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This paper presents a computer code that analyses the performance of storage tanks using water as the working fluid. The new aspects of our work include the following items: (a) the transient Navier-Stokes equations are expressed in two-dimensional Cartesian and cylindrical coordinates, under the assumption of the Boussinesq approximation, (b) the effective viscosity and thermal diffusivity are evaluated by using a simplified form of the Deardorff turbulence model, (c) the energy equation is solved over a domain which includes the tank and a large portion of the surrounding soil, (d) some properly defined source terms have been introduced in the governing equations to describe inlet/outlet devices inside the tank, and localized friction losses, and (e) the boundary conditions are time-dependent to correctly describe the daily heat exchanges between tank, solar collectors and heat pumps for space conditioning. The DF technique and an improved formulation of the MAC method are used to solve the conservation equations. Comparisons with literature studies indicate discrepancies between 0.02 and 0.5%. The results of several tests simulating realistic operating conditions will be shown in the second part of the paper (29).

This is the second part of a two-part paper that deals with modelling the thermal performances of storage tanks of liquid water coupled with solar-assisted heatpump systems. The computer code THESTA, described in detail in the first part, has been applied to compare configurations which differ from one another in the distribution and thickness of the insulating panels. These numerical experiments show very clearly the capability of the code in simulating realistic operating conditions. The validity of the present release is also discussed. The results obtained have been assumed to be a reliable theoretical support to the definition of the features of the storage device of a pilot plant.

Optimal resource selection is crucial for maximising fitness and survival. Animals introduced to a new area need time to explore the environment, which could result in a time lag before optimal selection occurs. Furthermore, intra‐specific interactions (particularly in territorial species) also play a role in shaping resource selection patterns, with weaker individuals being displaced from optimal resources. We assessed within‐home range habitat selection of lions (Panthera leo) introduced to a South African wildlife reserve, to examine changes in their resource selection patterns across 3 years from the time of introduction, and the effect of intra‐specific interactions on these selection patterns. After initial exploration, lions selected low altitudes and flat slopes that facilitate movement, high tree densities that provide cover and refuge, and areas close to water sources and flood plains that have high prey density. Responses to human disturbances differed between males and females, with males being more tolerant to high densities of roads and buildings. These patterns were however disrupted by deaths due to intergroup conflicts and by introductions of new individuals, with the dominant groups remaining within favourable resources and subordinate groups shifting to suboptimal resources. Our findings support the spatio‐temporal dynamic nature of habitat selection processes for reintroduced large carnivores and emphasize the role of intra‐specific interactions in influencing the landscape determinants of habitat selection. Reintroduced animals must learn the distribution of resources in the landscape in order to survive in a new environment. We studied the resource selection of reintroduced lions and showed how the patterns changed over time during the processes of adapting to the environment. The patterns were disrupted by territorial conflicts and the introductions of new individuals, highlighting the importance of intergroup interactions in influencing resource selection in reintroduced large carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]