SiC-Based Cold Ironing Reference Design
- May 6-8, 2025
- Hall 7, Stand 519
This collaboration between Wolfspeed and Richardson RFPD showcases Wolfspeed’s 3.3 kV Silicon Carbide modules as an alternative to IGBT-based systems or multi-level systems.
Cutting Emissions at the Dock: High-Voltage Silicon Carbide Powers the Next Generation of Cold Ironing
As international regulations tighten on port emissions and sustainability becomes a top priority in marine operations, cold ironing—the process of powering ships from shore while docked—has evolved from an optional feature to a vital infrastructure requirement. Traditionally, ships maintain auxiliary diesel engines to run onboard systems while berthed, leading to significant emissions in port areas.
- Inside the Demo System
Built for Performance & Real-World Scalability
This modular, production-ready platform is built to highlight how SiC-based systems can drive the next wave of cold-ironing deployments.
Enter Wolfspeed’s 3.3kV SiC power modules, such as the CAB600M33LM3—designed to overcome the limitations of legacy systems and enable a new class of efficient, compact, and scalable solutions.
System Highlights
- Rated Power: 1.5MVA (Expandable up to 2.5MW)
- Input Voltage: 1400V RMS AC
- Current: 623A RMS
- Switching Frequency: 4.8kHz
- Target Efficiency: 98.8%
- Cooling: Forced air/water via Priatherm thermal solution
- System Losses: ~17.4kW (6x 2.9kW modules)
Features
- Wolfspeed CAB600M33LM3 – 3300V, 600A SiC module with ultra-low 2.7mΩ on-resistance
- Tamura Drivers & Current Sensors – Precision gate driving and measurement
- Mersen Capacitors & Busbar – High-density energy storage and custom routing
- Control Board – Developed by a specialized design partner with Richardson RFPD support
- PLECS Simulations – Confirm design performance and thermal behavior under full load
IGBT Designs
While IGBTs still dominate legacy cold ironing systems, the comparison to SiC is signaling a change in design considerations.
This results in simpler thermal management, lower energy consumption, and smaller enclosures—essential in space-constrained port environments or mobile generator units.
Learn more about this new high-power reference design from Richardson RFPD. Visit us at PCIM 2025 – Hall 7, Stand 519.
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Why Cold Ironing Needs
High-Voltage SiC?
Shore power systems must meet highly variable energy demands—ranging from 50kW for small vessels to 15MW for large container ships. These systems must also adapt local grid power (often 50–60 Hz, 480V–10kV) to match onboard requirements, frequently requiring medium-voltage conversion and AC-DC-AC architectures with frequency control.
Historically, such systems have relied on IGBT-based power electronics, which are limited in switching frequency and introduce significant thermal and spatial constraints. As a result, shore power systems have been large, complex, and often prohibitively expensive to scale.