Abstract
We investigate the transient dynamics of disturbances inside a thermocline based molten salt thermal energy storage (TES). Numerical simulations were conducted with four inlet flow configurations. The disturbances introduced at the inlet grow via Rayleigh Taylor instability. The formed vortical motions inside the tank propagate downstream and destroy the thermocline. The vortex–thermocline interaction upsets the stratification inside the TES. The disturbance growth rate, penetration length and vortex Reynolds number are measured. The growth of penetration length prior to the vortex–thermocline interaction is quadratic. The vortex Reynolds number of the eddy which causes thermocline breakdown increases with increase in Atwood number. The impingement of vortex on thermocline is studied.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.