Abstract
Purpose: Condensation in walk-in closets attached to apartment bathroom has been known as an emerging issue that may threat occupants' comfort and health. Despite a number of design guidelines and enforcements to prevent condensation, condensation issues may still occur depending on various cases and scenarios. We aim to identify what condensation scenarios may lead to walk-in closet condensation and/or worse the existing condensation issues. Method: First we choose an actual walk-in closet of an apartment that suffers from sporadic condensation and resulting mold and mildew. Then we observe its relative humidity and temperature after the bathroom is used, in which excessive vapor is thought to be transported to the walk-in closet. We analyze Temperature Difference Ratio - a domestic indicator of condensation occurrence, and dew point temperature to compare it with surface temperature using 2D heat transfer simulation upon various condensation scenarios. Result: TDR of the test walk-in closet turns out be OK despite mold and mildew actually occurring. Hot water pipe installed in the floor would greatly reduce condensation. If hot water pipe in the upper floor, however, is not used, or hot water pipe of the closet is turned off during swing seasons, it is expected that condensations may still occur.