Design and Fabrication Issues for Small-Scale SMES

Coil-scaling and structural-force calculations for small-scale solenoidal and toroidal superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems are presented. The efficiency of the refrigeration system is estimated as a function of mechanical support, insulation, and power-lead thermal losses. Required high-temperature superconductor (HTS) properties are compared to properties of presently available materials or those expected to evolve in the near term. Potential applications are described for small-scale SMES, and these applications will significantly increase when HTSs can be used.