High-Temperature Thermal Energy Storage for Flexible Energy Systems: Mechanisms, Modeling, and Applications

The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, has intensified the demand for flexibility in modern energy systems. Power generation and energy conversion systems are increasingly required to operate in flexible and load-following modes under highly variable operating conditions. However, this transition is often constrained by thermodynamic limitations, operational safety concerns, and slow dynamic response.High-temperature thermal energy storage (HTTES) technologies, including molten salt, solid media, and phase change materials, have emerged as promising solutions to enhance system flexibility and improve the utilization of renewable energy. By decoupling energy production and utilization processes, HTTES systems can improve load regulation capability, reduce cycling stress, and support safer and more efficient operation. In particular, the integration of HTTES with thermal, solar thermal, industrial thermal, and hybrid energy systems introduces complex multi-physics coupling phenomena involving heat transfer, fluid flow, structural stress, and phase change processes, especially under strong transient conditions.Despite recent progress, several critical challenges remain unresolved, including the understanding of dynamic non-equilibrium heat and mass transfer mechanisms, the development of multi-scale and multi-physics modeling methods, system integration strategies, and coordinated control approaches for flexible and safe operation.This Research Topic aims to bring together recent advances in the fundamental mechanisms, modeling approaches, and engineering applications of HTTES technologies for enhancing power-side flexibility. Contributions addressing both theoretical developments and practical implementations are highly encouraged.This Research Topic addresses several critical challenges associated with the application of high-temperature thermal energy storage (HTTES) technologies in flexible energy systems. Key issues include the understanding of dynamic non-equilibrium heat and mass transfer mechanisms under flexible operation conditions, the development of multi-scale and multi-physics modeling approaches, and the optimization of system integration strategies for coupled high-temperature energy systems. In addition, coordinated control methods are needed to ensure flexible, efficient, and safe operation under varying load conditions. By addressing these challenges, this Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between fundamental mechanisms and engineering applications, supporting the reliable deployment of HTTES technologies in modern energy systems.We welcome original research articles, review papers, and case studies covering, but not limited to, the following topics:- Advanced high-temperature thermal energy storage technologies- Integration of thermal energy storage with solar thermal, industrial thermal, and hybrid energy systems- Multi-physics coupling mechanisms in energy storage and energy conversion systems under flexible operating conditions- Dynamic modeling and simulation of thermal energy storage systems, including CFD, reduced-order modeling, digital twins, and data-driven modeling etc.- Non-equilibrium heat transfer and multi-scale thermal transport phenomena- Thermal stress, structural integrity, and safety analysis of key components- Flexible operation strategies and coordinated control of HTTES-coupled systems- Demonstration projects and industrial applications of HTTES technologies- Advanced materials, thermophysical characterization, and performance evaluation for HTTES- Other advanced technologies related to HTTES Topic editors: Kaijun Jiang, Huimin Wei, Qian Huang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80347/high-temperature-thermal-energy-storage-for-flexible-energy-systems-mechanisms-modeling-and-applications