A Review on the Performance Indicators and Influencing Factors for the Thermocline Thermal Energy Storage Systems

Wanruo Lou, Lingai Luo, Yuchao Hua, Yilin Fan and Zhenyu Du
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Wanruo Lou: Université de Nantes, CNRS, Laboratoire de Thermique et Énergie de Nantes (LTeN), UMR6607, F-44000 Nantes, France
Lingai Luo: Université de Nantes, CNRS, Laboratoire de Thermique et Énergie de Nantes (LTeN), UMR6607, F-44000 Nantes, France
Yuchao Hua: Université de Nantes, CNRS, Laboratoire de Thermique et Énergie de Nantes (LTeN), UMR6607, F-44000 Nantes, France
Yilin Fan: Université de Nantes, CNRS, Laboratoire de Thermique et Énergie de Nantes (LTeN), UMR6607, F-44000 Nantes, France
Zhenyu Du: College of Civil Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 24, 1-19

Abstract: Thermal energy storage (TES) system plays an essential role in the utilization and exploitation of renewable energy sources. Over the last two decades, single-tank thermocline technology has received much attention due to its high cost-effectiveness compared to the conventional two-tank storage systems. The present paper focuses on clarifying the performance indicators and the effects of different influencing factors for the thermocline TES systems. We collect the various performance indicators used in the existing literature, and classify them into three categories: (1) ones directly reflecting the quantity or quality of the stored thermal energy; (2) ones describing the thermal stratification level of the hot and cold regions; (3) ones characterizing the thermo-hydrodynamic features within the thermocline tanks. The detailed analyses on these three categories of indicators are conducted. Moreover, the relevant influencing factors, including injecting flow rate of heat transfer fluid, working temperature, flow distributor, and inlet/outlet location, are discussed systematically. The comprehensive summary, detailed analyses and comparison provided by this work will be an important reference for the future study of thermocline TES systems.

Keywords: thermal energy storage (TES); single-tank thermocline; thermal stratification; performance indicator; flow distributor (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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