Project Summary
This project delivers a new 3kV solid-state circuit breaker prototype with fault clearance 100 times faster than traditional electromechanical breakers, supporting the electrification of large vessels through high-voltage Direct Current (DC) power systems. The proposed technology uses wide bandgap semiconductors and an innovative detection and decision algorithm to address the limitation of slow response of electromechanical breakers. This breakthrough will improve safety, minimise equipment damage, and set a new standard for reliability of DC networks for low- and zero-emission vessels. This innovation enables a more efficient integration on board of renewable energy sources, energy storage, and low carbon fuels that necessarily require high-voltages when the powers involved are above 10MW. This project aligns with the UK’s net-zero goals by facilitating the adoption of efficient DC power systems, reducing power losses, infrastructure costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. The innovation has the potential for adoption beyond maritime for other transport sectors requiring high power for electrification, such as rail and aerospace. The adoption of low- and zero-emission solutions is critical for the wellbeing of end-users and society, as it would reduce the negative effects on health related to transport pollution.
Project Achievements
The project achieved a Technology Readiness Level progression to TRL 3. This assessment was based on the successful laboratory validation of a 3 kV solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) prototype under controlled and representative fault conditions, in line with standard TRL 3 definitions for experimental proof of concept. A 20 A / 3 kV SSCB demonstrating the feasibility of key features: · Reliable microsecond‑level fault interruption · A modular SiC‑based solid‑state architecture · Proven arc‑less behaviour and enhanced reliability.
Conclusions
The project delivers clear social, environmental, and economic benefits by enabling safer and more reliable high-voltage DC power systems, which are a prerequisite for large-scale transport electrification. By addressing a key protection gap above 1.5 kV, the work supports the transition to low- and zero-emission vessels, with positive implications for public health through reduced air pollution and improved safety of electrical infrastructure. The decarbonisation impact is significant. Prior studies show that DC power systems can reduce fuel consumption on offshore vessels by up to 27%, corresponding to around 500 tonnes of CO₂ and 25 tonnes of NOx per vessel per year. When scaled across offshore vessels, ferries, and cruise ships, this equates to potential reductions of tens of millions of tonnes of CO₂ annually. The solid-state DC circuit breaker developed in this project is an enabling technology for achieving these reductions, as renewable generation, energy storage, and low-carbon fuels all rely on robust DC protection. In the medium to long term, the project supports the transport industry’s move towards integrated high-power DC architectures, including maritime systems and emerging megawatt-scale charging infrastructure. Beyond transport, the findings are directly relevant to shore-based charging, rail electrification, and resilient DC distribution networks. For the organisation, the project strengthened internal capabilities in high-voltage experimentation, safety management, and wide bandgap power electronics. Impacts were measured through a validated version, engagement with industrial partners, and dissemination of outputs. Indirect benefits included workforce upskilling, new industrial collaborations, and positioning the organisation to lead future projects targeting higher TRLs and cross-sector electrification.
Next Steps
The next phase of the project will focus on progressing the technology beyond TRL3 towards higher levels of validation. This includes further high-voltage testing closer to the full 3 kV operating range, extended reliability and lifetime testing under repeated fault conditions, and refinement of the integrated hardware and control design to reduce parasitic effects. Additional validation in environments representative of real maritime operating conditions will be required before the solution can be considered market-ready. The team plans to continue collaboration with academic and industrial partners to support this progression. Links established through TRIG (BLIXt in Sweden, GE Vernova, and TFL), provide access to complementary facilities, expertise, and potential end-user perspectives. These collaborations are expected to support larger-scale demonstrators and, in the medium term, live or pre-commercial testing in relevant environments. Intellectual property will be managed carefully, with options under consideration including patent protection for system-level architectures and control approaches, alongside selective publication to support academic and industrial uptake.
