A Commercial Technology Can Help Solve the Reactive Power Capability Problem: Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES)

Authors

  • John B. Howe Vice President American Superconductor
  • Michael J. Zimmer Partner Baker & McKenzie (Washington Office)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.1648

Abstract

The problem of Reactive Power Capability is vital—and it has been
largely overlooked in the development of competitive generation mar-
kets over the past couple of years. One way of solving the problem is
through Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES), which was
developed by American Superconductor. This is one of several reactive
power technologies that have been developed to meet the growing
threat to power transmission—a danger that can affect all users of elec-
tricity.
SMES (D-SMES) is now a fully commercial technology in use at
two sites in Wisconsin (Wisconsin Public Service Co. and Alliant), with
another system on order for installation in South Africa (Eskom), and
another for metropolitan Houston (Entergy). It basically allows utilities
to “cache” significant amounts of real power close to customer loads,
and inject large amounts of real and reactive power into grids, instanta-
neously, simultaneously, and on a distributed basis. Some projects in-
creased the delivery capacity into a 200-MW grid by at least 15% (30
MW), allowing them to defer line construction by several years at a very
low cost

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Author Biographies

John B. Howe, Vice President American Superconductor

John B. Howe is vice president, Electric Industry Affairs for Ameri-
can Superconductor Corporation, a leading developer and manufacturer
of products using superconductors and advanced power electronics to
increase the bandwidth and reliability of the power infrastructure. He
provides strategic leadership on industry restructuring issues and repre-
sents the company in a wide range of industry and policymaking orga-
nizations and forums.
Mr. Howe joined the company in 1997 after serving as chairman of
the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (now the Department
of Telecommunications and Energy). In that role, he spearheaded early
stages of the effort to restructure and introduce retail competition to the
state’s regulated energy industries. He was formerly a Vice President
with U.S. Generating Company. He has held leadership positions in the
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the New
England Conference of Public Utility Commissioners, and several na-
tional and regional independent power industry organizations. He holds
degrees from Amherst College and Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
American Superconductor, Two Technology Drive, Westborough,
MA 01581-1527; (508) 621-4307 direct; (508) 366-4106 fax;
mailto:jhowe@amsuper.com e-mail; http://www. amsuper. com.

Michael J. Zimmer, Partner Baker & McKenzie (Washington Office)

Michael J. Zimmer is a partner in the Washington, DC, office of
Baker & McKenzie, specializing in U.S. banking, finance and major
projects.
He has represented energy concerns for over 20 years in matters
before the Department of Energy, the FERC, the SEC and Congress. He
has represented domestic and international industrial and manufactur-
ing companies, electric utilities and their unregulated subsidiaries, en-
ergy project developers, natural gas pipeline and distribution compa-
nies, trade associations, financial institutions, universities, and embas-
sies in over 30 states and 15 foreign countries. Mr. Zimmer has been
involved in several mergers, acquisitions and project financings in the
IPP industry including some of the largest undertakings in the United
States. He has also been responsible for major precedents before the
FERC involving issues under the Federal Power Act, PURPA, the Natu-
ral Gas Policy Act and PUHCA.
Mr. Zimmer is a member of the Bars of the District of Columbia
and Virginia. He is a member of the American Bar Association Natural
Resources and Public Utility Law Sections, and the Federal Energy Bar
Association (FEBA).
Baker & McKenzie, 815 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
20006-4078; (t) 202-452-7000; (f) 202-452-7074.
michael.j.zimmer@bakernet.com

Published

2001-10-24

How to Cite

Howe, J. B. ., & Zimmer, M. J. . (2001). A Commercial Technology Can Help Solve the Reactive Power Capability Problem: Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES). Distributed Generation &Amp; Alternative Energy Journal, 16(4), 61–65. https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.1648

Issue

2001: vol 16 Iss 4

Section

Articles