Thermal energy consumption in comfortable showering environments for residential buildings

Abstract

This study developed a mathematical energy consumption model for different showering conditions to find effective energy-saving methods without sacrificing occupants’ thermal comfort during showering. Air temperature, water temperature, ventilation rate, and water flow rate were potentially influential factors. Results indicated that water flow and ventilation rates are the most and least significant variables regarding energy consumption. Therefore, the ventilation rate was suggested to be at least 0.03 kg/s (to maintain a relatively good air quality), and the water flow rate was suggested to be lower than 0.15 kg/s (corresponding to the first grade of the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) on Showers). The findings of this study could help residents and facility managers easily find out the optimal showering environment setting in terms of thermal comfort, energy consumption, and environmental effects.