Showering thermal physiology and energy consumption

Abstract

The thermal environment in buildings, including bathrooms, is essential to occupants’ health and energy consumption. Many thermal comfort models have been developed in recent decades. However, only a limited number of models are available that attempt to forecast individuals’ thermal sensations while showering, and these models rarely take into account people’s thermal physiology. This study applied a dynamic thermal sensation (DTS) model developed by a recent study to predict people’s thermal comfort during the undressing and showering processes under different settings. The results were compared with the subjects’ self-reported thermal sensations collected during a previous field study, and the differences between them indicated the necessity of improving the DTS model during showering. Additionally, these findings showed that the water temperature preferred by most people (about 39 ℃) might lead to a hot thermal sensation during showering. Considering the greater influence of water temperature compared to air temperature on energy consumption, it is recommended to maintain relatively lower water temperatures and higher air temperatures during showering. This setting could ensure a comfortable thermal sensation for undressing and showering while promoting energy conservation.