Modelagem computacional de arranjos de desinfecção para melhoria de qualidade de ar interno em ambientes hospitalares

Abstract

The growing need for safe and comfortable hospital environments, especially in critical sectors such as pneumology, highlights the relevance of technologies that improve air quality and reduce infection risks. While air-conditioned spaces provide thermal comfort, they can facilitate the spread of contaminants, requiring solutions that integrate microbiological safety and thermal efficiency. In this context, the application of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) systems emerges as a promising alternative. However, the lack of detailed studies on how different UVGI systemconfigurations impact both disinfection and the thermal and hydrodynamic properties of hospital environments poses a limitation to the technical choices for adopting this technology. Moreover, there is a scarcity of experimental validation and regulatory guidelines to ensure the effective use of these systems in critical spaces. This study aimed to analyze the influence of mobile, fixed perimeter, and fixed transversal UVGI arrangements for hygienic air circulation and thermal comfort in the pneumology sector of Lauro Wanderley University Hospital using computational fluid dynamics through the Ansys/Fluent software. Temperature distribution, airflow velocity, and disinfection efficiency were evaluated using multiphase models. The results showed that mobile systems stood out for their flexibility, contributing to the elimination of residual heat zones and promoting a more balanced air circulation. Additionally, this configuration altered the average temperature by only 0.403◦C in its area of influence, which complies with Brazilian standards for thermal comfort. In disinfection analysis, transversal configurations demonstrated the highest potential in the multiphase model, achieving a 1.07% disinfection rate after 10 seconds of simulation, which corresponds to 68.58% of the theoretical reference value (1.56%). However, the system’s efficiency depends on variables such as exposure time and relative positioning to the airflow, suggesting the need for more detailed studies for real-world validation. This study provides a technical and practical understanding of UVGI system implementation in hospital environments, contributing to microbiological safety and thermal comfort. The findings may support the development of specific guidelines and informthe application of this technology in other collective contexts, such as schools and public transportation, enhancing its positive impact on public health.