A theoretical investigation of the heat demand for public baths

Public baths normally use outdoor air to remove moisture from the building. This procedure results in large heating demands. A theoretical hour-based method for estimation of the heating demand has been developed. 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 on actual measurements in a public bath. The difference is 3%. A parametric study shows that the air temperature and relative humidity in the building strongly influence the heating demand. Comparisons with other prediction methods based on use of the duration curve or mean annual outdoor temperature show differences less than 5% from results obtained with the hour-based method. The simpler approaches (use of a duration curve or mean value) fail when minimum outdoor airflow must be considered, as will be the case, for instance, when comparing different energy-saving systems or design of components for the climate system.