Motor and machine
Since its invention fare more than a decade ago, the three-phase motor has increasingly established itself as drive unit. Today, it represents the most frequently employed electric drive.
Direct switch-on of electric motors basically bears two disadvantageous effects: Inrush currents up to 7 times higher than the nominal current and torques increased by up to factor 3. The increased torque results in sudden mechanical stress on the machine which leads to a reduced service life. Moreover, the high inrush current stresses the power supply, which may lead to voltage dips. As a result, the operability of sensitive consumers may be impaired.
Motor start-up – it comes down to the right method!
The increasing establishment of three-phase motors on the market entailed a growing demand for a soft start-up behavior in order to eliminate the above-mentioned undesired side effects. Solution concepts based on electric measures in terms of mains supply and mechanical processes such as slip clutches were developed. The list provides an overview of the various electric start-up types. The current and torque characteristic curves show the behavior of the respective starter solution.
Characteristics
Direct start-up
- Three-phase motor of low to medium power rating
- 3 conductors to the motor
- High starting torque
- High current peak
- Voltage dip
- One simple switch-gear device
Star-delta start-up
- Three-phase motor with low to high power rating
- 6 conductors to the motor
- Reduced starting torque, 1/3 of the nominal torque
- High mains load due to current peak during switchover from Y to Δ
- High mechanical stress due to torque surge during switchover from Y to Δ
- Many maintenance-intensive switch-gear devices
Soft start-up
- Three-phase motor with low to high power rating
- 3 conductors to the motor
- Variable starting torque
- No current peak
- No torque peaks
- Negligible voltage dip
- One simple switching device
- Optional: Guided soft stop, protective functions, etc.
- Zero maintenance
Comparison of the various starter methods
Compared to contactor solutions, soft starters, sometimes also referred to as soft starting devices, offer considerable advantages.
The illustrated characteristic curves clearly show torque surges as well as high currents and current peaks of the contactor solutions:
- Torque surges cause high mechanical stress on the machine, which results in higher service costs and increased wear.
- High currents and current peaks lead to high fixed costs charged by the power supply companies (peak current calculation) and to increased mains and generator loads.
A soft starter continuously controls the three-phase motor’s voltage supply during the start-up phase. This way, the motor is adjusted to the machine’s load behavior. Mechanical operating equipment is accelerated in a particularly gentle manner. Service life, operating behavior and production processes are positively influenced.
Avoidance of negative influences such as:
- Impact of tooth flanks in the gear unit
- Reduction of pressure surges in pipelines
- Slipping of V-belts
- Jerk-effect with transportation equipment
EMC made easy:
- No shielded motor lines required
- No RFI suppression filters required
- No sinewave or du/dt filters required
The product standard IEC/EN 60 947-4-2 applies to soft starters. Compliance with this standard and corresponding assurance of the high quality standard are documented by the manufacturers’ declaration of conformity.
Soft starter versions
The following versions are generally differentiated:
Soft starters for standard tasks
- Mainly employed with low to medium power ratings
- As replacement of star-delta combinations
– Reduced wiring expenditures
– Minimized space requirements
– Less possible fault causes
– Zero maintenance - For jerk-free operation during the start-up phase
- Optional soft stop offers advantages compared to mechanical solutions
Soft starters for demanding tasks
- Power range up to 1200 kW (compact devices)
- Voltage levels 200 / 400 / 500 / 690 V
- All devices feature adjustable current limiting for the prevention of peak current loads
Further important device characteristics:
- Motor protection functions (optional)
- Monitoring and protection functions for mains and soft starter
- Parameterization functions for optimizing the application
- Control commands (various inputs)
- Signaling contacts, e.g. for:
– Control of an external bridging contactor
(reduced power loss during continuous operation)
– Monitoring signals
– Fault messages (e.g. mains, soft starter, motor) - Communication (optional), e.g. via field bus systems
- Inside-delta circuit (for the use of smaller soft starters)
- Torque control (optional) for particularly difficult start-up tasks
Soft starters with integrated bypass for standard applications and demanding tasks
- Reduced power loss during continuous operation (after start-up)
- Compact sizes for reduced space requirements inside the control cabinet
Applications of soft starters
Soft starters can be setup to the requirements of the individual application. The table below offers an overview of machines, their operating modes (standard or heavy-duty starting) as well as the advantages offered by soft starters. For further orientation, the maximum inrush current required for start-up to normal operating speed in connection with soft starters is indicated.
Soft starter manufacturers
Leading soft starter manufacturers have organized themselves in a working committee of the Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e. V. (ZVEI, German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association).
ZVEI – Automation
ZVEI – German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association
Division Automation
Product Division for Switchgear, Controlgear and Industrial Control Equipment
Lyoner Strasse 9
60528 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)69 6302-426
Fax: +49 (0)69 6302-319
Mail: winzenick@zwei.org
www.zvei.org
