Large Eddy Simulation and Turbulence Model Assessment of Buoyant Flow in a Thermal Energy Storage Tank

Abstract

Single-medium thermal energy storage is widely used for heat and cooling supply. During the charging and discharging process via jet nozzles, strong transient turbulent mixing and heat transfer occurs. Hence, qualitative and quantitative understanding on the thermal mixing mechanisms are beneficial to the design and operation of the thermal storage system. In this study, we perform large eddy simulation (LES) of a three-dimensional stratified water storage tank with a single jet issuing hot water to study the long-time behaviour. The simulation data are utilised to investigate the flow and thermal characteristics of the tank, especially the formation of the buoyant jet and the thermal disper..