MODULAR HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHING SYSTEM AND METHOD

A high-voltage solid-state switching assembly for use in an electric power transmission, subtransmission, or distribution network. The assembly includes a press-pack semiconductor switching stack including solid-state switching devices connected in series. The assembly further includes a pressure-distribution mechanism including a pressure cone, compression plate, and spring system configured to maintain substantially uniform contact pressure across the press-pack semiconductor switching stack during thermal and electrical cycling. The assembly further includes a dielectric insulation chamber containing an insulating medium selected from air, nitrogen, insulating oil, fluorinated dielectric gas, SF-free insulating gas, and a combination thereof, the dielectric insulation chamber being dimensioned to provide required creepage and clearance distances for the intended system voltage. The assembly further includes a thermal-management arrangement including at least one of a heat sink, external fin, radiator plate, and convection-promoting channel configured to dissipate heat generated by the press-pack semiconductor switching stack during operation.