Scientists Meet Scientists – TUM-IAS Wednesday Coffee Talk by Prof. Leyla Amiri on “When Rocks Become Batteries: The Future of Thermal Energy Storage”
Events, WCT |
On 15 April 2026, Prof. Dr. Leyla Amiri (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sherbrooke) will talk about “When Rocks Become Batteries: The Future of Thermal Energy Storage”.
Abstract:
Decarbonizing modern energy systems requires not only clean electricity but also reliable and affordable ways to store and deliver heat. Nearly one quarter of global energy demand is used to produce industrial heat for processes such as steel, cement, and food production, most of which still relies on fossil fuels. As renewable energy expands, efficient thermal energy storage will be essential to keep the transition reliable, affordable, and accessible.
This talk explores how abundant natural materials such as rocks and porous geomaterials can function as large-scale thermal batteries. By storing excess renewable energy in the form of heat and releasing it when needed, rock-based thermal energy storage systems offer a safe, low-cost, and scalable solution to stabilize energy supply and reduce industrial emissions. Recent advances in multiphysics modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation demonstrate the potential of these systems for applications ranging from greenhouse agriculture in cold climates to underground mining and industrial heat management.
Transforming rocks into thermal batteries represents more than a technological innovation. It opens the door to resilient energy systems that can reduce costs, support industrial decarbonization, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable energy future.
Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 13:00 CET (until approx. 14:00)
Location: online
Registration: The TUM-IAS Wednesday Coffee talks are held online via Microsoft Teams. To register and to receive the Teams link, please send an email to events@ias.tum.de.
THE TUM-IAS WEDNESDAY COFFEE TALKS
Every Wednesday after lunch, it's all about a new topic - current research highlights at TUM, insights into the work of our Fellows from all over the world, sometimes even topics not usually found at TUM, such as history or theology.
The talks held online start every Wednesday during TUM lecture time at 13:00 CE(S)T. Everyone is welcome - TUM researchers of all levels, students, visiting scholars, and anyone interested!
Would you like to receive regular updates on the TUM-IAS Wednesday Coffee Talk and the online link? Just send a short note to events@ias.tum.de.
An overview of upcoming and past TUM-IAS Wednesday Coffee Talks can be found at the TUM-IAS Wednesday Coffee Talk Overview.