Reducing infection risk in electric public transport vehicles by thermal inactivation: Sensitivity, limitations and optimization

Thermal storage systems can increase the range of battery electric vehicles in public transport by providing the heating power for cabin heating. In cold climatic regions in particular, the heating demand accounts for a large proportion of the vehicle's energy requirements. However, the thermal energy that has to be provided for heating could also reduce the risk of infection from aerosols in the vehicle through thermal inactivation. The performance of such a system depends on the boundary conditions of the vehicle and the environment. This study uses a Modelica simulation model to demonstrate the application limits, control and optimization of thermal inactivation of airborne pathogens for the passenger cabin of a people mover.