sucks in the ambient air and filters it. The filtered air is then directed through a hose to an air outlet placed above the workstation, similar to a modern cantilevered umbrella with the umbrella fastened to a long arm. The filter built into the unit is a high-efficiency air particulate filter (HEPA) that is so thin that it can even contain virus particles.
Then the air comes out of the outlet like in a shower. This constant flow of air prevents ambient air from entering the work area. "In developing the unit, it was important for us to build a small, practical device that can be powered by a standard plug," says Dr. Victor Norrefeldt, group leader of air conditioning for aircraft and vehicles at Fraunhofer IBP. "That way there's no need to interfere with the entire building control system in general. Instead, we can create a simple, individual solution."
Indoor climate laboratory tests
Victor Norrefeldt and his team are currently testing the protective canopy at the Fraunhofer IBP indoor climate laboratory. The goal is to adjust the system so that the airflow does not cause an unpleasant air current, but is strong enough to keep out the surrounding air. "We can create drafts in the lab and then determine where the air flows by adding a tracer gas," explains Victor Norrefeldt. "Our goal is a reliable protective canopy that separates air while ensuring a pleasant working environment."
The inspiration for such a protective canopy came from the "Air-Conditioning Canopy" project, which has occupied the experts of Fraunhofer IBP for a long time. They developed a system that can specifically cool the head area. "A common problem inside is that your feet cool on the floor, but your head is hot because warmer air goes up," Norrefeldt explains. "With the air conditioning canopy, we can target cooler air to individual areas. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the room so that your feet stay pleasantly warm, but your head stays cool."
Source: Fraunhofer IBP.
