Using SMES (superconductive magnetic energy storage) to support large-scale PV (photovoltaics) power generation

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1990 · Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0038-092X(90)90064-J· OSTI ID:6343499

Tam, Kwa-Sur; Kumar, Prem; Foreman, M ^[1]

---

1. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ., Blacksburg (USA)

Due to environmental concerns and advance in solar technology, the potential for large-scale electric power generation by photovoltaics (PV) is promising. However, when the PV power generation level is high, the fluctuations and uncertainty of PV power would make the planning, operation, and control of a power system more difficult. This paper proposes and demonstrates that a superconductive magnetic energy storage (SMES) system can be used to overcome these difficulties and support large-scale use of PV power generation. Two system configurations for a PV/SMES hybrid system were described in this paper. In both cases, the SMES charging/discharging power is changed in response to PV fluctuations so that the combined PV/SMES power is smooth and controllable. With SMES support, large-scale use of PV power generation can be used in a power system without causing adverse effects. A coordinated PV/SMES scheme that is applicable for various weather conditions is presented in this paper. The combined PV/SMES power is dispatchable and is shown to have advantages over PV or SMES alone. PV arrays can be installed on the surface of the land occupied by an underground SMES system. With SMES support, all of the PV power can be utilized and no oversizing is needed. These benefits improve the economics of PV power generation.

• OSTI ID: 6343499
• Journal Information: Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (USA), Vol. 45:1; ISSN 0038-092X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETIC ENERGY STORAGE
PERFORMANCE
DC TO DC CONVERTERS
DESIGN
ECONOMICS
ELECTRIC POWER
FLOWSHEETS
FLUCTUATIONS
HYBRID SYSTEMS
INSTALLATION
LOAD MANAGEMENT
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
POWER GENERATION
PROCESS CONTROL
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
WEATHER
CONTROL
DIAGRAMS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ENERGY STORAGE
EQUIPMENT
MAGNETIC ENERGY STORAGE
MANAGEMENT
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
POWER
POWER PLANTS
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
STORAGE
VARIATIONS
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems
426001 - Engineering- Superconducting Devices & Circuits- (1990-)