In summary, a superconducting magnetic energy storage device that can safely carry 100 kilowatt-hours of energy would be several meters tall and long. This is based on the fact that there are magnets that can store up to 360 MJ of energy, but they are quite large. Examples include the CMS magnet and commercial SMES devices, although they may not be designed for exactly 100 kWh.
  • #1
AniV
15
1
How large would a superconducting magnetic energy storage device be if it were to safely carry 100 kilowatt-hours of energy? How much cryogen (liquid nitrogen) would it consume per hour if the device were made from high-temperature superconducting materials (YBCO or similar).
 
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  • #2
Is this a school project or homework?
 
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  • #3
100 kW-hours is 360 MJ. There are magnets that can store this much energy, but they are quite large: several meters tall and long.
 
  • #4
marcusl said:
Is this a school project or homework?
None, more like a hypothetical
 
  • #5
Vanadium 50 said:
100 kW-hours is 360 MJ. There are magnets that can store this much energy, but they are quite large: several meters tall and long.
Interesting, do you have any specific examples?
 
  • #6
The CMS magnet.
 
  • #7
There are commercial SMES devices, did you try to find their specifications? They won't be designed for exactly 100 kWh, but some extrapolation should not be too hard.
 

What is a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage device?

A Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) device is a type of energy storage system that uses superconducting materials to store and release large amounts of electrical energy. It works by storing energy in the form of a magnetic field within a superconducting coil, which can be released as electricity when needed.

How does the size of a SMES device affect its performance?

The size of a SMES device directly affects its performance, as a larger device can store more energy and release it at a faster rate. However, a larger device also requires more materials and can be more expensive to produce and maintain.

What factors determine the size of a SMES device?

The size of a SMES device is primarily determined by the amount of energy it needs to store, the desired discharge rate, and the type of superconducting material used. Other factors such as cooling systems and supporting structures may also play a role in determining the overall size of the device.

Can the size of a SMES device be customized?

Yes, the size of a SMES device can be customized to meet specific energy storage needs. This can be achieved by adjusting the number and size of superconducting coils, as well as other components such as the cooling system and supporting structures.

What are the potential applications for SMES devices of different sizes?

SMES devices of different sizes have a wide range of potential applications, including providing backup power for critical systems, stabilizing power grids, and storing renewable energy. Larger SMES devices can also potentially be used for industrial or commercial energy storage, while smaller devices can be used for personal or residential energy storage.

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