A flow of fresh air protects against coronavirus
Published: 24th Feb 2021

The system appears similar to conventional screens. The graphic illustrates how it functions.
Munich, Germany - People who are required to serve a large number of customers at a checkout or counter are at a particularly high risk of exposure to COVID-19. At the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP, a type of air lock was therefore developed to shield work stations from the surrounding air using constant ventilation. This “protective canopy” was unveiled to the public from January 13 to 15, 2021, at the online BAU trade fair.
The coronavirus pandemic has fundamentally changed the way that many people think about hygiene. Who would have thought a year ago that we would be wearing masks in public and disinfecting our hands several times a day? People who work at counters or checkout areas, or who deal with many customers in general, are particularly affected. Many companies have improved virus protection with acrylic glass screens. However, these do not offer comprehensive protection because the air can also carry viruses behind screens. To achieve better protection of affected workers, Fraunhofer IBP in Holzkirchen has developed the “protective canopy,” a kind of air lock that shields people at the checkout or counter from the air in the rest of the room. This technology will be exhibited to the public for the first time at the BAU trade fair, which is taking place online from January 13 to 15, 2021.
Portable protective canopy: The protective canopy is a handy air filter device no larger than a room humidifier that is easy to move to the work area on castor wheels. The device draws in the ambient air and filters it. The filtered air is then directed through a hose to an air outlet positioned above the work station, similar to a modern cantilever parasol with the umbrella attached to a long arm. The filter built into the unit is a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that is so fine it can even hold back virus particles.
The air then flows out of the outlet like in a shower. This constant flow of air prevents ambient air from entering the work area. “When developing the unit, it was important for us to build a small, practical device that can be supplied with power using a standard plug,” says Dr. Victor Norrefeldt, group leader of aircraft and vehicle air conditioning at Fraunhofer IBP. “That way there is no need to interfere with the overall entire building control system. Instead, we can create a simple, individual solution.”
Indoor climate laboratory tests: Norrefeldt and his team are currently testing the protective canopy in the Fraunhofer IBP indoor climate laboratory. The aim is to adjust the system so that the airflow does not cause an unpleasant draft but is still strong enough to keep out the surrounding air. “We can create air currents in the laboratory and then determine where the air is flowing by adding a tracer gas,” Victor Norrefeldt explains. “Our goal is a reliable protective canopy that separates the air while ensuring a pleasant working environment.”
The inspiration for such a protective canopy came from the “Air-Conditioning Canopy” project, which has occupied the experts at Fraunhofer IBP for a long time. They developed a system that can specifically cool the head area. “A common problem indoors is that your feet get cold on the floor, but your head is warm because hotter air rises,” explains Norrefeldt. “With the air-conditioning canopy, we can target cooler air at individual areas. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to set the room temperature so that your feet remain pleasantly warm, but your head stays cool.”
© Prof. Harald Kuhn
As of September 1, 2020, Prof. Harald Kuhn takes over the management of the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems ENAS in Chemnitz and a professorship at Chemnitz University of Technology.
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the leading organization for applied research in Europe. Its research activities are conducted by 72 institutes and research units at locations throughout Germany.
Tags: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Covid-19
Footwear Industry Articles
- Back to Amazon, up with prices — is Nike’s comeback plan enough?Nike has now reported its fourth straight quarter of declining year-over-year sales. To stop the slide, it’s making two major moves — selling directly on Amazon again and raising prices on select products. These strategies may offer a short-term lift, but deeper challenges remain.Returning to Amazon connects Nike to over 230 m ...moreThe key to a long life - a zest for livingObituary: William ‘Bill’ Ramage – King Tanning, Apeco (01/05/1931-19/07/2024) ...moreSwedish retailer wanted to ensure its European suppliers were a better fit than Far East – SGS assessment programme raised standards of Macedonian supplierGeneva, Switzerland (16 May 2025) – A partnership between testing, inspection and certification company SGS and luxury goods retailer, Shepherd of Sweden, has led to a transformation in footwear quality, reduced waste and increased production from one of the Swedish company’s principal European suppliers.Known for its hig ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- Rwanda plans tannery parkKigali, Rwanda – According to an article in The New Times on 08 April, Rwanda is to establish a tannery park, including a centralised effluent treatment plant, to service more than 1 tannery.The planned tannery park is to be in the Bugesera Industrial Zone, about 50 kilometres from Kigali.The Times reported that the Leather Value Ch ...moreRolfes management get to know new colleaguesSpeciality chemicals distributor the Solevo Group, which acquired various Rolfes businesses in SA last year to add to its African portfolio, had a teambuilding and strategic session for senior management in Côte d'Ivoire recently. Pictured are the 4 South Africans (from left): Quintin Marais, MD of Rolfes Leather, Justin Ghersie, co ...more‘Real Leather. Stay different.’ chooses Taipei to host 2025 international finalThe Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA) has selected Taipei, Taiwan, as the host city for the 5th annual Real Leather. Stay Different. (RLSD) international student design competition final, scheduled for 27-28 October 2025.Following events in London and Milan, the competition now underscores Asia's rising prominence as a hub for ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- Understanding respirator PPEThe subject of Respirator Personal Protective Equipment is confusing until one understands the basic concept requirements.OHS Act defines Respiratory Protective Equipment as a device which is worn over at least the mouth and nose to prevent the inhalation of air borne hazardous chemical substances and which is of a type or conforms to a s ...moreMine deaths in SA ‘lowest ever’ in 2024Extract from the release of 2024 mine health and safety statistics by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, on 23 January 2025. ...moreNew standard for PFAS assessment for consumer products ‘is useful for manufacturers, consumers, laboratories, and regulators’W. Conshohocken, Pa., U.S. (07 January 2025) – A new ASTM International standard will provide users with a road map for planning and executing assessments of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products and articles. The new standard, which will be published as F3700, was developed by ASTM&rsqu ...more
© S&V Publications