Design Simulation and Data Analysis of an Air Handling System in Wards and COVID-19 Enclosure Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

Air Handling Units (AHUs) play a critical role in mechanical systems, conditioning and circulating air as part of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These systems are essential in hospital settings to ensure comfort and maintain high indoor air quality for patients, staff, and visitors. The design of HVAC systems in hospitals must meet stringent requirements, including optimal temperature distribution, thermal comfort, and effective contaminant removal. This study evaluates the indoor air quality (IAQ) of the AHU design at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center Hospital using Computational Fluid Dynamics software. The HVAC system was modeled and simulated in SOLIDWORKS, focusing on thermal comfort parameters such as airflow velocity (0.15–0.25 m/s), temperature (21–23.5 °C), and relative humidity (40–50%). The simulation results demonstrated compliance with ASHRAE 55 and ISO 7730 standards, with Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) values between –0.5 and +0.5 and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) below 20%. Contaminant Removal Effectiveness (CRE) values exceeded 1.0 across all rooms, while the Local Air Quality Index (LAQI) ranged from 1.1 to 1.9. These findings underscore the efficacy of the designed AHU in ensuring a comfortable and safe indoor environment in the hospital.