A thermal energy storage and recovery device is provided including a container having a first fluid terminal for inserting heat transfer medium into the interior of the container and a second fluid terminal for extracting heat transfer medium from the interior of the container, a heat storage material for receiving thermal energy from the heat transfer medium when in a first operational mode and releasing thermal energy to the heat transfer medium when in a second operational mode, and a plurality of enclosures each filled at least partially with a part of the heat storage material. The enclosures are spatially arranged within the container so a flow of the heat transfer medium is guidable between the first and second fluid terminals and a direct thermal contact between the heat transfer medium and the enclosures is achievable as the heat transfer medium flows between the first and second fluid terminals.