Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage Technology Research Articles

Sustainability and Environmental Efficiency of Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) Technology

In recent decades, with global energy consumption increasing year by year, the issue of energy and the environment has become one of the hot issues of concern. In this paper, the superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) technology is selected as the research object, and its sustainability and environmental efficiency are discussed and analyzed based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results show that the characteristics and performance advantages of SMES technology and devices make it possible to fill the energy supply gap in a timely manner without polluting or disturbing the atmosphere and water environment. Through the study of the existing application direction, development status and policies of SMES technology, this paper also conclude that the current application of this technology is feasible and effective in renewable power generation systems, hybrid power systems and electric vehicles but still has the problems of high cost, which leads to incomplete scale up and low promotion rate. Therefore, this paper presents the outlook and prediction of its future trends, such as iterative superconducting materials and the introduction of monitoring systems. This paper expects to find and evaluate how SMES would meet sustainability goals and ecological requirements and the corresponding further development directions.

A Developed Frequency Control Strategy for Hybrid Two-Area Power System with Renewable Energy Sources Based on an Improved Social Network Search Algorithm

In this paper, an effective frequency control strategy is proposed for emulating sufficient inertia power and improving frequency stability. The developed technique is based on applying virtual inertia control (VIC) with superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) instead of a traditional energy storage system (ESS) to compensate for the system inertia during the high penetration of renewable energy sources, taking into account the role of the controller in the secondary control loop (SCL). Unlike previous studies that depended on the designer experience in selecting the parameters of the inertia gain or the parameters of the SMES technology, the parameters of the proposed strategy are selected using optimization techniques. Moreover, an improved optimization algorithm called Improved Social Network Search algorithm (ISNS) is proposed to select the optimal parameters of the proposed control strategy. Moreover, the ISNS is improved to overcome the demerits of the traditional SNS algorithm, such as low speed convergence and global search capability. Accordingly, the ISNS algorithm is applied to a hybrid two-area power grid to determine the optimal parameters of the proposed control technique as follows: the proportional-integral derivative (PID) controller in the SCL. Additionally, the ISNS is applied to select the optimal control gains of the VIC-based SMES technology (e.g., the inertia gain, the proportional gain of the SMES, and the negative feedback gain of the SMES). Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed ISNS algorithm is validated by comparing its performance with that of the traditional SNS algorithm and other well-known algorithms (i.e., PSO, TSA, GWO, and WHO) considering different standard benchmark functions. Formerly, the effectiveness of the proposed frequency control technique was confirmed by comparing its performance with the system performance based on optimal VIC with ESS as well as without VIC considering different operating situations. The simulation results demonstrated the superiority of the proposed technique over other considered techniques, especially during high penetration of renewable power and lack of system inertia. As a result, the proposed technique is credible for modern power systems that take into account RESs.

Application of SMES Technology in Improving the Performance of a DFIG-WECS Connected to a Weak Grid

Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) has become one of the most popular renewable-based power generation that is broadly connected to electricity grids worldwide. Till the year 2019, the total WTGs installed worldwide reached about 650.8GW. The WTG is interfaced to the electricity grid through power electronic converters with a proper control algorithm to facilitate a smooth power delivery as well as maintaining the system voltage and frequency stability during wind intermittency. However, power grids are usually subjected to load expansion which affects the stiffness of the grid and hence its stability. A weak electricity grid exhibits voltage instability that may affect the performance of WTGs and in some cases may lead to serious damages to the wind turbines and the entire system. In this paper, superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) technology based on fuzzy logic controller is implemented to effectively resolve this issue and improve the overall performance of WTGs. Hysteresis current and fuzzy logic-based control system is proposed to control the energy exchange between the SMES coil and the investigated system. Results show the effectiveness of the SMES to improve the overall system performance and along with the fault ride-through capability of the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG).

Design of a 1 MJ/100 kW high temperature superconducting magnet for energy storage

With significant progress in the manufacturing of second-generation (2G) high temperature superconducting (HTS) tape, applications such as superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) have become promising for implementation in the electricity grid. Compared to Li-ion batteries, SMES can provide higher power levels at a lower capital cost (down to $200/kW), they have a longer lifetime (over 20 years) and a comparable cycle efficiency of over 95%. Nevertheless, SMES technology is still underdeveloped, which is reflected in the lack of large-scale 2G HTS SMES units. One of the main challenges is designing an optimal magnet that can persistently store energy while withstanding the forces arising from the magnetic field and maintaining a temperature below the critical transition value. This paper outlines a methodology of designing a 2G HTS SMES, using Yttrium-Barium-Copper-Oxide (YBCO) tapes operating at 22 K. The target storage capacity is set at 1 MJ, with a maximum output power of 100 kW. The magnet consists of a stack of double pancake coils designed for maximum storage capacity, using the minimum tape length. The properties of a commercial YBCO tape published in the literature are used to derive the equations for scaling the critical current with magnetic field intensity and direction, as well as operating temperature. The inductance of the resulting coil configuration is calculated analytically, and is used for estimating the total storage capacity of the magnet. Finally, the properties of the superconducting magnet are summarised in a table.

Enhancement of DFIG LVRT Capability During Extreme Short-Wind Gust Events Using SMES Technology

Wind energy is one of the premier renewable energy sources that have gained popularity during the last decade. Among the currently available wind energy conversion systems (WECS), doubly fed induction generator-based technology has been widely employed due to its superior advantageous. The key features of the DFIG-based WECS include its ability to capture more wind energy and support the grid with large reactive power during short disturbance events. On the other hand, DFIG is very sensitive to grid faults which affect its fault ride through (FRT) capability. Furthermore, extreme wind gust even for short durations may lead to the violation of the low voltage ride through (LVRT) threshold limits set by worldwide transmission line operators. This situation cannot be mitigated by the turbine blades pitch controller since the response of the pitch mechanical control is much slower than the rapid dynamic change in the wind speed during short duration of wind gust events. While DFIG FRT capability has been discussed in several papers in the literature, not much attention was given to the mitigation of the effects of extreme wind gust of short duration on the DFIG performance. In this paper, the effect of various levels of wind gust on the performance of a DFIG-based wind energy conversion grid-connected system is investigated and mitigated using a new controller for superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) unit. A combination of hysteresis current and fuzzy logic controllers is employed to control the voltage source converter and the DC-DC chopper interfacing the SMES coil with the investigated system. Simulation results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed SMES controller that can be easily implemented within existing as well as new WECS installations.

Analysis and Study of the Influence on the Train Side Harmonic as a SMES Fabricated Into the EMU Converter System

Due to the dynamic performance and continuous function of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES), the SMES was fabricated into the electrical multiple unit (EMU) high-speed train traction converter system. The pollution of harmonic current from ac drive electric locomotives was an essential problem to analyze. To settle this problem, first, the influence of SMES technology in the current harmonic of train grid side was studied, in which the current analysis method was used and a harmonic suppression scheme was proposed. Next, the effects of harmonic frequency characteristics and amplitude characteristics on the current harmonic were analyzed, with adjusting the carrier frequency and increasing the leakage inductance of the traction transformer. Finally, the accuracy of the theoretical analysis method is verified by the simulation analysis and experimental verification. The results showed that the new type superconductivity technology proposed could optimize the train side harmonic current remarkably.

Developmental Challenges of SMES Technology for Applications

This paper reviews the current status of high temperature superconductor (HTS) based superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) technology as a developmental effort. Discussion centres on the major challenges in magnet optimization, loss reduction, cooling improvement, and new development of quench detection. The cryogenic operation for superconductivity in this technological application requires continued research and development, especially with a greater engineering effort that involves the end user. For the SMES-based technology to more fully mature, some suggestions are given for consideration and discussion.

Development of a Small Cryogen-Free MgB2Test Coil for SMES Application

MgB2 material operating at moderate field can conveniently be considered for short-term cost-effective implementation of superconducting magnetic energy storage ( SMES). Due to the intrinsic performance of this material, moderate field operation and cryogen free cooling in the range 10–20 K need to be considered. For investigating the feasibility of MgB2 based SMES technology a 10 kW—2 s system is under development. A small MgB2 coil was developed and tested as the first step of this study. The cooling was obtained by means of a cryogen-free test facility based on a two-stages Gifford–McMahon regenerative heat exchanger. A power conditioning system (PCS) was also developed in order to connect the coil with the power grid. The PCS is based on power mosfet components and consists of two parallel dc/dc boost converters and an inverter connected to a common dc bus at 100 V. Continuous operation of the coil at a charge/discharge rate up to 24 kW can be achieved by means of the PCS. Details of the layout of the coil and the thermal connection with the cryocooler are discussed in this paper. Results of cooling test are reported. Possible SMES operation is also discussed.

Integrated SMES Technology for Modern Power System and Future Smart Grid

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) technology has been progressed actively for use in modern power system. Principal application schemes of a sole SMES system, a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) consisting of small-scale SMES and other commercial energy storage systems (ESSs), a distributed SMES (DSMES) system, and a distributed HESS (DHESS) are presented and compared. The concept of the SMES-based HESS provides an economical way to apply medium-scale SMES systems in daily load leveling and to apply small-scale SMES systems in power quality improvement. A dc power distribution network case with superconducting dc cables and SMES devices is conceptually designed to evaluate the performance of the proposed four SMES application schemes. The results show that the novel concept of the SMES-based DHESS can be particularly expected to achieve efficient and economical power management. Finally, the application prospects and possible schemes implanting SMES devices for power generation, transmission, distribution and utilization are explored for use in future smart grid.

Application of energy storage devices in power systems

In Electric Power systems, power quality has been one of the issues of increasing interests. Energy storage does not mean just the energy sources but they also provide the added benefits of improving power quality, dynamic and transient stability and also the reliability of the supply. Some of the major disadvantages in electric power supply system have been flickering and deviations in power supply which make some of the electronic equipments and domestic devices highly sensitive to it. To avoid such problems we need to find out devices that can provide a backup during the time of voltage sags and such deviations. The paper concentrates on performance benefits of adding energy storage to power electronic compensators for utility applications. The paper concerns on analysis of various energy storage devices on the basis of different parameters out of which Superconducting magnetic energy storage technology and Super capacitor energy storage has become an alternative for conventional solutions with negligible losses. Flywheel is used for non polluting uninterruptible power supply. For large scale storage, Underground thermal, Compressed air and Pumped hydrogen are preferred but it is difficult to compare all these devices as none of them are optimal for all applications.

Energy-storage technologies and electricity generation

As the contribution of electricity generated from renewable sources (wind, wave and solar) grows, the inherent intermittency of supply from such generating technologies must be addressed by a step-change in energy storage. Furthermore, the continuously developing demands of contemporary applications require the design of versatile energy-storage/power supply systems offering wide ranges of power density and energy density. As no single energy-storage technology has this capability, systems will comprise combinations of technologies such as electrochemical supercapacitors, flow batteries, lithium-ion batteries, superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) and kinetic energy storage. The evolution of the electrochemical supercapacitor is largely dependent on the development of optimised electrode materials (tailored to the chosen electrolyte) and electrolytes. Similarly, the development of lithium-ion battery technology requires fundamental research in materials science aimed at delivering new electrodes and electrolytes. Lithium-ion technology has significant potential, and a step-change is required in order to promote the technology from the portable electronics market into high-duty applications. Flow-battery development is largely concerned with safety and operability. However, opportunities exist to improve electrode technology yielding larger power densities. The main barriers to overcome with regard to the development of SMES technology are those related to high-temperature superconductors in terms of their granular, anisotropic nature. Materials development is essential for the successful evolution of flywheel technology. Given the appropriate research effort, the key scientific advances required in order to successfully develop energy-storage technologies generally represent realistic goals that may be achieved by 2050.

Detailed Modeling of Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) System

This paper presents a detailed model for simulation of a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) system. SMES technology has the potential to bring real power storage characteristic to the utility transmission and distribution systems. The principle of SMES system operation is reviewed in this paper. To understand transient and dynamic performance of a SMES system, a detailed SMES system benchmark model is given with extensive simulation results. This system is demonstrated using an electromagnetic transient program-PSCAD/EMTDC.

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) utility application studies

The results of a study performed with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (USA) to assess the benefits of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) for electric utility applications are presented. The study was conducted for the US Defense Nuclear Agency and the Department of Energy as part of their efforts to develop SMES for military and civilian applications. The technical benefits of the SMES and alternative technology options and the economic value of those benefits were determined for two stability-related cases.

Small SMES technology and cost reduction estimates

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) has been under development for electric system applications for some time. Large units (/spl ges/10 MWh) have been designed for electric load management. Small systems (<10 MW) have been designed for power quality enhancements. Small systems, in particular, can provide momentary carryover on a distribution network, thus avoiding outages in customers' electric supply. The price of today's small units is relatively expensive. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible cost reductions of small SMES devices to determine long-term feasibility for use in utility systems.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

SMES benefit analysis using a production cost model for Puget Sound application

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is an emerging technology that is expected to provide a means of storing electrical energy for use during peak demand periods. Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) has estimated benefits and costs associated with the use of SMES technology and has provided insight into the overall future potential of SMES in the service area of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and on systems that connect and exchange power with BPA.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>