Raft thermocline thermal storage
A raft thermocline thermal storage system consists of an insulated platform floating between the hot and cold regions of a liquid in a storage tank. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the raft's stability and effectiveness in delivering thermal energy. Water was employed as the storage fluid. The effects of inlet orientation (side, tangential, or vertical), flow rate, and raft insulation were measured and compared with a natural thermocline. The raft thermocline's effectiveness in achieving a thermal separation of the fluid was measured, and the critical Richardson number was found to be significantly different from that of natural thermoclines. The raft thermocline's effectiveness was equal to or better than that of a natural thermocline at all flow conditions.
- Research Organization:
- Solar Energy Research Institute
- OSTI ID:
- 5375284
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-830812-
- Journal Information:
- Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States), Vol. 4; Conference: 18. intersociety energy conversion engineering conference, Orlando, FL, USA, 21 Aug 1983
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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