1979-1524 GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ''PURE SOLID-STATE CIRCUIT BREAKERS FALL UNDER A NEW CLASS OF SWITCHGEAR WITH FAST SWITCHING SPEED AND FAULT CURRENT LIMITATION. THESE CIRCUIT BREAKERS CAN BE DESIGNED TO CLEAR FAULTS IN DC OR AC POWER SYSTEMS – INCLUDING BIDIRECTIONAL OPERATION IN DC POWER SYSTEMS. THEY ARE LESS PRONE TO WEAR THAN THEIR MECHANICAL COUNTERPARTS, AND OFTEN DO NOT REQUIRE MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER, THESE ADVANTAGES OVER MECHANICAL CIRCUIT BREAKERS ALSO COME WITH A CRUCIAL DISADVANTAGE: THE ON-STATE LOSSES OF POWER SEMICONDUCTORS DEVICES ARE MUCH HIGHER THAN THOSE IN MECHANICAL CONTACTS, LEADING TO SIGNIFICANT POWER LOSS AND HEATING IN SOLID-STATE SWITCHGEAR.''