Dr. Graber and his team are researching and developing technologies to transform the power grid into a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable system to support the integration of renewable energy resources. The use of cleaner materials also ensures a positive environmental impact. Replacing toxic dielectric materials with environmentally friendly supercritical fluids, along with integrating direct current (DC) circuit breakers into the power grid, is crucial in achieving better power transmission and distribution.

“We're working to enable the switchover to a future DC power system — a continent-spanning power grid interconnecting renewable energy systems to make better use of resources,” noted Dr. Graber.

Dr. Graber envisions the electrification of everything, including transportation. His research centers on the use of new materials to create lightweight conductors and cryogenic power systems to further the development of all-electric power systems in aerospace and naval applications. 

Commercialization efforts are underway for developed technologies, including an air-breathing plasma jet engine, a hybrid DC circuit breaker (EDISON: Efficient DC Interrupter with Surge Protection), and a sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)-free three-phase circuit breaker (TESLA: Tough and Ecological Supercritical Line Breaker for Alternating Current). This can be a challenging process, but the team is dedicated to demonstrating the superiority of their disruptive technologies. By eliciting public demand, they aim to accelerate the implementation of safer, more efficient systems that address the growing electrical power demands and climate change crisis.

Research Goals 

• Power grid improvements for sustainability and environmental responsibility: Exploring technologies that will move the power grid toward a more resilient, sustainable future.
• Electrification of everything: Researching technologies that will enable the electrification of everything, including transportation. Key focus areas include cryogenic power electronics and lightweight conductors, electric jet-engine propulsion, and electric shipboard power systems.
• Materials research to improve efficiency of power systems: Researching and testing materials that will provide better electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties at lower cost with greater environmental safety. These include polymer-based insulators, sintered metal-oxide semiconductors, and supercritical dielectric fluids.

Activities

• TESLA: Tough and Ecological Supercritical Line Breaker for AC: This project is focused on creating an SF₆-free three-phase circuit breaker for power grid integration. SF₆ is a potent, long-lasting greenhouse gas that leaks from the existing power grid, negatively impacting the climate. This technology offers significant environmental advantages as well as improving the overall efficiency of the power grid.
• EDISON: Efficient DC Interrupter with Surge Protection: This circuit breaker can enable multi-terminal DC power systems that facilitate renewable energy system integration into the power grid. It is also critical in the development of all-electric power systems on jets and ships.
• Lightweight cryogenic conductors: The development of copper-clad lithium wire allows enhanced conductivity at low temperatures for use in cryogenic applications such as aerospace and power transmission and distribution.
• Air-breathing plasma jet engine: Using electric plasma as an alternative to hydrocarbon fuel, this technology is designed to support supersonic flight and greatly reduce the carbon footprint of air travel.

Leadership

• Principal Investigator, EDISON: Efficient DC Interrupter with Surge Protection
• Principal Investigator, TESLA: Tough and Ecological Supercritical Line Breaker for AC
• Principal Investigator, SCIENCE: Supercritical Insulation for Energy and Cost Efficiency
• Chair, Energy Technical Interest Group, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Georgia Tech
• Board of Directors, Cryogenic Society of America (CSA) (2019-present)