Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage for Maglifter Launch Assist

NASA is considering an electromagnetic catapult, the MagLifter to lowerthe cost of cargo delivery to space and improve launch reliability. Acarrier sled, levitated and propelled by magnets, provides an inintialvelocity to a space transportation vehicle. For Large payloads, therequired energy for this launch assist is in the range of 20 gigajoulewith peak-power requirements of several gigawatt.Using power for this application directly from a utility grid seemsprohibitive, and intermediate storage of energy is necessary. Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES), which charged from thelocal power grid and discharged during launch sequence, offers a highlyefficient and environmental benign solution. The technology is welldeveloped and SMES systems are considered worldwide for stabilization ofincreasingly complex power distribution grids. Cable-in-conduit conductor,developed at M.I.T. is enabling technology for such a SMES system. It isthe goal of the proposed project to determine an economical SMESconfiguration for the MagLifter concept, which enables reliable spaceportoperation. A conceptual design of the major components of this energystorage system will be performed.During Phase II the conceptual design of the major components, the magnetsystem and the power converters would be worked out in detail. ~000062 ~