What is a solid-state circuit breaker (ABB)?

A technological breakthrough by ABB – a solid-state circuit breaker – will enhance performance of renewable energy solutions, industrial battery storage solutions and so-called edge grids.

How are solid-state circuit breakers classified?

First, we categorize solid-state circuit breakers based on key features and subsystems, including power semiconductor devices, main circuit topologies, voltage clamping methods, gate drivers, fault detection methods, and commutation methods for power semiconductor devices.

What is a solid-state breaker?

The solid-state breaker concept replaces the traditional moving parts of an electromechanical circuit breaker with semiconductors and advanced software algorithms that control the power and can interrupt extreme currents faster than ever before.

Are solid-state circuit breakers a viable solution?

A viable solution to such protection needs is given by solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs), exploiting the latest development of power semiconductor technology, such as low-losses IGCTs and WBG FET devices.

Why is a solid-state circuit breaker important?

Energy efficiency is a crucial aspect for all electrical installations, including those operating on islanded grids such as vessels with an onboard DC grid. Compared to other semiconductor technologies, ABB’s solid-state circuit breaker guarantees 70% less power losses during the conduction phase.

Can a solid-state circuit breaker save you money?

For example, in the event of an electrical fault in a 4MW utility-scale battery system, the new solid-state circuit breaker can prevent losses of up to $100,000 per plant from missed energy remuneration and system recovery costs.