A Review of Physics of Energy Storage Systems

Abstract

Energy storage systems play a critical role in modern energy infrastructures by enabling the efficient utilization of renewable energy sources, stabilizing power grids, and supporting portable and large-scale energy applications. The physics underlying energy storage spans multiple domains, including electrochemistry, thermodynamics, solid-state physics, and electromagnetism. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the fundamental physical principles governing various energy storage technologies, such as electrochemical batteries, supercapacitors, mechanical storage systems, thermal storage, and hydrogen-based storage. Emphasis is placed on charge transport, ion diffusion, phase transformations, and energy conversion mechanisms. A comparative analysis of storage systems highlights performance metrics, efficiency limitations, and scalability challenges. The review also discusses recent advances and future directions in energy storage physics, underscoring its importance in the transition toward sustainable energy systems.