Cryogenic Solid-state Circuit Breaker

This project will develop a medium voltage (MV) cryogenic power switch to enable solid-state circuit breakers operating at cryogenic temperatures. Deploying MV and superconducting cables in electric aviation requires the ability of circuit breakers that can block high voltage at the reduced pressure of high attitudes and operate at cryogenic temperatures (down to 20 K or -424 ºF). This project aims to (1) develop a power switch that can block 10 kV and (2) improve the power switch design so it is immune to carrier freezeout (malfunction) and exhibits a lower on-resistance (power loss) at cryogenic temperature.