Modelling of two-layer stratified stores

A two-layer stratified storage process is studied analytically, numerically and experimentally. Detailed insight into the mixing phenomena is provided by the numerical and experimental model. It appears that the predominant m ixing mechanism inside two-layer stores is shear-induced entrainment of the rmocline fluid. An analytical model is developed, which is especially suite d to quickly obtain indicative performance data under practical operation c onditions. With the numerical model presented, more accurate performance da ta can be obtained. As a demonstration of how the numerical code can serve as an optimisation tool, the laboratory store as used in the experiments is optimised with respect to its inlet and outlet height. (C) 2000 Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.