A Fast Algorithm for Initial Design of HTS Coils for SMES Applications

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is characterized by low-energy density but high-power density, making this an unfeasible approach for bulk energy storage. Nevertheless, there are applications where high amounts of power must be available for a short period of time, like power quality applications. The core element of SMES is the superconducting coil. Different approaches are found in the literature considering the modeling of this component, either for design or simulation purposes. These usually consist of analytical or numerical approaches. The former allows fast results, but only considers geometric effects. The latter provides accurate results, considering, besides electromagnetic, also mechanical and thermal effects. In this paper, a review of these models is performed, and analytical models are used in an algorithm that allows optimizing equivalent inductance for a specified length of tape. Two small prototypes are fabricated, and experimental measurements carried out, in order to validate the models that are in the base of the proposed algorithm.