Experimental Measurements of Hot Water Stratification in a Heat Storage Tank

Abstract

The contribution focuses on the experimental measurement of the method of accumulation of hot water with its temperature layer in storage heaters using elementary cone elements. The basic principle of these elements is the automatic temperature distribution of water temperatures according to the temperature and flow rate for a specified storage time of heat energy from different heat sources in the heating system and hot water preparation. The thermal stratification in the stratified storage tank ensures maximum energy savings of up to 60% compared to standard storage tanks. The values of measurement were processed in a simulation fashion and compared to the real measured values. The aim of the experiments was to prove maximum energy savings and to determine the actual efficiency of elementary elements in stratification storage heaters with different heat sources. Storage of heat energy and its use is an important way of energy saving systems under Directive 2010/31 / EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the energy performance of buildings. Stratification storage systems are used for different types of heating and also for domestic hot water preparation in all types of buildings. Their importance is evident when there is a need for efficient use of thermal energy in low-energy buildings and buildings with zero energy consumption, where they can be used for common use of hot water (50 - 60 °C) with different temperatures for heating (e.g. floor heating, convective heating, etc. ranging from 25 to 60 °C). The most efficient way is to combine stratified heat storage tanks with solar heating systems, heat pumps, or boilers. Every building must be assessed individually in terms of requirements for heating and the method of domestic hot water preparation and distribution. Furthermore, when engineering a heating system for any building, the use of a renewable energy source has to be taken into consideration too.