How do We Reduce the Heat Loss from the Surface of the School Swimming Pool?

Abstract:

The ISF Academy, is a K- 12 school in Hong Kong for over 2000 students. In 2018, ISF completed the construction of an indoor swimming pool. The pool is 25 m x 12 m x 1.5 m (450 meters cubed of water). The pool is currently heated between 28 and 29.5 degrees Celsius year round, making it the largest consumer of electricity on the campus. Electrical usage at the school is measured , by a network of 5000+ energy sensors that continuously track the pool and other energy consuming appliances energy usage. Once the water has been heated to the desired temperature (28 - 29.5 degrees Celsius), additional energy is constantly required to maintain this temperature to compensate for heat loss. Heat loss occurs by conduction through the walls of the pool and by evaporation from the surface of the pool. A mathematical model will be developed with the aim of reducing heat loss from the swimming pool, parameters including water temperature, relative humidity in the pool area, water volume and surface area, evaporation loss, water loss and side wall heat conduction will be considered. The model will be used to measure the impact of using a pool blanket over a 24 hour period to reduce the heat loss and therefore save energy, in comparison to current practises where a pool blanket is not used.