Hello everyone
As a temporary living space (during the house renovation), I am currently building a caravan that stylistically resembles a circus wagon. It includes a small shower and a compact kitchen. (Plans are attached as a PDF)
My original idea to heat the water with an instant water heater turned out to be unfeasible (too high power consumption). So, the only option left is a boiler. It should not be larger than necessary, as space is limited. I am even considering purchasing a horizontal model and installing it below the floor, essentially in the chassis, and surrounding it with an insulated wall.
The question is: How big does it need to be? It must be sufficient for 2 people to shower within one hour (assuming the showering time is kept as short as necessary). Various figures regarding water consumption for showers and the minimum size of a boiler for a small two-person household circulate online. I think it should be at least 100 liters (26 gallons).
Does anyone have experience with this? Any recommendations?
Thanks and best regards
Michael
As a temporary living space (during the house renovation), I am currently building a caravan that stylistically resembles a circus wagon. It includes a small shower and a compact kitchen. (Plans are attached as a PDF)
My original idea to heat the water with an instant water heater turned out to be unfeasible (too high power consumption). So, the only option left is a boiler. It should not be larger than necessary, as space is limited. I am even considering purchasing a horizontal model and installing it below the floor, essentially in the chassis, and surrounding it with an insulated wall.
The question is: How big does it need to be? It must be sufficient for 2 people to shower within one hour (assuming the showering time is kept as short as necessary). Various figures regarding water consumption for showers and the minimum size of a boiler for a small two-person household circulate online. I think it should be at least 100 liters (26 gallons).
Does anyone have experience with this? Any recommendations?
Thanks and best regards
Michael
Hello Michael,
Except for very small storage tanks, I consider the size of the storage more of a comfort issue. Those who spend the construction phase with hot water probably don’t have very high demands. Then there is the matter of available space, which is not unlimited in the hot water system, and the available electrical connection capacity.
My idea would be, for example, a 50-liter (13-gallon) storage tank set to 45°C (113°F) during the day, which is then briefly heated up to as high as 85°C (185°F) shortly before showering. This significantly increases the usable volume.
This could be complemented with a shower thermostat and a water-efficient showerhead to reduce large withdrawals in a short time and thus minimize mixing inside the storage tank.
Olli
Except for very small storage tanks, I consider the size of the storage more of a comfort issue. Those who spend the construction phase with hot water probably don’t have very high demands. Then there is the matter of available space, which is not unlimited in the hot water system, and the available electrical connection capacity.
My idea would be, for example, a 50-liter (13-gallon) storage tank set to 45°C (113°F) during the day, which is then briefly heated up to as high as 85°C (185°F) shortly before showering. This significantly increases the usable volume.
This could be complemented with a shower thermostat and a water-efficient showerhead to reduce large withdrawals in a short time and thus minimize mixing inside the storage tank.
Olli
M
Michael CH7 Jan 2016 19:58ypg schrieb:
I just saw a report on TV about tiny houses and quickly browsed the website: I thought there were also building plans and such available there. Are there no details regarding your question on that site?
Yes, I’ve been following that for several years. Regarding shower enclosures, there isn’t much information. Usually (even in expensive models) the showers seem somewhat makeshift.
M
Michael CH7 Jan 2016 20:05wrobel schrieb:
Hello Michael
I see the size of the storage tank, apart from very small ones, mostly as a matter of convenience. If you spend the construction phase with warm water, you probably don’t have very high demands there. Then there is the consideration of the available space, which is not unlimited for hot water, and the issue of available electrical connection capacity.
OlliHello Olli
From what I have found out, a single shower requires at least 40 liters (10.5 gallons) of water. For two people who have been working in the dirt at the construction site, the desire would be for both to be able to shower within a short time. My hope was to find someone who could share experience from a comparable situation (it could also be a holiday cabin).
Available electrical capacity is not an issue since our house is being newly connected, and we will install the distribution board as soon as possible to have water available. We will inform the company about the caravan so that the installation can be done accordingly.
Best regards
Michael
M
Michael CH7 Jan 2016 20:11EveundGerd schrieb:
In my opinion, the boiler is sufficient. A water heater is unnecessary because the boiler works like an instantaneous water heater.Thank you for your reply. A boiler, or rather an instantaneous water heater that serves a shower, easily requires 36 amperes. We cannot supply that on the remote plot, as only 24 amperes are available. There is no gas either, and I do not want to carry gas cylinders.
I consulted an electrician who recommended a water heater.
Best regards
Michael
M
Michael CH7 Jan 2016 20:13FrankH schrieb:
Since you mentioned the topic (a bit off-topic here):
Wedi panels are definitely much better in terms of thermal insulation, but also significantly more expensive than Fermacell boards.I appreciate the note. Thanks.
How thick should a Wedi panel be if it is to be glued onto a substructure (three-layer board)? Do I need to waterproof it before tiling? (shower enclosure)
Michael
EveundGerd7 Jan 2016 20:28The heater also works when powered by a vehicle battery, so at 12 V. In the technical specifications, it is listed as 230 V / 1.3 A.
Have you thoroughly studied the subject at all? My question about why you don’t simply invest in a caravan instead of spending a lot of money and time on a conversion still hasn’t been answered.
An electrician doesn’t necessarily have expertise with the electrical components used in campers or motorhomes. Truma also offers water heaters, which operate well below your 24 A.
There are also specialized forums for camping where you will find better information for your questions about converting the vehicle.
Have you thoroughly studied the subject at all? My question about why you don’t simply invest in a caravan instead of spending a lot of money and time on a conversion still hasn’t been answered.
An electrician doesn’t necessarily have expertise with the electrical components used in campers or motorhomes. Truma also offers water heaters, which operate well below your 24 A.
There are also specialized forums for camping where you will find better information for your questions about converting the vehicle.
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