Enhancing the utilization of photovoltaic power generation by superconductive magnetic energy storage

The authors demonstrate that a superconductive magnetic energy storage (SMES) system can enhance large-scale utilization of photovoltaic (PV) generation. Results show that power output from a SMES system can be used to smooth out PV power fluctuations so that the combined PV/SMES output is dispatchable and free from fluctuations. Power generated from PV arrays is shown to be fully utilized under different weather conditions, and PV penetration is increased to significant levels without adversely affecting the power system. Coupled with PV generation, a SMES system is even more effective in performing diurnal load leveling. A coordinated PV/SMES operation scheme is proposed, and its demonstration under different weather conditions is discussed