impulse-ed 2-060417

IMPULSE 2017
DEE, RSET
Fig 3: SMES Components
Most superconducting coils are wound using conductors which are comprised of many fine
filaments of a niobium-titanium (NbTi) alloy embedded in a copper matrix. The Size of the coil
depends upon the energy storage requirement and coil geometry. The power conditioning system
is an Interface between the superconducting magnet and AC power system. The cryogenic units
maintain a temperature of about 4.5 K. The control system controls the power flow from the
renewable device to the storage system and also controls the flow to the grid. Fast responses,
capability of partial and deep discharges, environmentally safe are its advantages. The system is
very expensive and of poor efficiency. It also has high energy losses (∼ 12% per day)
2.3 Batteries
Batteries store energy in chemical form. Most battery technologies use two different compounds
which release energy in form of an electrical current when reacting with each other. It has high
potential for improvements. The main drawback is its limited life cycle and require a lot of
resources for production.
2.4 Pumped Storage Hydroelectricity (PSH)
In a PSH electrical powered turbines pump water into higher reservoirs. When needed, the water
flows back down and power the reversed turbines. PSH is capable of storing huge amounts of
energy. High efficiency, fast response time and cheap makes it ideal for storage. Availability of
water is essential for its operation. Environmental impacts are of concern.