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| Current Projects on IAQ: | ||||||
| Experimental Study on the Flow Characteristics of Electro-hydrodynamic Gas Pump: (Dr. N. Buenconsejo �in collaboration with Prof. J.S.Chang, Dept of Engg Physics, McMaster University, Toronto) The flow characteristics of an electro-hydrodynamically� (EHD) driven air flow through� parallel and convergent short channels� is experimentally determined.� The variation of flow rate with applied voltage in the range 0 to 20 KV is obtained by measurements.� The current and power required for a given flow rate are also measured.� Flow visualization is conducted to determine the detailed flow characteristics and occurrences of flow instabilities.�� Results of the study will be highly applicable to the design and development of an EHD gas pump for hazardous, toxic, or contaminated gases. | ||||||
| Assessment of Airborne Particulate (Aerosol) Contamination Inside Classrooms Due to Blackboard Chalk:� -Measurement of Aerosol Distribution Inside a Non-air-conditioned Classroom: (Engr. Erlindo Malait; ongoing MEP thesis) Although classroom using blackboard and chalk are often of open type rooms, dust generated by chalk, -even those from chalks branded as ?dustless chalk?, could be a health hazard to pupils and teachers.� This study aims to assess the level of chalk dust contamination in an open type classroom.� The dust particle profile (particle count and size distribution)� at different points in a classroom is monitored.� The parameters that affect the particle profile such as, nature of openings: windows and doors, ventilation conditions such as air flow patterns, air temperature etc., are investigated.� | ||||||
| Study on the Impact of Window-type Air-conditioner Operation, Exhaust Fan Operation, and Room Air Leakage on the Airborne Particulate (Aerosol) Contamination Level in an Air-conditioned Office (Engr. Carlos Satiembre;ongoing MEP thesis).� Many offices and homes rely on a window type air-conditioner to provide cooling of indoors because of its simplicity in operation and installation.� However, many of these applications do not have special provisions for exhaust or ventilation to meet ventilation standards for health of �the occupants.� This study aims to assess the impact of window type air-conditioner operation on the particulate contamination level inside a room.� This study also assesses the effectiveness of exhaust fans in maintaining particulate contamination level in indoors.�� | ||||||
| Development of a Portable Air Cleaner For Particulate Contaminants in Confined Spaces� (Engr. Rodulfo Navarro, ongoing MEP thesis).� Confined spaces such as dormitory rooms, living room, work shops, classrooms may have significant indoor sources of particulate contaminants, such as, tobacco smoke, and dust.� The space could be an air conditioned room, and in this case �one way to control the contaminant level is to dilute indoor air with ventilation air from outdoor.� However, as the room is air-conditioned this could increase energy consumption as warm ventilation air is introduced into the room.� In many cases, the indoor sources of contaminant are clearly identified and their locations known; and therefore, to effectively control the contamination level in the room is to locate an air cleaner close to the contaminant source. Thus, there is a need for a portable-type particulate air cleaner.� This study aims to develop a portable air cleaner that uses particulate filter media.� The air cleaner will be tested and its performance evaluated in a confined space with source of pollutants from tobacco smoke, chalk dust, etc. | ||||||