Superconducting magnetic energy storage systems: Prospects and challenges for renewable energy applications

This paper provides a clear and concise review on the use of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems for renewable energy applications with the attendant challenges and future research direction. A brief history of SMES and the operating principle has been presented. Also, the main components of SMES are discussed. A bibliographical software was used to analyse important keywords relating to SMES obtained from top 1240 most relevant research on superconducting magnetic energy storage system that have been published in reputable journals in recent times. Comparison of SMES with other competitive energy storage technologies is presented in order to reveal the present status of SMES in relation to other viable energy storage systems. In addition, various research on the application of SMES for renewable energy applications are reviewed including control strategies and power electronic interfaces for SMES. Important technology road map and set targets for SMES development from year 2020 to 2050 are summarized. This paper also discusses important challenges facing the development and application of SMES and points out vital future research direction on the development and improvement of SMES systems for renewable energy applications. This work will be of significant interest and will provide important insights for researchers in the field of renewable energy and energy storage, utilities and government agencies. • Review of SMES for renewable energy applications has been carried out. • Bibliographical analysis of important keywords on SMES has been provided. • Published articles in the last 10 years on SMES categorized and presented. • Road map and set targets for SMES technology from 2020 to 2050 are summarized. • Challenges of SMES application and future research direction have been discussed.