Advancing fluid flow and heat transfer in rock thermal energy storage systems

The Focus Group, consisting of Hans Fischer Fellow Prof. Leyla Amiri (Université de Sherbrooke) and her host Prof. Nikolaus Adams (Chair of Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, TUM), aims at developing next-generation thermal energy storage (TES) systems based on rock-packed beds. The group will combine advanced multiphysics modeling and experimental validation to optimize fluid flow and heat transfer in porous media at temperatures up to 800 °C. In particular, the project will design and analyze modular TES concepts that improve thermal stratification, durability, and efficiency for integration with renewable energy sources. These systems are especially relevant for industrial decarbonization and the energy security of remote communities, offering scalable and sustainable pathways toward a low-carbon future.