Thermal batteries can be employed in the construction of new power systems to improve operational flexibility and provide reliable rotational inertia support for the power grid. This study presents a comprehensive review of thermal batteries, introducing their fundamental concepts, classifications, and key components. Three main types of thermal battery systems, based on different thermodynamic cycles and operating temperature ranges, are shown to have distinct application scenarios. The performance of the thermal battery is largely determined by the parameters and design of its core components. Then, this paper analyzes the potential applications of thermal batteries in future power systems, where they can store green electricity and thermal energy in various configurations-emphasizing high efficiency, large-scale capacity, and long-duration operation. Finally, key challenges include component and system design under full operating conditions, as well as dynamic operational control. Thermal batteries offer a promising technological pathway for mitigating fluctuations in wind and solar power output, enhancing peak-shaving capacity, and increasing revenue from peak-shaving ancillary services. The intelligent control of thermal batteries is expected to be achieved through advances in data analytics, predictive modeling, and adaptive control strategies.
Zhao et al. (Sun,) studied this question.