• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.89-97
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• 2022

Purpose: Because of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many cases of using portable negative pressure unit to convert general wards into temporary negative pressure isolation wards. The purpose of this study is to analyze the indoor environment of the switching type wards. Methods: Field measurements and experiments were conducted in a medical facility. Air volume, wind speed and pressure difference were measured in non-occupant state. Dispersion tests were performed with gas and particle matter. Results: The pressure difference between the wards and the corridor was higher than -2.5 Pa in normal situation. However, in the gas and particle dispersion tests, it was found that there were concerns about the spread through leakages in low-airtight walls or ceilings. In addition, it was confirmed that the pressure imbalance in ducts through the non-sealed diffusers could cause back flow during portable unit operation. Furthermore, when there was a pressure difference between adjacent wards planned to be at same pressure level, the possibility of the spread through the leakages was found. Implications: When using portable units for making switching type wards, it is necessary to create airtight space and seal the non-operation diffusers. In case of operating the air handling unit, T.A.B must be performed to adjust the duct balancing.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.43-51
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• 2023

Purpose: To accommodate the increasing number of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous portable HEPA filter units (PHUs) were installed in the general wards of existing medical facilities(EMFs) to convert them into emergency conversion facilities (ECFs). The purpose of this study was to build a dataset in preparation for emerging infectious diseases in the post-COVID-19 era by analyzing the construction and operation of ECFs. Methods: Field investigations were conducted during ECF operation periods based on the analysis of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HAVC) system design documents for six ECFs across Korea. Interviews were conducted with facility managers during the field investigations. Results: When constructing an ECF within an EMF, the installation status and characteristics of the existing system should be considered. Field investigations and verifications of the operation of HAVC systems must be conducted beforehand for smooth ECF operations. If heating and cooling are required with indoor air circulation type equipment in an ECF zone, the implementation of a heating and cooling method that can satisfy the comfort requirements of the occupants while minimizing cross-contamination is essential. When using PHUs that do not meet the performance standards required by medical equipment, the noise level resulting from such equipment operation must be evaluated and improved. Implications: For EMFs, various guidelines that can be referred to for the construction and operation of ECFs must be developed to prepare for emerging infectious diseases in the future.