generated by the large magnetic fields and providing an acceptably low heat leak into the low temperature region. Research in materials and geological structures is required to support the engineering development. Studies in helium flow, reliable large scale refrigeration, cycling of superconducting materials, and the biological effects of magnetic fields must also be carried out. The following improvements in superconductor technology can significantly decrease the expected cost: • Development of materials that are superconducting at higher temperatures than those presently available. • Reduced manufacturing costs of superconducting wire. • A better understanding of magnet-stability criteria. Magnetic storage is probably the most technically advanced energy storage concept under investigation. (3) Scope of the Program Los Alamos has completed the construction, test, and evaluation of a 1-MJ (280 Wh) model storage system, and is working on a 100-MJ (28 kWh) model. g. Thermal Storage (1) Applications and Goals The goal in this program is to develop thermal storage methods for residential, commercial, industrial, and electric utility applications. The application to residential and commercial space heating in new structures is possible in the mid-1980*s. The primary problem is to identify and to develop long-lived and inexpensive systems. In principle this technology is not complex and can have significant near-term impact on conserving available fossil energy resources. Thermal storage will also be valuable in applications of solar and geothermal energy. Thermal storage reservoirs used in conjunction with all-electric space-heating systems can reduce costs by using off-peak electrical generating capacity in utilities. This type of implementation could be especially important in regions where there are winter rather than summer electric peaks and where storage could thus aid in leveling the electric load of the local utility.
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