Numerical analysis of geometrical and process parameters influence on temperature stratification in a large volumetric heat storage tank

Lino Kocijel, Vedran Mrzljak and Vladimir Glažar

Energy, 2020, vol. 194, issue C

Abstract: This paper presents various numerical analyses of two-dimensional temperature and velocity fields in vertical cylindrical large volumetric heat storage tanks used in municipal heating applications. Numerical simulations were performed in order to investigate the shape impact of the heat storage tank (height-to-diameter ratio), the diffuser distance from the top of the tank, temperature difference between the warm and cold water and the volume flow variation on temperature stratification in the tank. The accuracy and precision of the numerical model was verified by comparing the numerical calculation results with the measurement results from the literature. An empirical model for the calculation of the tank wall (mantle) insulation thickness with maximum constant temperature inside the tank was also developed. The effect of reducing the insulation thickness and changing the seasons on quality of the temperature stratification and thermal losses through the tank insulation were analyzed. The financial analysis justified the possible reduction of the insulation thickness, and more flexible investment in the plant is presented.

Keywords: Thermal energy storage; Numerical analysis; Large volumetric tank; Geometry and process parameters; Tank insulation thickness calculation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:194:y:2020:i:c:s0360544219325733

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.116878

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