Effect of Portable Air Cleaner Placement on Airborne Infection Control in Learning Environments

Portable air cleaners (PACs) are crucial for minimizing airborne pathogen transmission in educational settings. This study employs a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model to optimize PAC implementation in classrooms. PACs with a clean air delivery rate of 2.6 hr-1 reduce student aerosol intake by up to 66%, particularly beneficial in poorly ventilated spaces. Strategic PAC placement, within 3 m of potential infectors or centrally in unidentified cases, enhances effectiveness. Adjusting PAC discharge height to occupants' breathing levels (e.g., 0.9-1.2 m for seated individuals) improves performance in areas with inadequate air circulation. Overall, this research provides science-based insights for maximizing PAC efficacy, emphasizing their role in mitigating disease transmission in indoor environments.