Ideal Power Achieves First Design Win with Solid-State Circuit Breakers for Industrial Use

Ideal Power Secures a Groundbreaking Design Win for Solid-State Circuit Breakers

In an exciting development for the power semiconductor industry, Ideal Power Inc. (Nasdaq: IPWR) has made a significant leap forward by securing its first design win for solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs) with a major circuit protection equipment manufacturer in Asia. This achievement marks an important milestone for Ideal Power as it focuses on the development of its patented B-TRAN® bidirectional semiconductor power switch.

The agreement involves a collaboration to create a SSCB product that will utilize multiple B-TRAN® devices. This collaboration encompasses product design, prototype development, and the subsequent testing of the SSCB. The goal is to have this process completed by the second quarter of 2025, with commercial sales expected to follow shortly thereafter. The first year of sales for this B-TRAN®-based product is projected to yield several hundred thousand dollars in revenue. Moreover, the company anticipates that revenue could exceed a million dollars by the second year.

This initial SSCB will serve as the foundation for a series of products that incorporate B-TRAN® technology, as the customer has plans to offer a broad range of configurations. Ideal Power's potential market with this customer is vast, with projections hinting at annual sales of a million units as their product suite expands.

The partnering company specializes in the renewable energy sector, delivering circuit protection solutions for industrial settings, utility grid infrastructure, and power distribution channels. They boast a robust track record of selling over 200,000 circuit breakers each year to a well-established customer base in the Asian market. Their innovative focus enables them to adapt to current and upcoming market demands.

The initial SSCB powered by B-TRAN® technology will target grid-connected solar setups and energy storage systems, as well as utility electric distribution network companies. Further applications of the product could extend into data center operations, lighting and air conditioning systems, and even electric vehicles—including aspects like vehicle-to-grid power conversion.

Interesting enough, this customer chose B-TRAN® after evaluating it against traditional SiC MOSFETs, impressed by B-TRAN®'s extremely low conduction losses and inherent bidirectional properties. By opting for B-TRAN®, they believe that they can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their products.

Dan Brdar, President and CEO of Ideal Power, commented on this historic design win, stating, "This marks a pivotal moment for us as it underscores the validation of B-TRAN® as a crucial enabling technology for SSCBs. We expect this breakthrough will catalyze our revenue growth in the industrial segment. With this achievement, we aim to pursue additional design wins with other SSCB customers in the near future."

Ideal Power’s B-TRAN® technology offers distinct advantages over traditional options like IGBT and silicon carbide MOSFET-based SSCBs. By dramatically reducing conduction losses, B-TRAN® also lowers the number of devices needed for a specific circuit breaker rating, thereby simplifying product designs. Compared to conventional electromechanical breakers, B-TRAN® SSCBs promise faster operational capabilities along with programmability and improved safety features.

The market potential for these innovative solid-state switching solutions is estimated at around $1 billion. Ideal Power's focus on sustainable and technologically advanced solutions exemplifies their commitment to pushing the frontiers of energy control and management.

Ideal Power Inc. remains dedicated to its mission of providing highly efficient and eco-friendly energy solutions across a multitude of applications, including electric vehicles, energy storage, and beyond. With the successful introduction of the B-TRAN®-enabled SSCB, the company is positioned to navigate new horizons in power management while enhancing revenue trajectories and shareholder value.

For more information, visit their official site at www.IdealPower.com, and stay updated through their social media channels on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.