Schematic diagram of superconducting electromagnetic energy storage

What is superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES)?

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) is very promising as a power storage system for load leveling or a power stabilizer. Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a SMES system. A superconducting coil is connected to an electric power utility line through a power conditioning system.

How does a superconducting coil work?

The electric energy from the electric power utility line is stored in the magnetic field produced by circulating electric current through the superconducting coil. The primary advantages of this system are rapid availability and high efficiency because of low losses in the superconducting coil.

What is the aspect ratio of a superconducting coil?

The aspect ratio A is given by R0 / a0, which relates to the shape factor of the superconducting coil. Fig. 3. A coordinate system of a SMES coil. Fig. 4 shows ordinary superconducting coils proposed for SMES systems. A Toroidal Field Coil (TFC) is composed of several solenoids. The TFC has only poloidal current component.