Comparative Analysis of Hybrid and Solid-State Circuit Breakers for an Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Network

The commercial aviation industry is adopting electric aircraft due to their benefits such as higher efficiency, better control, and reduced emissions. One of the primary obstacles in developing electric aircraft propulsion (EPA) systems is the power-weight trade-off. Implementing a low voltage DC distributed system can effectively configure the electrical power network and decrease the overall aircraft weight. To optimize the EPA and minimize aircraft weight and volume, advancements in electrical power network architecture and system integration are essential. Additionally, a reliable and efficient DC protection system and safe switching mechanism are crucial for the future viability of aircraft. Enhancing the performance of the DC protection system and optimizing the EAP system integration requires selecting and developing a suitable DC circuit breaker (DCCB). Based on simulations, this study evaluates the capabilities and limitations of hybrid and solid-state DCCBs for electrical aircraft applications, considering factors such as fault current limitations, weight, volume, and technological complexity. An experimental setup was built to validate this approach, and a modular solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) using a gallium nitride FET power device was tested at room temperature. Finally, the study also explored cryogenic conditions with liquid nitrogen to improve the SSCB performance and its efficiency, achieving approximately a 41% reduction in the on-state losses of the semiconductor switch as the main breaker.