US 5,315,277 A · Vertically rippled superconductive magnetic energy storage

Abstract

A superconducting energy storage magnet is constructed for mounting in relatively shallow trenches or tunnels to provide superconductive energy storage for applications such as power system load leveling. The magnet includes composite superconductors arranged in substantially planar coil layers around a central axis. A first and second coil layer have an inner support structure between them to which the conductors of the layers are engaged. The inner support structure carries the magnetically induced forces on the conductors of the coils. The net radial magnetically induced force is opposed by the rigid structural material of the inner support structure and by support struts which extend from the periphery of the inner support structure to a surrounding support wall such as the wall of a trench. The conductors in each layer, and the inner support structure between them, have matching vertically (axially) undulating ripples over the circumference of the magnet. The ripples accommodate stresses imposed on the magnet during cool down from ambient temperatures to cryogenic temperatures, while the inner support structure is rigid radially to carry the magnetically induced radial forces on the conductors so that substantially no flexing of the conductors occurs during charge up and discharge of the magnet.

Claims26

Dependent claims

An electrical energy storage magnet, comprising:

(a) a coil of superconductive conductor arranged in turns in a layer about a central axis and having axially undulating ripples in the conductor;
(b) an inner support structure engaged with the turns of conductor to carry magnetically induced forces imposed on the conductor and axially undulating to match the conductor to which the support structure is engaged;
(c) a support wall formed of structural material which substantially surrounds the periphery of the coil layer and the inner support structure;
and
(d) a plurality of support struts extending from the support wall to engage the inner support structure and oppose radial expansion of the inner support structure under magnetic forces imposed on the structure by the coil.

2 more elements

A superconducting energy storage magnet comprising:

(a) a first coil of turns of a conductor arranged about a central axis substantially in a plane perpendicular to the axis to form a first coil layer, the conductor of the first coil formed of a composite of a superconducting material and a normal conducting metal;
(b) a second coil of turns of a conductor arranged about the central axis substantially in a plane perpendicular to the axis to form a second coil layer, the conductor of the second coil formed of a composite of a superconducting material and a normal conducting metal, the second coil layer spaced below the first coil layer;
and
(c) an inner support structure between the first and second coil layers, the inner support structure having grooves with sidewalls which engage and hold the turns of conductors of the first and second coil layers, the inner support structure engaging the turns of the first and second coil layers to oppose magnetically induced forces on the turns of the first and second coil layers directed inwardly toward the inner support structure and also radially outward, the inner support structure and the first and second coils having matching axially undulating ripples therein extending around the circumference of the first and second coils and the inner support structure, the inner support structure having an outer periphery, whereby thermal stresses associated with the first and second coils and the inner support structure are relieved by the ripples.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vertically rippled superconductive magnetic energy storage

Life of this patent

Vertically rippled superconductive magnetic energy storage

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26