Micro-Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) System Scale-up for Substation Application

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) offers many advantages for utility applications. The only commercially available SMES products are for less than 3 MJ applications. In the future, larger SMES products will be used to service many applications, such as a large industrial park or a utility substation. The step in magnet technology from a few MJ coil to a 10 MJ coil is not a large one. More important is the ability to continue to make steps to higher energies and delivered power as required. In this SBIR program we propose to analyze, develop, and demonstrate the advantage of using a Multi-Wind Solenoid approach, over that of single solenoids or modular toroids. The Multi-Wind approach offers the advantages of higher reliability, maintainability, and dramatically reduced external field. The modular approach allows even 1000 MJ systems to be transportable by trailer with only limited site integration. In very large systems, conductor savings and reduction of discharge losses are possible. In Phase I of this SBIR program we will perform a detailed comparison of the Multi-Winding and Single Solenoid approaches for energies for 10 MJ and higher. A conceptual design of a 10 MJ/i MW demonstration system using two or more modules will be initiated. In Phase II, a sub-scale demonstration magnet system will be designed, fabricated, and tested. A utility partner will be sought for an actual demonstration of a subsystem.