Mode: Mixed
This talk introduces new methods for visualizing and quantifying indoor air flow using various Schlieren techniques including a large-scale mirror as well as Background Oriented Schlieren in both 2D and 3D. These techniques have been adapted to capture the particularly small density gradients that occur in indoor airflow. Additional experimental approaches, such as thermal manikins exhaling heated, humidified air containing CO₂ and aerosols in climate chambers, complement the visualization methods.
During the pandemic, these techniques were extensively employed in collaborations with medical scientists to study indoor environments. For example, Schlieren imaging was used to capture airflow produced by breathing and coughing, both with and without various types of respiratory protective devices, such as masks and shields. Beyond their specific applications during the pandemic, the experimental and numerical methods are also employed to assess the impact of ventilation strategies and room design on indoor air quality and thermal comfort.
Professor Conrad Voelker is the head of the Department of Building Physics at Bauhaus-University Weimar, Germany. The department conducts research in the fields of (1) indoor climate, including indoor air quality and thermal comfort, (2) energy and buildings, with a focus on reducing the energy demand of buildings and districts, and (3) acoustics, covering both building and room acoustics. In addition, the Master’s program Building Physics is offered. The department hosts various laboratories, including a climate chamber, a Schlieren laboratory, an acoustics laboratory, the living wall VertiKKA, and the Bauhaus Energy Hub. Findings from this research are regularly published in high-impact journals. Professor Voelker and his team have received numerous awards for both their scientific work and teaching.
Clean water and clean air are vital for public health. This project focuses on developing high-efficiency and environmentally sustainable filters for removing harmful air/water pollutants. The team has developed novel architectures and functionalities for the filters to achieve high permeance, high removal efficiency, and excellent reusability.
