Effect of Design Characteristics on Pit Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) Performance
Abstract
Pit thermal energy storage (PTES) systems have been developed as a low-cost, water-based storage technology for district heating networks. While annual efficiencies greater than 90% have been realized, many of the existing storages have suffered from high heat losses and poor stratification. Thus, research is still necessary for identifying and optimizing the parameters that affect the operation and performance of PTES. This study investigated the effect of design characteristics on PTES heat loss and efficiency. More specifically, the slope of the storage sides and aspect ratio were examined using the software ANSYS Fluent.