The Kohler Steam Calculator is a useful tool designed to help users determine the appropriate size and settings for a steam generator in their steam shower. By taking into account various factors such as room volume, material type, and additional features, the calculator ensures optimal steam output and efficiency.
Inputs
To use the Kohler Steam Calculator effectively, you need to input the following details:
- Room Dimensions (L, W, H): The length, width, and height of the steam room, measured in feet.
- Material Type (MT): The type of material used in the steam room (e.g., tile, marble, glass), as different materials have different heat retention properties.
- Additional Features (AF): Any additional features that might affect steam requirements, such as exterior walls or windows.
Formulas and Calculations
The Kohler Steam Calculator uses several steps to determine the correct steam generator size.
1. Calculate Room Volume
First, calculate the volume of the steam room by multiplying its length, width, and height:
[ \text{Volume (V)} = L \times W \times H ]
where:
- ( V ) = Volume of the room in cubic feet
- ( L ) = Length of the room in feet
- ( W ) = Width of the room in feet
- ( H ) = Height of the room in feet
2. Material Multiplier (MM)
Different materials have different heat retention properties, affecting steam requirements. Here are some examples:
- Tile: 1.0
- Marble: 2.0
- Glass: 1.3
3. Additional Features Multiplier (AFM)
Additional features such as exterior walls or windows can increase steam requirements. Typical multipliers might be:
- Exterior wall: 1.1
- Window: 1.2
4. Calculate Total Multiplier
The total multiplier is calculated by multiplying the material multiplier and any additional feature multipliers:
[ \text{Total Multiplier (TM)} = MM \times AFM ]
5. Calculate Steam Generator Size
Finally, determine the required steam generator size by multiplying the room volume by the total multiplier:
[ \text{Steam Generator Size (SGS)} = V \times TM ]
Example Calculation
Let’s go through an example to illustrate how the Kohler Steam Calculator works.
Inputs:
- Room Dimensions: Length (L) = 6 feet, Width (W) = 5 feet, Height (H) = 8 feet
- Material Type: Tile (Multiplier = 1.0)
- Additional Features: One exterior wall (Multiplier = 1.1)
- Calculate Room Volume:
[ V = 6 \times 5 \times 8 = 240 \text{ cubic feet} ]
- Material Multiplier:
[ MM = 1.0 ]
- Additional Features Multiplier:
[ AFM = 1.1 ]
- Calculate Total Multiplier:
[ TM = MM \times AFM = 1.0 \times 1.1 = 1.1 ]
- Calculate Steam Generator Size:
[ SGS = V \times TM = 240 \times 1.1 = 264 \text{ cubic feet} ]
Summary
For a steam room with dimensions 6 feet by 5 feet by 8 feet, made of tile, and with one exterior wall, the required steam generator size is 264 cubic feet.
Example Table
Here’s a table summarizing the input values and results from our example calculation:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Room Length (L) | 6 feet |
| Room Width (W) | 5 feet |
| Room Height (H) | 8 feet |
| Material Type | Tile (1.0) |
| Additional Features | Exterior Wall (1.1) |
| Room Volume (V) | 240 cubic feet |
| Total Multiplier (TM) | 1.1 |
| Steam Generator Size (SGS) | 264 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Kohler Steam Calculator is an essential tool for anyone looking to install a steam shower. By accurately inputting room dimensions, material type, and additional features, users can ensure they select the right steam generator size to provide the best steam output and efficiency. This not only enhances the steam shower experience but also ensures energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.