Many applications will need a soft starter. These relatively small components work in conjunction with the main motor to get the machine from “zero to full operating speed” without any of the problems that can arise during the direct on line start-up process.
How Does a Soft Starter Work?
In its most basic form, a soft starter is a component connected to the motor of an industrial AC induction motor that gives the gradual increase of power or limits the sudden high torque to ensure a safe startup. This process can vary, especially since there are two main types of soft starter:
Electronic soft starter: These solid state components are wired into the electronic side of the main motor and control start functions through the limiting of power. They can work to stop torque surge produced by the motor into the connected load or the slipping and burning up of a conveyer belt, for example, by gradually ramping up the motor to its proper operating speed range. These types of soft starters have no moving parts and rely on electronics and software to control the starting and overload monitoring of the motor.
Mechanical soft starter: These components can have the same effect on an industrial motor as electronic soft starters, achieved instead with moving parts, such as clutches, fluids, or even magnets, to control the amount of torque generated by AC induction motor during start up.
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