Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) Using High Temperature Superconductors (HTS) in Three Geometries

Abstract

Utility and industry interest in superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) for power quality and end-use applications is growing. Although today's costs are high, recent studies have shown potential cost savings in the refrigeration system if high temperature superconductors (HTS) could be used. A potential obstacle to widespread use of small SMES systems is the magnetic field produced by a solenoid coil. A toroidal coil has almost no external field, but is generally more expensive than a solenoid. A system of two coils with opposite currents (a shielded solenoid) limits the extent of the external field, but also has a cost penalty. In this paper we present results of a configuration and cost analysis of SMES in solenoidal, toroidal, and shielded solenoidal configurations over the energy range of 1 to 10 MJ.