<p>Global energy demand is expected to double by 2050, with approximately 80% of the total energy currently derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal and natural gas. This reliance depletes fossil fuels and contributes to environmental pollution, leading to global warming. Therefore, renewable energy sources like solar power must be implemented across various sectors to reduce this dependency. The major challenge in implementing solar energy technologies is their intermittent nature, which can be addressed by integrating these systems with solar thermal energy storage systems. This study explores the potential of sensible thermal energy storage systems to support solar energy integration for industrial heating applications, addressing the intermittency challenge of solar power. A systematic review covered recent technological advancements in solar thermal energy storage systems, including material selection, numerical modelling, and laboratory-scale test facilities. A special focus was given to integration challenges and performance-influencing parameters. The study reveals that materials such as steel slag and <InlineEquation ID="IEq1"> <InlineMediaObject> <ImageObject Color="BlackWhite" FileRef="10973_2025_14389_Article_IEq1.gif" Format="GIF" Height="16" Rendition="HTML" Resolution="72" Type="Linedraw" Width="43" /> </InlineMediaObject> <EquationSource Format="TEX">${\text{Al}}_{2}{\text{O}}_{3}$</EquationSource> <EquationSource Format="MATHML"><math> <mrow> <msub> <mtext>Al</mtext> <mn>2</mn> </msub> <msub> <mtext>O</mtext> <mn>3</mn> </msub> </mrow> </math></EquationSource> </InlineEquation> exhibit excellent thermal stability, high storage capacity, and low cost, making them suitable for storage systems. Additionally, performance is significantly affected by parameters like pebble diameter, void fraction, aspect ratio, and mass flow rate. Despite these advancements, challenges such as thermal ratcheting, temperature degradation, and variable outlet temperatures still hinder optimal system integration. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive assessment of both the technological challenges and the emerging solutions, offering strategic insights into the future design and deployment of efficient storage systems for industrial heating. This study uses an integrated approach to overcome current limitations, contributing to the development of more reliable and scalable solar thermal systems.</p>

Technological challenges and future prospects of sensible thermal energy storage systems for industrial heating

期刊论文
发表日期：

2025年6月3日

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Nikhil Kanojia,
Anil Kumar,
Ram Kunwer

摘要

Global energy demand is expected to double by 2050, with approximately 80% of the total energy currently derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal and natural gas. This reliance depletes fossil fuels and contributes to environmental pollution, leading to global warming. Therefore, renewable energy sources like solar power must be implemented across various sectors to reduce this dependency. The major challenge in implementing solar energy technologies is their intermittent nature, which can be addressed by integrating these systems with solar thermal energy storage systems. This study explores the potential of sensible thermal energy storage systems to support solar energy integration for industrial heating applications, addressing the intermittency challenge of solar power. A systematic review covered recent technological advancements in solar thermal energy storage systems, including material selection, numerical modelling, and laboratory-scale test facilities. A special focus was given to integration challenges and performance-influencing parameters. The study reveals that materials such as steel slag and ${\text{Al}}_{2}{\text{O}}_{3}$ ${Al}_{2} O_{3}$ exhibit excellent thermal stability, high storage capacity, and low cost, making them suitable for storage systems. Additionally, performance is significantly affected by parameters like pebble diameter, void fraction, aspect ratio, and mass flow rate. Despite these advancements, challenges such as thermal ratcheting, temperature degradation, and variable outlet temperatures still hinder optimal system integration. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive assessment of both the technological challenges and the emerging solutions, offering strategic insights into the future design and deployment of efficient storage systems for industrial heating. This study uses an integrated approach to overcome current limitations, contributing to the development of more reliable and scalable solar thermal systems.