Bidirectional, SiC module-based solid-state circuit breakers for 270 Vdc MEA/AEA systems

Abstract

Circuit protection devices and power distribution units for future More Electric / All Electric Aircraft (MEA/AEA) power systems require an increased level of control and intelligence along with fast-acting protection mechanisms. The trend towards utilizing solid-state power electronics for system-level protection of MEA/AEA systems has increased due to the many advantages provided over electromechanical solutions. Furthermore, the emergence and rapid maturation of Silicon Carbide (SiC) power semiconductor device technology has led to their preferred use in applications conventionally dominated by legacy Silicon (Si) technology. The superior electrical and thermal performance of SiC enables the implementation of rugged, power dense solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs) that meet the current and future power demands of MEA/AEA power systems. This paper presents a SiC-based SSCB for applications within MEA/AEA power systems. The design and development of a SSCB technology demonstrator based on an all-SiC power module is presented. Experimental results demonstrating the interruption and extinction of a 250 A fault in 10 μs, and a 450 A fault in 70 μs on a 270 Vdc bus is given.