ABB Soft Starters
ABB soft starters offer smooth motor control, which contributes to a gradual increase in voltage to the motor and a reduction in a mechanical load during startup. They have a built in bypass functionality that helps with energy efficiency and reduces heat that is generated during operation. These starters are very well-suited for heavy-duty applications where they must and can be trusted to protect the motor and ensure the reliability of the system, such as with pumps, fans, and conveyors in industries like water treatment, manufacturing, and mining.
The optimal performance of electric motors must be guaranteed, and this means primarily controlling their torque. When a motor starts, it requires a much higher current than it does when it is running. Most types of electric motors, especially those used in industrial applications, have a strong tendency to draw up to eight to ten times their rated current for the first few seconds of operation, and this is called inrush current. ABB soft starters minimize inrush current and its damaging effects, and they guarantee the reliable, controllable operation of motors in a range of environments and applications.
More Information about ABB Soft Starters
The installation and integration of ABB soft starters into preexisting systems are easy and straightforward. Because of their user-friendly and flexible interface, even a novice could set up a motor connected to a soft starter without much trouble. The soft starter can be monitored, controlled, and even run through diagnostics in real time via comms options that are possible with the starter. These soft starters are designed to perform reliably in diverse environments and applications, drawing on ABB's expertise in industrial low-voltage controls.
Motor Starters, Soft Starters and VFDs
Motor Starters
Motor starters safely start and stop a motor in industrial applications. They are designed with a contactor, overload and circuit protection. They are used when basic motor control is required, where torque on the motor is not a concern and speed control is not needed. The advantages of motor starters include: lower cost, allows for remote operation, allows for monitoring of motor state (with the use of auxiliary contacts) and they are safe and efficient. The disadvantages include: high inrush current that can cause fuses to blow and breakers to trip if the inrush is too high, and the starter will allow a full torque to start the motor which can cause the motor to ramp up to full speed very quickly potentially causing the motor to wear and degrade prematurely.
Soft Starters
Soft starters protect motors from inrush current by gently ramping up the motor to full speed. They provide all of the same functions as a traditional motor starter. The advantages of soft starters include: they are less expensive than a VFD when only startup control is needed, they are a smaller system than a VFD where space is a concern and they prevent unwanted torque upon startup, prolonging the life of the motor. The disadvantages include: they are more expensive than a traditional motor starter and they do not allow for full speed control.
VFDs
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) allow for the slow ramp up of a motor during startup and the slowing down of the motor during shutdown. They also allow for full speed control during the entire run cycle of the motor. VFDs provide the same functions as both the traditional motor starters and soft starters. The advantages of VFDs include: full speed control (start, stop and in-between), more custom control and monitoring, energy savings due to efficient motor usage and less wear and tear on the motors. The disadvantages include: they are more expensive and larger than other motor control options and they generate heat that may require fans or AC units.