New Advances in Materials, Applications, and Design Optimization of Thermocline Heat Storage: Comprehensive Review

Yunshen Zhang, Yun Guo (), Jiaao Zhu, Weijian Yuan and Feng Zhao
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Yunshen Zhang: School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
Yun Guo: School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
Jiaao Zhu: School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
Weijian Yuan: School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
Feng Zhao: School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-41

Abstract: To achieve sustainable development goals and meet the demand for clean and efficient energy utilization, it is imperative to advance the penetration of renewable energy in various sectors. Energy storage systems can mitigate the intermittent issues of renewable energy and enhance the efficiency and economic viability of existing energy facilities. Among various energy storage technologies, thermocline heat storage (THS) has garnered widespread attention from researchers due to its stability and economic advantages. Currently, there are only a few review articles focusing on THS, and there is a gap in the literature regarding the optimization design of THS systems. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent research progress in THS, elucidating its principles, thermal storage materials, applications, and optimization designs. The novelty of this work lies in the detailed classification and analysis of various optimization designs for THS, including tank shape, aspect ratio, inlet/outlet configuration, thermal energy storage materials arrangement, operating strategies, and numerical model optimization approaches. The limitations of existing research are also identified, and future perspectives are proposed, aiming to provide recommendations for THS research and contribute to the development and promotion of THS technology.

Keywords: thermocline; thermal energy storage; thermal ratchet; packed bed; cascaded configuration; thermal energy storage material; thermocline heat storage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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