Numerical analysis on 10 MJ solenoidal high temperature superconducting magnetic energy storage system to evaluate magnetic flux and Lorentz force distribution

•Solenoidal geometry has been used for energy storage.•2-D Axisymmetric Model has been used to model the superconducting coil.•Superconducting magnet is required to be cooled at 14 K using cryocoolers.•Operating currents significantly affect the length of the superconductor.•Magnetic field and Lorentz forces have been evaluated. Due to fast response and high energy density characteristics, Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) can work efficiently while stabilizing the power grid. The challenges like voltage fluctuations, load shifting and seasonal load demands can be accomplished through HTS magnet as this device has a great potential to supply power for a time span varies from few seconds to hours. Solenoidal configuration has been widely employed (over toroidal) in the development of SMES prototypes as it is simpler to manufacture and allows an easier handling of the mechanical stresses imposed on the structure due to Lorentz forces. A micro-SMES of capacity 10 MJ can be employed to mitigate the challenges like load leveling, dynamic stability, transient stability, voltage stability, frequency regulation, transmission capability enhancement, power quality improvement, automatic generation control, uninterruptible power supplies, etc. In this work, solenoidal configuration has been engaged in the development of 10 MJ SMES Magnet using 2 G (SuperPower, YBCO having Tc = 90 K @0T) High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) tape. The superconducting tape has been cooled at 14 K using conduction cooling. The effect of maximum operating current (3250A, 2600A, 1950A and 1300A) on the inductance, maximum storable energy and length of superconductor has also been evaluated for a constant deliverable energy of 10 MJ. A numerical analysis is done on 10 MJ HTS SMES where perpendicular field of 3T has been considered. The effect of aspect ratio (solenoidal height to bore diameter ratio) on the normal component of the magnetic field has also been assessed. Lorentz forces (N/m3) have been evaluated in the superconducting domain. It has been concluded that it would be beneficial to operate at higher currents (i.e. more current through single tape) as it can reduce the total length of the superconductor. The perpendicular component of magnetic flux for the analysis is found to 2.96T which is less than 3T.