Experimental validation of a hybrid 1-D multi-node model of a hot water thermal energy storage tank

Hot water-based thermal energy storage (TES) tanks are extensively used in heating applications to provide operational flexibility. Simple yet effective one-dimensional (1-D) tank models desirable simulate and design efficient management systems. However, the standard multi-node modelling approach struggles reproduce dynamics of highly thermally stratified due their artificial numerical diffusion. In this paper, a novel 1-D is introduced for accurately simulating water with high extent stratification. A non-linear, hybrid continuous–discrete time model able capture sudden temperature change within presented. The was adopted commercial TES tank, being implemented MATLAB/Simulink. Results from experimental tests were compared simulation results, demonstrating that 12-node estimates temperatures tank. It also shown avoids diffusion exhibited by models. This has been evidenced reduced root mean square absolute errors when data.