Thermally stratified hot water storage systems

Abstract

Thermal stratification in sensible thermal energy storage systems using water has been studied experimentally. Design correlations, suitable for use with cubical storage tanks, have been derived. Analytical predictions of the transient development of the thermocline are compared with experimental measurements and show good agreement. Linear systems theory is found to be a valid and accurate method of simulating the dynamic performance of stratified thermal energy storage systems if the rate of heat loss from the store is minimised.