I have heated water in a tank that is undisturbed (no inlet/outlet, no stirring). Due to the cooling of the sides of the tank, it will over time naturally stratify into a top temperature layer and a bottom temperature layer. I want to prevent this stratification.
If I add a thermally conductive material inside the tank, say a vertical copper rod with copper sheets at both ends, to act as a heat exchange between the top and bottom layers, how well can it reduce the top/bottom temperature difference?
I assume this will lead to an equilibrium between the push for stratification (tank sides cooling down), and push for equalization (heat exchanger copper rod). The more efficient heat exchanger, and the lower cooling down speed of sides, the lower the temperature differential. Or am I wrong?