Single-tank thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power: Flow distribution optimization for thermocline evolution management

•Optimized flow distribution in a single-tank thermocline TES system applied to CSP.•Structured inlet/outlet manifolds by insertion of optimized perforated baffles.•Highest temperature stratification by flat thermal front (thermally piston flow).•Optimal orifices’ sizes determined by equalizing passage times of the thermal front.•Tail factor proposed to characterize the slope of the outlet HTF temperature curve.