Is a superconducting coil an energy storage device

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.

What is superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES)?

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) is an innovative system that employs superconducting coils to store electrical energy directly as electromagnetic energy, which can then be released back into the grid or other loads as needed.

What is a superconducting energy storage coil?

Superconducting energy storage coils form the core component of SMES, operating at constant temperatures with an expected lifespan of over 30 years and boasting up to 95% energy storage efficiency – originally proposed by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Since its conception, this structure has become widespread across device research.

How does a superconducting coil work?

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. The superconducting coil must be super cooled to a temperature below the material's superconducting critical temperature that is in the range of 4.5 – 80 K (-269 to -193 °C).

Can a superconducting coil be connected to a constant DC power supply?

A superconducting coil can be connected to a constant DC power supply as shown in Figure 7.8. When the current of the coil, which is a pure inductance, increases, the magnetic field also increases and all electrical energy is stored in the magnetic field. Once the critical current (Ic) is reached, the voltage across the coil terminals is reduced to zero.

Is a superconducting coil a Joule effect?

The coil must be superconducting; otherwise, the energy is wasted in a few milliseconds due to the Joule effect. The SMES has a high power density but a moderate energy density, a large (infinite) number of charge/discharge cycles, and a high energy conversion productivity of over 95%.