Superconducting magnetic energy storage

Four distinct areas are discussed in which superconducting magnetic energy storage can be applied. Differences in energy transfer times place different requirements on the storage oil, on the switch or transfer element and on the energy losses in the superconductor. Designs and experiments in one of these areas with 2 to 300 kJ units, and analysis and plans for an installation that is to provide 250 MJ of plasma compression energy for the theta-pinch controlled thermonuclear fusion test reactor are discussed. Those elements of inductive storage that need further development before a theta-pinch fusion reactor can become economically competitive are mentioned. Size and costs of the energy storage components of these systems are compared with similar and with larger inductive storage systems that are to interact reversibly with electric utility networks.