An overview of the SMES ETM program: the Bechtel team's perspective

Phase I of the conceptual design and component development for the SMES/ETM (Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage/Engineering Test Model) program is discussed. The approach chosen is to develop and test all key components at full scale; in particular, the selected operating current for the conductor is 200 kA. The ETM is supposed to deliver from 400 to 1000 MW for 100 s and from 10 to 20 MW for 2 to 3 h. The lower end of each range was chosen for the design described. The result is a 21-MWh coil discharging 56% of its energy at 400 MW in 100 s or discharging 95% of its energy at 10 MW over 2 h. The design philosophy is discussed.>