# Classification, potential role, and modeling of power-to-heat and thermal energy storage in energy systems: A review

**Authors:** Md. Nasimul Islam Maruf, German Morales-Espana, Jos Sijm, Niina Helisto, Juha Kiviluoma  
**arXiv:** [2107.03960](https://arxiv.org/abs/2107.03960)  
**Date:** 2021-07-08  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2107.03960v2/

## Key points

- Md. Nasimul Islam Maruf and colleagues review power-to-heat and thermal energy storage technologies in energy systems
- Highlight the maturity and significant impact of these technologies on the European energy transition
- Complexity of detailed models poses challenges for integration into large-scale energy models
- Identifying major climate-neutral, efficient, and technologically matured power-to-heat and thermal energy storage technologies to replace fossil fuel-based heating systems
- Electric heat pumps, boilers, resistance heaters, and hybrid heating systems are promising options for sustainable heating solutions
- Discuss technology readiness levels (TRL) of identified technologies
- Offer mathematical modeling equations for these technologies in large-scale optimization energy models
- Acknowledge Prof. Dr. Olav Hohmeyer's contributions towards shaping the research work
- Declare no competing financial interests or personal relationships that could influence findings
- Serve as a comprehensive guide for understanding the potential roles of these technologies in advancing a sustainable European energy system

## Summary

In this comprehensive review, Md. Nasimul Islam Maruf and colleagues delve into the classification, potential role, and mathematical modeling of power-to-heat and thermal energy storage technologies in energy systems. The authors highlight the maturity of these technologies and their significant impact on the European energy transition. Despite their importance, the complexity of detailed models poses challenges for integration into large-scale energy models that prioritize simplicity and computational efficiency. The paper addresses a critical gap in existing literature by identifying and categorizing major power-to-heat and thermal energy storage technologies that are climate-neutral, efficient, and technologically matured to replace fossil fuel-based heating systems. Through a thorough analysis, electric heat pumps, boilers, resistance heaters, and hybrid heating systems emerge as promising options for transitioning to sustainable heating solutions. Furthermore, the authors discuss the technology readiness levels (TRL) of these identified technologies, providing insights into their current status ranging from basic principles observed to actual system completion and qualification through test demonstrations. By presenting mathematical modeling equations for these technologies in large-scale optimization energy models, the paper offers a valuable resource for researchers and policymakers seeking to incorporate these innovative solutions into sustainable energy systems. Acknowledging the contributions of Prof. Dr. Olav Hohmeyer towards shaping this research work, the authors declare no competing financial interests or personal relationships that could influence their findings. Supplementary data related to this study can be accessed online for further exploration. Overall, this review serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding the potential roles of power-to-heat and thermal energy storage technologies in advancing a sustainable European energy system. With a focus on technological advancements and practical applications, this research contributes significantly to shaping future strategies for achieving climate-neutral heating solutions across various sectors.