Energy storage systems including thermal storage tanks

A method of storing heat from at least one thermal energy source, the method comprising:

• transferring thermal energy from the at least one thermal energy source to a plurality of thermal energy storage tanks using a heat transfer fluid, the plurality of thermal energy storage tanks including at least a first thermal energy storage tank and a second thermal energy storage tank downstream of the first thermal energy storage tank relative to a flow of the heat transfer fluid;
• heating a first thermal storage material within the first thermal energy storage tank to a first temperature;
• heating a second thermal storage material within the second thermal energy storage tank to a second temperature lower than the first temperature;
• transferring thermal energy at the first temperature from the first thermal energy storage tank to a first heat consumption system;
• and
• transferring thermal energy at the second temperature from the second thermal energy storage tank to a second heat consumption system.