Motors are the most widely used electrical machine across industries, using almost one-third of the world’s generated electricity. Several types of motors have been introduced for different applications and the load handling capability of each differs amongst applications. For higher load handling applications, implementing a motor control device is crucial to mitigate damage to the motor winding which may cause a voltage dip in the power line from the high inrush current.

ABB soft starters have become very popular for motor applications due to their range of features. Voltage is increased gradually and smoothly during the start-up, according to the pre-set ramp-up time, which reduces the current and inrush peak. It provides smooth acceleration, reduces the power surges of the system and increases the lifetime of the motor by protecting it from electrical stress. These soft starters are capable of smoothly stopping the motor according to the ramp down time to prevent slipping belts, water hammering in the piping system and reduce heavy wear on bearings, shafts, gearboxes, etc.

IPD offers three ranges of ABB soft starters, covering every need. These are PSR, PSE, and PSTX.

PSR - The compact range

This is the most compact soft starter of the ABB soft starter ranges. It offers basic benefits and is suitable for small motors. There are 4 frame sizes (A, B, C, D) and they can handle load currents from 3A up to 105A. The rated operational voltage is 208…600V AC and consists of a wide-rated control supply voltage (100...240 V AC or 24 V AC/DC). These soft starters can be used for several applications such as pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, etc.

PSE - The efficient range

ABB’s general-purpose soft starter range is applicable for several industrial motor applications like pumps, fans, compressors and conveyors. It is ideally designed to meet the motor starting and stopping requirements of pump operation applications in the water sector. It is a unique device sue to its cost-efficient operation and balance between high starting capacity. There are 3 frame sizes (A, B, C) and they can handle load currents from 18A up to 370A. The rated operational voltage is 208…600V AC and consists of a wide-rated control supply voltage (100...250 V AC).

PSTX - The advanced range

ABB’s advanced soft starter range is applicable for any motor starting applications. It’s built-in Modbus and Anybus modules support all major communication protocols making this device so unique. There are 6 frame sizes (A, B, C, D, E, F) and they can handle load currents from 30A up to 1250A (Inside-delta 2160A). The rated operational voltage is 208…600V AC and consists of a wide-rated control supply voltage (100...250 V AC).

Soft Starter selection process

To determine the most suitable soft starter for your required application, these ABB soft starters have been categorised according to their unique features.

As soft starter selection is primarily based on the current, it’s best to match the soft starter with the motor current before fine-tuning selection with factors such as normal or heavy load, ambient temperature, and altitude.

References

https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=1SFC132012C0201&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=&Action=Launch