Rayleigh–Taylor instability in a thermocline based thermal storage tank

Manu, K. V.; Deshmukh, Pranit; Basu, Saptarshi

doi:10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2015.10.016

Cited by 14 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Hence, to reduce the computational time, grid of 100 × 500 (adapted grid) is considered for further simulations. We have compared our single vortex interaction part of our work with the numerical results of Manu et al [3,4] which in turn shows qualitative similarities with the experimental work of Orlandi [9] and Dahm et al [6]. It should be noted that the ratio of successive grid sizes is not uniform.…”

Section: Grid Independence Studysupporting

confidence: 62%

“…For initializing the temperature in the domain, the following sigmoid temperature profile was used [3,4]. This configuration and spatial distribution of temperature at the end of the charging process [3,4] can be closely represented by the sigmoid profile without any loss of generality.…”

Section: Flow and Boundary Conditionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Viscous fingering is a commonly observed phenomenon in dual media (porous filled) tanks and Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (shear instability) can generate vortices inside the TES. These vortices evolve and disrupt the thermocline region [3,4]. The resultant undesirable mixing of fluids disturb the thermal stratification inside the tank [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The resultant undesirable mixing of fluids disturb the thermal stratification inside the tank [5]. These types of interface-collapses are observed during the charging cycle when the temperature of the incoming fluid is lower than that of the stored hot-fluid temperature [3,4]. Slight variations in density can also cause Rayleigh-Taylor instability, leading to formation of vortices.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Spatio-temporal disruption of thermocline by successive laminar vortex pairs in a single tank thermal energy storage

Tinaikar

Advaith

Chetia

et al. 2016

Applied Thermal Engineering

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The stratification efficiency of single tank thermal energy storage is affected by the internal mixing processes, especially in the thermocline region due to disturbances of different kinds. To study the mixing dynamics at the interface, we have conducted detailed numerical and supporting experimental studies for different Atwood numbers (stratification levels). Numerical experiments were conducted with two successive vortex pairs with three different time-lags (short, medium and long). For the short time-lag case, the preliminary vortex pair merges with the ensuing vortex pair. The merged single vortex pair peels back the thermocline layer causing mixing of the hot and cold fluids. The thermocline thickness increases as a result of the entrainment of the cold fluid into the hot fluid. The peeling process continues until buoyant forces leads to plume like structures that penetrate into the lighter fluid. For the medium and large time-lag cases, such merging of vortices was not observed. The vortex pair interacts separately with the thermocline region. The plume structure created by the first vortex pair interacts with the ensuing vortex pair. The altered interface (thermocline) thickness strongly depends on the nature of the vortex-thermocline interaction mechanisms. The thermocline effectiveness decreases consequent to such interactions and have been quantified in details in the current work.

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Section: Grid Independence Studysupporting

confidence: 62%

Section: Flow and Boundary Conditionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Spatio-temporal disruption of thermocline by successive laminar vortex pairs in a single tank thermal energy storage

Tinaikar

Advaith

Chetia

et al. 2016

Applied Thermal Engineering

Self Cite

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show abstract

“…Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities are observed under such circumstances inside thermocline tanks without filler material. Numerical simulations performed by Manu et al [10,11] have shown that Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities arising from random perturbations can cause temporary break-down of the thermocline region. The disturbances initially grow exponentially, followed by non-linear stages during formation of mushroom-like and falling spikes-like structures.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%