A THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE HEAT DEMAND FOR PUBLIC BATHS

Public baths normally use outdoor air to remove moisture from the buil ding. This procedure results in large heating demands. A theoretical h our-based method for estimation of the heating demand has been develop ed. The method allows for dynamic behaviour with correct time periods for each mass-transfer level. Results of predictions with this method have been compared with yearly estimates of the heating demand based o n actual measurements in a public bath. The difference is 3%. A parame tric study shows that the air temperature and relative humidity in the building strongly influence the heating demand. Comparisons with othe r prediction methods based on use of the duration curve or mean annual outdoor temperature show differences less than 5% from results obtain ed with the hour-based method. The simpler approaches (use of a durati on curve or mean value) fail when minimum outdoor airflow must be cons idered, as will be the case, for instance, when comparing different en ergy-saving systems or design of components for the climate system. (C ) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.