CRYOGENIC ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME

The invention relates to a cryogenic energy storage system (CESS), particularly to a hybrid CESS which includes superconducting electrical based components, devices and systems therein requiring access to cryogenic temperatures to function. The CESS includes a cryogen storage facility such as a tank or cylinder filled with a cryogen, such as liquid air. A cryogen expansion arrangement is provided to the CESS to expand stored cryogen from the cryogen storage facility, in use; and an energy generating arrangement is provided to use expanding cryogen from the cryogen expansion arrangement to generate electrical energy, in use. A superconducting system, comprising a superconducting device, is embedded in the cryogen storage facility in order to function at a desired operating temperature having no or little influence on the cryogenic energy storage system (CESS).