This article gives an appraisal of existing analytical one-dimensional models for the packed bed thermal energy storage (TES) systems utilizing sensible heat storage (SHS) materials. The models include that of Schumann, which is for separate phases, but does not include axial conductivity (or dispersion) in the bed, and the single-phase model of Riaz which includes axial dispersion. An alternative axial conductivity model is proposed which compares well with the Schumann model when axial dispersion is negligible, bur otherwise caters adequately for axial dispersion at the low Peclet number condition.