Thermal storage study
EOLIOS optimizes thermal storage tanks:
- Design, analysis, optimization
- Temperature distribution
- Thermocline thickness
- Compartmentalization study
- Transitional study
- Energy optimization
- Optimization of heat pumps
- Calculation of pressure losses
- Laminar flow
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Thermal reservoir study
Thermal storage by buffer tank
A buffer storage tank is a widely proven technology for storing excess heat energy (hot or cold) during off-peak hours. This type of thermal reservoir can be coupled with cooling systems (heat pump) making it possible to use this stored energy at peak load times, thus minimizing consumption costs and smoothing out power demand peaks.
Working
Water thermal storage
In the case of a chilled water storage system, the system stores thermal energy in the form of chilled water. This requires a thermal energy storage device known as a buffer tank.
The stratified storage tank works by storing cold and hot (return) water in a single tank. During charging, chilled water is pumped to the lower part of the tank through the networks connected to the tank, while an equal amount of hot water is extracted from the upper section. During unloading, chilled water is drawn from the bottom, while an equal amount of hot water is filled from the top. During the charging and discharging operations, a natural phenomenon called thermal stratification occurs, i.e. hot water (low density) remains at the top while cold water (high density) settles to the bottom of the tank.
Evolution over time of thermal storage
How to optimize a thermal storage tank?
Optimize thermocline height
As a result of thermal stratification, a transition region (temperature gradient) called the thermocline is formed between the hot and cold regions with a temperature between the chilled water supply and the chilled water return. This warm area has little energy value. The Thermocline will gradually move from bottom to top while charging and from top to bottom while discharging. The thickness of the thermocline represents the inefficiency of the buffer tank. The more efficient the buffer tank, the thinner the thermocline.
The performance of the buffer tank depends solely on the thermal stratification which is influenced by these factors:
- Temperature loss in the environment due to conduction. (Incorrect insulation)
- Tank design. (Desired height and diameter – which allows for better layering)
- Inlet and outlet design of the diffuser. (This allows laminar flow to prevent mixing of the fluid regions thus promoting stratification)
- Implementation of physical compartmentalization , and selection of specific diffuser to promote laminar flow.
Optimization by CFD simulation
With the help of a numerical simulation of fluid dynamics (CFD), EOLIOS accompanies you in the design of your storage tanks.
- The reservoir temperature distribution can be mapped.
- The prediction of the thermocline thickness, which can be optimized with test simulations.
- Design, analysis and optimization of balloons
- Visualization of the physics of fluid flow throughout the buffer tank
- Design and optimization of the number of compartments,
- Temperature, velocity and pressure at any point in the tank can be predicted at any time during the process.
- Other observations and conclusions can be drawn from any given design condition.
