Experimental and numerical study on the thermocline behavior of packed-bed storage tank with sensible fillers

Packed-bed thermocline tank with sensible fillers is a cost-effective option for thermal energy storage (TES). In real charging and discharging, the stability disturbed expansion occurs due to various factors, leading decreased global performances of tank. The purpose this work experimentally numerically study impact inlet configuration insulation on in lab-scale under operating parameters. Firstly, DC-3P model considering wall effect heat loss developed validated by experimental results, capable precisely predicting performance tested conditions. Especially, temperature difference between fluid solid filler center detected both experiments modeling, indicating existence gradient inside large particles. Results also show that injecting flow causes radial non-uniformity at near-entrance region tank, but its rather limited. Good could reduce thickness about 20%, increase efficiency capacity ratio 5–7% 3–5%, respectively.