Use of high-temperature superconductors in superconducting magnetic energy power sources

The concept of mobile superconducting magnetic energy power sources (SMEPSs) is introduced and scrutinized. The use of high-temperature superconductors (HTSs) in mobile SMEPS systems is discussed. Coil scaling and structural force calculations for small solenoidal and toroidal coil systems are presented. Estimates of system refrigeration efficiency are made as a function of mechanical support, insulation, and power lead thermal losses. Required HTS properties, derived from considerations presently developed, are compared to properties of currently available materials or those expected to evolve in the near term. The analysis verifies the applicability of SMEPS for military and nonmilitary mobile energy storage and power backup applications. The results show that the evolution of SMEPS systems will be stimulated by the development of higher-strength, tougher HTSs that can operate at current densities greater than 10⁴ A/cm² in magnetic fields of 4 to 6 T and at temperatures of 77 K or higher