Otis Worldwide Corp. has commissioned a study into elevator airflow, how it affects the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus among passengers, and how to mitigate those risks through science-based safety protocols.
The study will be led by Dr. Qingyan (Yan) Chen, the James G. Dwyer professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue, who is recognized for his research into the spread of infectious disease through indoor air systems and how to prevent it.
“Since the start of this pandemic, we have been providing essential services for our customers and developing innovative solutions to address their challenges, including passenger safety concerns,” says Robin Fiala, vice president, Otis marketing & sales. “This study will build on our efforts to advance industry safety protocols and enable us to help our customers make more informed, science-based decisions about how to keep their tenants safe.”
Dr. Chen, who is also editor in chief of the scientific journal Building and Environment, uses 3D modeling in his research, which currently focuses on indoor environments, aircraft cabins, and energy-efficient, healthy, and sustainable building design and analysis. He has published three books and over 470 journal and conference papers and has been invited to deliver more than 170 lectures internationally. He previously served as principal director of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Center of Excellence (COE) for Airliner Cabin Environment Research.
“My team and I are looking forward to conducting this study to help the industry and riding public better understand the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission in an elevator environment as compared to other everyday activities, like shopping at a grocery store or eating at a restaurant,” says Dr. Chen. “Using state-of-the-art research techniques, we will also be able to scientifically validate preferred methods of mitigating passenger risks associated with the virus.”