Electromagnetic Analysis of 1MJ Class of High Temperature Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) Coil to be used in Power Applications

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) technology is attracting scientists as an alternative in energy storage technologies since superconducting materials incorporated in SMES have a potential to overcome challenges related to increase in electric load demand, power security, transmission control and stabilization. Due to fast response and high energy densities characteristics, SMES can work efficiently while stabilizing the power grid. Solenoidal configuration has been widely employed in the development of SMES prototypes as it is simpler to manufacture and allows an easier handling of the mechanical stresses imposed on the structure due to Lorentz forces. Moreover, it has been found that this configuration allows minimum wire consumption and represents the most cost effective solution for isotropic superconductors. In the present work, solenoidal configuration has been employed in the development of 1MJ SMES Magnet using 2G (SuperPower, YBCO having Tc=90K @0T) High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) tape. The superconducting tape has been cooled at 14K using conduction cooling. A reference field of 3.5T has been considered in the development of electromagnetic design of superconducting magnet and its effect on the total number of turns around the solenoidal magnet for various aspect ratios have been studied. An electromagnetic analysis has been done on 1MJ SMES having aspect ratio 5. The effect of maximum operating current (650A, 1300A and 1950A) on the length of superconductor has also been evaluated for a constant deliverable energy of 1MJ. Maximum Lorentz forces (N/m(3)) have been evaluated in the superconducting domain as these can result into structural instabilities. The extent of average force (N) imposed on the SC tape has also been evaluated. It has been concluded that it would be beneficial to operate at higher currents as it can reduce the total length of the superconductor.