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 approachforbulk energy storage. Nevertheless, there areapplicationswhere high amountsofpower must be availableforashort periodoftime, like power qualityapplications. The core elementofSMESis the superconductingcoil. Different approaches are found in the literature considering the modelingofthis component, eitherfordesignor simulation purposes. These usually consistofanalytical or numerical approaches. The former allowsfastresults, but only considers geometric effects. The latter provides accurate results, considering, besides electromagnetic, also mechanical and thermal effects. In this paper,areviewofthese models is performed, and analytical models are used in analgorithmthat allows optimizing equivalent inductanceforaspecified lengthoftape. Two small prototypes are fabricated, and experimental measurements carried out, in order to validate the models that are in the baseofthe proposedalgorithm.