Preliminary Investigation on Economic Aspects of Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) Systems and High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) Transformers

Abstract

This research investigates the economic aspects of using superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) transformers as reported by utilities and other projects. The focus is on producing a preliminary set of information that could form a guideline in estimating cost-benefit-related numbers for these technologies. In this paper, a literature review of studies using SMES systems and HTS transformers is presented and an effort is made to highlight major cost factors and drivers based on available information. In conclusion, it is evident that more utility scale studies need to be undertaken to have a comprehensive understanding of the economic benefits of SMES and HTS-based systems in addition to a thorough comparative assessment to prevalent and conventional options.