Liquid Hydrogen Cooled Superconducting Magnet and Energy Storage

The earth faces environmental problems such as temperature increase and energy crisis. One of the solutions for the problems may be to put hydrogen energy to practical use. Superconducting devices for power applications are promising technologies for saving energy. By convergence of high temperature superconductors (HTS) or MgB₂ and liquid hydrogen, advanced energy systems can be introduced to power applications. We have proposed an emergency power supply system in combination with an HTS or MgB₂ magnet (SMES) cooled with liquid hydrogen and fuel cells for hospitals, intelligent buildings, advanced factories like semiconductor industry, and so on. The superconducting magnet has merits of fast time response and high input/output electric power. On the other hand, the liquid hydrogen can store energy with high density and the fuel cell can supply electricity with high efficiency. The combination of these devices produces synergistic effects for environmentally friendly and energy saving measures. The development schedule and design for the prototype of the emergency power supply system are described.