Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-aided design system that incorporates an airborne contaminant-flow calculator. In designing a new architectural structure, or modifying an existing one, the calculator informs the architect of the airflow ramifications of the design as the design is created or modified. The calculator uses a closed-form solution for calculating the airflow in order to present its results in a timely fashion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes: accepting input data for a design including arrangement of spaces of a structure, operating parameters of a ventilation system, and locations and relative positions of an uninfected individual and one or more infected individuals in the structure with respect to air flowing in the structure and influenced by the ventilation system; calculating an inverse protection factor for the structure using a lumped element model, the inverse protection factor being an inverse of a protection factor which is a ratio of contaminant which the one or more infected individuals exhale in the structure and contaminant which the uninfected individual inhales in the structure; comparing the calculated inverse protection factor to a preset criterion; and if the calculated inverse protection factor fails to meet the preset criterion, changing the design, and repeating the calculating, comparing, and changing until the calculated inverse protection factor meets the preset criterion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a ventilation control system includes a processor; a memory; a calculation module to calculate an inverse protection factor for a structure using a lumped element model, the inverse protection factor being an inverse of a protection factor which is a ratio of contaminant which the one or more infected individuals exhale in the structure and contaminant which the uninfected individual inhales in the structure; and a ventilation control module to control a ventilation system to modify air flowing in the structure. The inverse protection factor is calculated based on operating parameters of the ventilation system, arrangement of spaces of the structure, and locations and relative positions of the infected and uninfected individuals in the structure with respect to air flowing in the structure and influenced by the ventilation system. The ventilation control module is configured to control the ventilation system based on the calculated inverse protection factor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intelligent heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system. Located within an architectural structure, the HVAC system incorporates an airborne contaminant-flow calculator. When sensors (or a human operator) detect an “incident” (e.g., a contaminant is detected or an unexpected breach occurs in the structure that may be associated with the introduction of a contaminant), the HVAC system recalculates airflows for the structure. If the newly recalculated airflow so warrants, the HVAC system protects the structure's occupants from the airborne contaminant by changing the airflow through the structure (e.g., the HVAC system closes a shutter in the air ducts, turns up a fan, or redirects airflow to a standby filtration system). The HVAC system's calculator uses a closed-form solution for calculating the airflow in order to present its results in a timely fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-aided design system that incorporates an airborne contaminant-flow calculator. In designing a new architectural structure, or modifying an existing one, the calculator informs the architect of the airflow ramifications of the design as the design is created or modified. The calculator uses a closed-form solution for calculating the airflow in order to present its results in a timely fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intelligent heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system. Located within an architectural structure, the HVAC system incorporates an airborne contaminant-flow calculator. When sensors (or a human operator) detect an “incident” (e.g., a contaminant is detected or an unexpected breach occurs in the structure that may be associated with the introduction of a contaminant), the HVAC system recalculates airflows for the structure. If the newly recalculated airflow so warrants, the HVAC system protects the structure's occupants from the airborne contaminant by changing the airflow through the structure (e.g., the HVAC system closes a shutter in the air ducts, turns up a fan, or redirects airflow to a standby filtration system). The HVAC system's calculator uses a closed-form solution for calculating the airflow in order to present its results in a timely fashion.