Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems store energy in the magnetic field created by the flow of direct current in a superconducting coil that has been cryogenically cooled to a temperature below its superconducting critical temperature. This use of superconducting coils to store magnetic energy was invented by M. Ferrier in 1970.
It stores energy in the magnetic field created by the flow of direct current (DC) power in a coil of superconducting material that has been cryogenically cooled. The stored energy can be released back to the network by discharging the 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.
There are various advantages of adopting superconducting magnetic energy storage over other types of energy storage. The most significant benefit of SMES is the minimal time delay between charge and discharge. Power is practically instantly available, and very high power output can be delivered for a short time.
The superconducting coil is the heart of a SMES system, stores energy in the magnetic field generated by a circulating current. The maximum i. Size and geometry of the coil, larger the coil, the greater the energy.
Superconductors are being considered for SMES, in which electric energy is stored by circulating a current in a superconducting coil without resistive losses. Niobium–titanium alloys are used for storage at liquid helium temperatures (2–4 K).