The Effect of Flux Diverters on Energy Storage Capacity and Heat Losses in a HTS SMES

Energy storage capacity and the heat losses are key factors in superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES). In this paper, the use of flux diverters to increase the energy storage capacity and reduce the heat losses is analyzed in a HTS SMES magnet. The analysis is carried out using a 100 kJ SMES model based on FEM. The location, the geometry shape and the material configuration of flux diverters are investigated. To get an accurate loss reduction, magnetic losses of flux diverters are considered in heat loss calculation. The results show flux diverters are effective in the rated condition. Because the flux distribution is affected by the saturation level of flux diverters, the effect is related to the operating current.