Pictures of superconducting energy storage technology

How does a superconducting magnetic energy storage system work?

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems use superconducting coils to efficiently store energy in a magnetic field generated by a DC current traveling through the coils. Due to the electrical resistance of a typical cable, heat energy is lost when electric current is transmitted, but this problem does not exist in an SMES system.

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.

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 to demonstrate superconductor magnetic energy storage is the classroom?

In order to demonstrate Superconductor Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) is the classroom we can take a Quantum Levitator and induce currents in it. These currents persist as long as it remains cold. We can use a regular compass to verify their existence.

What is energy storage technology?

This technology is based on three concepts that do not apply to other energy storage technologies (EPRI, 2002). 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.