Magnetic energy storage device

摘要

A superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) device (1) comprising a first coil (2) made of superconducting material, cooling means (3) for cooling the first coil to superconducting temperatures, a second coil (4) inductively coupled to the first coil (2) for inputting energy to, and/or outputting energy from, the first coil (2), and switching means (5) for switching the first coil (2) between a superconducting condition and a non-superconducting condition. The first coil (2) is arranged as a closed loop electric circuit having no connecting means mechanically connected to it for inputting or outputting energy. The switching means (5) comprises a third coil for the application or removal of a magnetic field for switching the first coil (2) between its non-superconducting and superconducting conditions. The invention also relates to a method of inputting energy to and/or outputting energy from the first coil (2) and to a power supply system.