Performance assessment of an operating theatre design using CFD simulation and tracer gas measurements

This paper advocates application of the performance-based approach to arrive at improved, innovative and more functional buildings. It does so by describing the development of a performance assessment methodology for the assessment of the efficiency of a ventilation system in an operating theatre. This assessment is performed in the design and use phase to adhere to the performance-based approach definition. The developed methodology was tested in a real case study with an innovative down-flow plenum. The focus was on the low infection rate functional requirement. The results from the case study indicated that the assessment methodology functions and that the innovative down-flow systems, that was the topic of the case study, adhered to the requirements set. Some parts of the methodology, however, allow openings for further research. On the other hand, a similar assessment can be extended to other requirements, such as thermal comfort, hypothermia, etc.