Describe the working principle of superconducting energy storage device

What is superconducting magnetic energy storage?

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is the only energy storage technology that stores electric current. This flowing current generates a magnetic field, which is the means of energy storage. The current continues to loop continuously until it is needed and discharged.

What are the components of superconducting magnetic energy storage systems (SMEs)?

The main components of superconducting magnetic energy storage systems (SMES) include superconducting energy storage magnets, cryogenic systems, power electronic converter systems, and monitoring and protection systems.

What is magnetic energy storage in a short-circuited superconducting coil?

An illustration of magnetic energy storage in a short-circuited superconducting coil (Reference: supraconductivite.fr) A SMES system is more of an impulsive current source than a storage device for energy.

How does a superconductor store energy?

The Coil and the Superconductor The superconducting coil, the heart of the SMES system, stores energy in the magnetic fieldgenerated by a circulating current (EPRI, 2002). The maximum stored energy is determined by two factors: a) the size and geometry of the coil, which determines the inductance of the coil.

How does a superconducting coil store energy?

First, some materials carry current with no resistive losses. Second, electric currents produce magnetic fields. Third, magnetic fields are a form of pure energy which can be stored. SMES combines these three fundamental principles to efficiently store energy in a superconducting coil.

How does a superconducting wire work?

The superconducting wire is precisely wound in a toroidal or solenoid geometry, like other common induction devices, to generate the storage magnetic field. As the amount of energy that needs to be stored by the SMES system grows, so must the size and amount of superconducting wire.