What is the difference between a mechanical and solid-state circuit breaker?

Solid-state technology guarantees an extremely fast interruption and clears a fault in a few microseconds. In comparison, a mechanical circuit breaker with the same frame size takes a few milliseconds. ABB’s solid-state circuit breaker can detect and respond to a short circuit fault 100 times faster than a mechanical circuit breaker.

What is a solid-state circuit breaker?

Solid-state circuit breakers are faster, can be dynamically adjusted and can be connected to the intelligent network and monitored remotely. They can be used in various applications, including residential, commercial and industrial AC systems.

Is ABB a solid-state circuit breaker?

...ABB has invented a revolutionary solid-state circuit breaker concept that meets the highest demands of renewable energy solutions and industrial energy storage systems?

How fast can a solid state circuit breaker detect a short circuit?

ABB’s solid-state circuit breaker can detect and respond to a short circuit fault 100 times faster than a mechanical circuit breaker. Energy storage systems and their corresponding electrical grid services are strongly affected by the downtime in case of an internal fault.

Why are solid-state circuit breaker variants gaining a bigger market share?

With advancements in the wide-bandgap semiconductor technology, solid-state circuit breaker variants are taking on a bigger market share. Wide-bandgap semiconductor switches have lower on-state losses and higher efficiency during normal operation compared to silicon-based semiconductors.

Are electro-mechanical circuit breakers smart?

Electro-mechanical circuit breakers were developed a 100 years ago. Now it is time for a smart, intelligent solid-state device. While conventional electro-mechanical components exhibit performance limitations, solid-state solutions unleash unprecedented control and protection capabilities.