Abdul Afram

Data-driven modeling of thermal energy storage tank

In this paper data-driven model of thermal energy storage tank also known as buffer tank is developed using the measured data from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Archetype House. Radiant floor heating (RFH) system uses hot water stored in the tank to supply heat to a zone during the heating season. The tank temperature is maintained by a ground source heat pump (GSHP). During the charging mode, GSHP supplies hot water to the buffer tank which raises the temperature of the water inside the tank. During the discharging mode, the hot water is supplied to the RFH system and cold water is returned to the buffer tank which lowers its temperature. The purpose of modeling is to determine the buffer tank temperature during the charging, simultaneous charging-discharging and discharging modes. First order linear models were developed by decoupling these modes. A good fit was found between the measured and predicted tank temperature.