Design improvements and cost reductions for a 5000 MWh superconducting magnetic energy storage plant. Part 2. Project final report, October 1985

The results of work performed to improve technical feasibility and reduce costs for a utility scale superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) plant are presented. The project used the baseline design reported in Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) report EM-3457 as the point of departure for all modifications. Elements common to the baseline design, which is referenced often, are not included in this study. One of the technical drawbacks of the design reported in EM-3457 was use of a large, high current conductor requiring field assembly. During the course of this study, reducing the conductor current required a number of related design changes, many of which resulted in a more easily constructed plant of lower capital cost. The design uses shop fabricated conductor, is wound in four radial layers, uses resistive energy transfer from the conductor during a coil scram event, and is constructed without radial ripples in the conductor and conductor support structure.