Measuring dynamic thermal sensation in a residential bathroom for water-efficient showering

Abstract

Showering is a determining activity in domestic water consumption and thermal energy use. Shower room designs under thermal steady-state assumptions are not optimized for energy use and water consumption. This study experimentally explores the relationships between showering environments, individual characteristics, and occupants' dynamic thermal sensations (DTS) during the entire showering process, including undressing and dressing periods. Eighteen subjects participated in this experiment in a typical residential bathroom. Their thermal sensations were recorded every two minutes, and skin temperatures at seven locations were measured every minute. Air temperature and relative humidity, water temperature, and water flow rate were also monitored. Results indicated that water temperature dominated skin temperature, surpassing the effects of water flow rate and air temperature. A significant correlation between mean skin temperature and DTS was also established, and a predictive model was developed. These findings support using water-efficient showerheads to shower at a reduced water flow rate to conserve water. Considering the occupants ' DTS during showering, this study informs comfortable and energy-efficient shower environment designs.