Public defence, Energy Technology, M.Sc. Muhammad Farhan Ejaz

Title of the thesis: Mitigation of airborne contaminants in classrooms and meeting rooms with ventilation, air cleaning, and structural measures.

Thesis defender: Muhammad Farhan Ejaz
Opponent: Prof. Mariya Petrova Bivolarova, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
Opponent: Prof. Yuguo Li, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 
Custos: Prof. Risto Kosonen, Aalto University School of Engineering

Mitigation of airborne contaminants in classrooms and meeting rooms with ventilation, air cleaning, and structural measures 

Since people spend most of their time indoors, reducing exposure to airborne contaminants has become an increasingly important challenge for building design. The quality of indoor air has a direct impact on people's health, wellbeing, and ability to learn and performance of work. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for indoor spaces that can effectively limit the spread of airborne diseases.

This doctoral thesis investigates practical methods for reducing airborne contaminants in classrooms and meeting rooms. It evaluates how different air distribution methods, portable air cleaners, and structural measures influence the movement of airborne contaminants and occupants' exposure under different indoor conditions.

The thesis demonstrates that the most effective approach combines high-performing air distribution with complementary measures that target the source of contaminants or efficiently remove them from the indoor air. It also examines how factors such as airflow patterns, heat gains, and the location of the contaminant source influence the performance of these mitigation strategies.

The thesis provides practical guidance for the design and operation of healthier educational and office buildings. It supports engineers, architects, building owners, and investors in selecting effective strategies to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of airborne disease transmission. The thesis also contributes to the development of sustainable buildings that protect occupants during both everyday use and future public health emergencies.

Key words: Air distribution, local exhaust, air cleaning, structural measures, cross-infection, meeting room, classroom, experimental measurements, computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

Thesis available for public display 7 days prior to the defence at Aalto University's public display page. 

Contact information: muhammad.ejaz@aalto.fi