Stratification Analysis and Behaviour of a Real Industrial Thermocline Thermal Energy Storage Tank for Cogeneration Purposes

Thermal energy storage systems help to couple thermal energy generation and process demand in cogeneration facilities. One single deposit with two design temperatures and one main temperature step in sensible thermal energy storage define the thermocline systems. Performance of one high size real thermocline thermal energy storage system is analysed. Starting from temperature and mass flow rate data registered by the plant control system, one advanced thermodynamic analysis is performed. The quality of heat storage is analysed in terms of evaluation of the stratification in the thermocline zone. The temperature data registered at 21 positions is extended by displacement analysis generating detailed profiles. Fraction of recoverable heat, thermocline width, stratification indices based on energy and exergy analysis, and mean temperature gradients in the thermocline region are calculated. These parameters are monitored under real operation conditions of the plant. The calculated parameters are studied to check their distribution and correlation. First and Second Law indices show parallel behaviour and two values are found that delimit situations of high and low values of mean temperature gradients. It was observed that buoyancy generates uniform forced movement with the right water temperature entering the diffusers, but good control strategies are essential to avoid mixing. The system demonstrated great stability in this use.