Advances in Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES): From Materials to Renewable Energy Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) devices can store “magnetic energy” in a superconducting magnet, and release the stored energy when required. Compared to other commercial energy storage systems like electrochemical batteries, SMES is normally highlighted for its fast response speed, high power density and high charge–discharge efficiency. To date, a number of SMES demonstration prototypes have been developed and experimentally verified for application in renewable-based power and energy networks. These engineering demonstration projects establish the bases for extensive applications in future smart grids.

The stored energy in an SMES unit is in direct proportion to the coil inductance and the square of the coil current. The coil inductance depends on the coil structure and tape usage, whereas the coil current is limited by the critical current of superconducting materials. Due to the strong anisotropic magnetic field dependence, the critical current degradation caused by the perpendicular magnetic field component to the widest surface of the superconducting tape is more serious than that by a parallel magnetic field component. Recently, a series of ferromagnetic materials and structural optimization algorithms have been introduced and verified for adjusting the magnetic field orientation, in order to enhance the critical current of the whole SMES magnet, and to further improve the energy exchange capacity of the SMES-based energy regulators in the renewable-based world.

This Special Issue focuses on the latest developments and applications of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES), regarding the material improvements, structural optimizations and novel applications. Other relevant superconducting applications that can cooperatively work with SMES and high-field magnets are also welcome. We invite researchers to contribute original research and review articles to this Special Issue.

Dr. Xiaoyuan Chen
Dr. Lin Fu
Dr. Boyang Shen
Dr. Xinsheng Yang
Guest Editors

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