Innovative solid state

circuit breaker will

make ships safer and
more energy efficient
Press release | Zürich, Switzerland | 2022-08-30

 SACE Infinitus enables shipping and marine vessels to run on sustainable

and energy-efficient DC power grids
 Premiere at SMM in Hamburg on 6 September: SACE Infinitus is the
world’s first IEC60947-2 circuit breaker with ultrafast semi-conductor
technology
 SACE Infinitus detects and clears short circuit faults 100 times faster than
a traditional circuit breaker – and lasts 100 times longer

ABB is launching a new solid state circuit breaker to enable the next
generation of safe, energy-efficient direct current (DC) power systems.
DC power distribution is at the forefront of strategies to make shipping
and marine vessels more sustainable and energy efficient – the SACE
Infinitus circuit breaker makes it simpler to integrate, protect and control
these new DC network architectures for ships of all types and sizes.

DC power systems improve fuel efficiency by up to 20 per cent. Removing

AC power’s losses and limitations, DC networks enable ships to match the
electrical output of onboard diesel-electric gensets with the power
required for propulsion and other loads. DC electrical architectures also
simplify the integration of battery storage and hydrogen fuel cell systems
into the ship’s electrical system and help maximize their efficiency.

SACE Infinitus is the world’s first IEC 60947-2 certified circuit breaker
with semiconductor technology, optimized for low losses, providing an all-
in-one device for DC power protection and control. The device will be
available with DNV certification for low voltage maritime applications,
providing ultrafast protection to enable new DC network architectures,
making them safe and easy to integrate for vessels.

The SACE Infinitus detects and responds to short circuit faults 100 times
faster than traditional mechanical circuit breakers. As the vessel’s all-
important, bus-tie breaker, the solid-state circuit breaker allows fault
zones to be isolated, even in cases with extremely high short circuit
currents, maximizing system availability. The ultrafast device also
interrupts fault currents without an electric arc, reducing arc flash risk to
almost zero. In addition to the speed, the new technology also gives the
device an ultra-long electrical life; 100 times longer than standard circuit
breakers.

The device’s compact, all-in-one design makes integration simple and cost
of ownership low. The SACE Infinitus includes protection, switching,
isolator, energy meter, network analyzer and smart connectivity module –
it fits in standard 600mm electrical cabinets and integrates seamlessly
with ABB’s Ekip and EPIC software tools for easy configuration. ABB’s
selected switching technology means power losses are also up to 70
percent lower than other power electronics solutions.

Thorsten Strassel, Global Product Manager, Solid State Circuit Breaker,

ABB, said: “SMM is an ideal platform to showcase this innovative new
technology, which will support the energy transition within the marine
sector. Renewables, battery storage and smart grids are integral to
making the marine and shipping industry more sustainable. DC networks
deliver significant energy savings and fuel cost reductions, and with the
launch of SACE Infinitus we can provide marine operators with the
ultimate power protection they need to introduce DC safely and efficiently
into their vessels.”

ABB’s revolutionary solid state technology concept was first unveiled in

2019. Development teams have refined and validated the technology,
embedding the core technology into a product design that meets the strict
IEC 60947-2 certification requirements. Pilot schemes are underway with
customers ahead of series production in Q1 2023.

The SACE Infinitus can also be utilized for other DC distribution

applications on industrial sites, in commercial buildings, and for electric
vehicle charging, using renewable energy and battery storage systems to
achieve energy savings and carbon footprint reductions.

For more information on how the SACE Infinitus can support your
marine transition, you can meet ABB experts at SMM Hamburg
from 6-9 September in Hall B6 at Stand B6.329 or visit the launch
page HERE.

Electrifying the world in a safe, smart and sustainable way, ABB

Electrification is a global technology leader in electrical distribution and
management from source to socket. As the world’s demand for electricity
grows, our 50,000+ employees across 100 countries collaborate with
customers and partners to transform how people connect, live and work.
We develop innovative products, solutions and digital technologies that
enable energy efficiency and a low carbon society across all sectors. By
applying global scale with local expertise, we shape and support global
trends, deliver excellence for customers and power a sustainable future
for society. go.abb/electrification