Radial Diffusers in Stratified Hot Water Stores: Geometry Optimization with CFD
Abstract
This abstract deals with thermal energy stores for solar and district heat supply systems and presents numerical results for the performance of radial diffusers in a new type of overground storage tank which has a floating ceiling. The influence of the position of the radial diffuser in the thermal store was investigated revealing significant potentials regarding thermal stratification and storage efficiency. The optimization of the diffuser geometry led to a new free-form radial diffuser, which allows charging temperatures up to 98 °C. A Large Eddy Simulation (LES) illustrated the development of the stratification.