Ventilation Strategies for Minimizing Airborne Infection Risks Inside Vehicles: Insights From Computational Modeling

Adequate ventilation plays a crucial role in diminishing the transmission of respiratory infectious diseases within confined spaces such as vehicles. This study delves into the significance of ventilation strategies in curbing the spread of airborne infections, with a particular emphasis on the context of COVID-19. Leveraging a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model in conjunction with a tailored Wells–Riley model, the research assesses infection risks in both cars and buses across diverse ventilation scenarios. The results validate the efficacy of CFD simulations by corroborating them with experimental results, underscoring the pivotal function of window ventilation in ameliorating air quality within vehicles. Notably, in small cars, opening windows showcased a notable reduction in infection probability ranging from 7.94% to 33.02% compared to scenarios where windows remained closed. For buses, the implementation of lower level air conditioning emerged as a superior ventilation strategy in minimizing infection risks among passengers, particularly when accompanied by a 2 m/s airflow emanating from the vent. Furthermore, the adoption of masks exhibited a substantial risk reduction exceeding 40% across all analyzed scenarios. These findings provide invaluable insights for optimizing ventilation protocols to safeguard public health in vehicular settings.