An evaluation of superconducting magnetic energy storage

A Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) system will accept and regenerate ac electrical energy very efficiently. It can therefore compete economically with alternative advanced storage technologies if (1) the unit's cost and efficiency are within the presently expected ranges; and (2) the unit is sized so as to perform the same task as the alternatives and no more. Present conceptual SMES designs are unlikely to meet the electric utilities' needs for reliability, maintainability and system protection; and the environmental impact of the magnetic field may be large. Consequently, the uncertainties associated with the costs of an acceptable SMES system are large. Their reduction should be the principal goal of future component and system research.