Understanding the stratified hot water storage tank simscape model

Hi,

I'm just trying to understand the stratified hot water storage tank model (example) on MATLAB. ( https://uk.mathworks.com/help/hydro/ug/StratifiedHotWaterStorageTank.html )

Here, the storage tank uses custom simscape block [vertical constant volume (TL)] to represent the heat transfer and fluid flow within the tank (correct me if I'm wrong). These block also have an upward convective coefficient and a downward convective coefficient to represent the heat transfer due to buoyancy. If these parameters represent the heat transfer along the vertical height of the storage tank, are the tank wall convections used to represent the heat loss from the tank wall, or does this have any other purpose?

Also, the fluid is only driven by the pressure difference between the two reservoirs connected to the inlet and outlet of the tank?

Thank you.

Answer 1

[Broy]

Hi @Delika,

I understand you are trying to comprehend the stratified hot water storage tank model and need some answers to your doubts. Your interpretation of the model's architecture is quite accurate. To clarify the specific points you raised:

1. Yes, the parameters inside the custom Tank Layer block (upward/downward coefficients) handle the axial (vertical) heat transfer.
2. The Tank Wall Convection blocks are dedicated to radial heat transfer.
3. Yes, the bulk fluid movement from the inlet to the outlet is driven by the pressure differential across the system.

I hope this helps.

[Delika]

Thanks for confirming this Broy