Superconducting magnetic energy storage: A key technology for the 21st century

Journal Article · Mon Mar 15 00:00:00 EST 1993 · Public Utilities Fortnightly; (United States)

OSTI ID:6353133

Baumann, P D

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES), a solid state system, is most efficient in round-trip efficiency and in providing instantaneous response to demand. SMES can help electric utilities moderate variations between customer demand requirements and generation load. SMES can conserve fossil fuels through increased system efficiencies, thus providing economic and environmental benefits. SMES can store electricity from intermittent renewable resources and retrieve their energy when needed most. SMES has virtually instantaneous response and can be used for electrical system frequency control and stabilization. Finally, SMES can increase the reliability of electric utility systems and improve power quality. SMES systems include three categories: (1) macro-SMES used for large bulk storage, requiring external structures for support and to become permanent capital installations, (2) mini-SMES for transmission and distribution applications, that may be independently supported, and (3) micro-SMES, stand-alone transportable systems used in power quality applications. Current domestic designs focus on the solenoid. The economic potential and outlook for SMES systems is predicted to be approximately $3 billion a year after 2000 for domestic SMES systems, and potentially another $1 billion in export markets. The electric utility industry has several options to meet new legislation and regulations. Technologies can contribute to reductions in emissions in two basic ways: (1) by reducing emissions from existing generating stations through increased efficiency or control equipment, and (2) through deployment of newer technologies for the generation and management of supply side electrically energy which will, over time, replace older technologies.

• OSTI ID: 6353133
• Journal Information: Public Utilities Fortnightly; (United States), Vol. 131:6; ISSN 0033-3808
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
25 ENERGY STORAGE
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
ENERGY CONSERVATION
LOAD MANAGEMENT
SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETIC ENERGY STORAGE
ECONOMICS
TECHNOLOGY IMPACTS
POWER TRANSMISSION
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
US DOE
ENERGY STORAGE
MAGNETIC ENERGY STORAGE
MANAGEMENT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
STORAGE
US ORGANIZATIONS
296000* - Energy Planning & Policy- Electric Power
250100 - Energy Storage- Magnetic