SOLID STATE CIRCUIT BREAKER FOR DIRECT-CURRENT APPLICATION IN DEEP-SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEMS,

The objective of the project was to advance the capabilities of solid-state switching devices designed to interrupt large direct-current loads in deep-submersible power-distribution systems. These devices are generally installed in oil-filled enclosures where they are exposed to hydrostatic pressures equivalent to the vehicle operating depth. The program resulted in a solid-state device capable of switching direct currents up to 150 amp at a nominal 120 v and of performing circuit-breaker action with an inverse-time function for overload currents of from 151 to 400 amp. Electrical tests were performed on the prototype model under varying temperature and pressure conditons.