Title: Effect of thermal stratification on energy and exergy in vertical mantled heat exchanger

Authors: Dogan Erdemir; Necdet Altuntop

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri, 38039, Turkey ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri, 38039, Turkey

Abstract: In the present study, effect of thermal stratification on energy and exergy storage amount in vertical mantled hot water storage tanks, which are used common in solar domestic hot water systems, has been investigated. Placing obstacle inside the tank has enhanced thermal stratification and so energy and exergy of the tank. A commercial vertical mantled hot water tank was selected for experimental study. Four different obstacles were placed in four different heights from the tank bottom. Effect of the obstacle types and positions on energy and exergy storage capacity of tank has been researched experimentally. As a result, placing obstacles inside tank has enhanced the energy and exergy of tank. The best increasing has been seen for Obstacle A in Y/H = 0.250 position. In this situation energy amount increased 1.86 times and exergy amount increased 2.02 times higher than ordinary tank.

Keywords: thermal stratification; energy analysis; exergy analysis; mantled hot water tanks; obstacles; heat exchangers; solar hot water systems; domestic hot water systems; solar energy; solar power.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2016.076681

International Journal of Exergy, 2016 Vol.20 No.1, pp.105 - 121

Received: 05 Feb 2015
Accepted: 26 May 2015
Published online: 20 May 2016 *

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