# Superconducting energy storage and voltage [closed]

I've been reading up on superconducting magnetic energy storage, and while I know how the energy is stored ($$E=\frac12LI^2$$) I have no idea how the discharging works. Specifically, as per this paper 1 a voltage is applied across the superconducting coil, and the power output is given by $$VI$$, where $$I$$ is the current circulating in the superconductor. But I thought the notion of applying a voltage across a superconductor didn't make sense, as per this physics SE question.

Furthermore, I'm a bit uncertain as to how you just apply a voltage across something. For example, you could presumably put a 12V battery across the coil, but wouldn't that just result in your battery being charged? What if you wanted to deliver electrical power elsewhere?

1 P. Tixador, "Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage: Status and Perspective", IEEE/CSC & ESAS EUROPEAN SUPERCONDUCTIVITY NEWS FORUM, No. 3, January 2008.

• Where in the paper [1] does it say "voltage is applied"? Voltage is created after the SC circuit is disconnected (or some element of non-zero resistance is introduced) by mobile charges due to inductor pushing current into shorted terminals or resistive element. Dec 15 '20 at 16:11
• @JánLalinský Page 3, "The product of the magnet current ($Io$) by the maximum allowable voltage($Vmax$) across it gives the power of the magnet ($Io*Vmax$). Dec 15 '20 at 20:48
• Where in that statement do you see "voltage is applied"? The statement says that maximum usable power of the device is determined by maximum allowed voltage on its terminals (by its designer or by other analysis). This maximum allowed voltage does not have to be applied by anybody, voltage will appear spontaneously and the operator has to make sure it isn't too great. Dec 15 '20 at 21:27
• For example, if we use the device to generate heat and so put in parallel a big resistive element with resistance $R$ and current $I$ goes through it instead of through the short, then voltage $RI$ will appear spontaneously on the resistive element as a result of large current passing through. In order to be safe from reaching the maximum allowed voltage, the ohmic resistance must not be too big. Dec 15 '20 at 21:28