RP-1147 -- Partial Cycling of Stratified Cool Thermal Storage Systems PDF

This ASHRAE Research Project examined the charging and discharging of a laboratory-scale model for large-scale stratified cool thermal storage systems. The laboratory experiments utilized a thermally stratified system as well as a salinity-stratified system, which functions as a mass transfer analog to the thermal system. Over 74 individual experiments were conducted with primary control variables taken as the bulk flow rate and the initial position of the gradient layer. Variation of the initial gradient layer position corresponds to partial cycling conditions. Fixed point data was collected at multiple locations during each of the charging and discharging processes with a sampling frequency above that of the local convective and buoyant motion. As part of the data analysis, consideration of profile edge translation and an integral thickness parameter were introduced to quantify gradient layer evolution.

Principal Investigator: Kelly O. Homan, Ph.D., University of Missouri-Rolla

Conducted: November 1999-January 2002

Sponsored by: TC 6.9, Thermal Storage