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This research aims to compare the performance of sensible and latent heat storage methods in packed-bed thermal energy storage systems.

July 8, 2026EnergiesOpen Access

Experimental Comparison of Sensible and Latent Heat Storage in a Packed-Bed Thermal Energy Storage System

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Randomized trial compares energy storage efficiency and thermal power in packed-bed systems using basalt and encapsulated PCM.

This research aims to compare the performance of sensible and latent heat storage methods in packed-bed thermal energy storage systems.
Conducted tests at elevated temperatures exceeding 400 °C in an air-based TES rig.
Compared basalt aggregate and encapsulated phase change material (60 wt.% NaNO3–40 wt.% KNO3) as packing materials.
Measured temperature profiles, thermal power, energy storage, and recovery during charging and discharging.
Basalt bed achieved volumetric energy densities of 108–160 MJ/m3 at 150 °C and 351–405 MJ/m3 above 320 °C.
Encapsulated solar salt bed reached energy densities from 412–508 MJ/m3 near 290 °C to 523–626 MJ/m3 at higher temperatures.
Both materials exhibited TES efficiencies of 80–94% with increased air flow rates improving power but not proportionally enhancing energy storage.

Spietz et al. (2026) studied this question.

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