ZF-R Series High-voltage Motor Soft Starter

A high-voltage soft starter is an advanced device used for controlling and protecting medium/high-voltage motors, primarily applied in industrial scenarios requiring the startup of high-power motors. 

I. Definition and Principle

A high-voltage soft starter (Medium/High-voltage Soft Starter) is a motor control device that integrates motor soft startup, soft stopping, light-load energy-saving, and multiple protection functions. Its core principle involves controlling the conduction angle of three-phase parallel-connected thyristors (SCRs) connected in series between the power supply and the controlled motor, gradually increasing the motor's input voltage according to preset requirements to achieve smooth motor startup.

Working Principle:

• Voltage Regulation: Gradually increases the motor's input voltage by adjusting the conduction angle of the thyristors, resulting in smooth torque and speed rise of the motor.
• Current Limiting Function: Limits the motor's startup current during the startup process to prevent impact on the power grid and motor.
• Soft Stopping: Gradually reduces the voltage when stopping the motor, allowing for smooth deceleration and avoiding mechanical shock.

II. Main Components

The main components of a high-voltage soft starter include:

• Thyristor Module: Acts as the core element for voltage regulation, controlling the motor's input voltage.
• Electronic Control Circuit: Includes triggering circuits, control modules, etc., responsible for thyristor triggering and control.
• Vacuum Contactor: Used to switch the motor to full-voltage operation after startup.
• Bypass Contactor: Bypasses the thyristors after soft startup to reduce thyristor losses.
• Protection Devices: Includes overload protection, short-circuit protection, under-voltage protection, etc., ensuring safe operation of the motor and equipment.

III. Application Scenarios

High-voltage soft starters are widely used in the following fields:

• Power Industry: Startup of major equipment in power plants, such as generators, fans, etc.
• Petrochemical Industry: Startup of process equipment in oil and gas, such as compressors, pumps, etc.
• Water Treatment Industry: Startup of water pumps, fans, etc.
• Manufacturing Industry: Startup of large machinery and equipment, such as metallurgical equipment, textile equipment, etc.

IV. Advantages

1. Energy Efficiency:
   • Compared to traditional resistance or star-delta startup methods, high-voltage soft starters achieve smooth startup, reducing energy loss during startup and improving motor efficiency.
2. Motor Protection:
   • Features overload protection, short-circuit protection, under-voltage protection, etc., effectively protecting the motor from damage.
3. Reduced Mechanical Shock:
   • Starts the motor by gradually increasing voltage and frequency, reducing mechanical shock during startup and extending equipment lifespan.
4. Small Space Occupancy:
   • Compact in size compared to traditional startup methods, occupying less space and facilitating installation and maintenance.
5. Programmable Control:
   • Allows for various startup methods and control strategies through programming, enhancing device flexibility and adjustability.
6. Intelligent Control:
   • Utilizes DSP control technology, enabling convenient and accurate setting of parameters such as startup torque, startup current, startup time, and stopping time, and can be networked with microcomputers, PLCs, etc.

V. Technical Characteristics

1. Smooth Startup:
   • Starts the motor by gradually increasing voltage and frequency, avoiding impact on the power grid and mechanical equipment from traditional startup methods.
2. Current Limiting Function:
   • Effectively controls the current drawn by the motor from the power grid or generator, preventing overload current from exceeding relay ratings.
3. Soft Stopping Function:
   • Gradually reduces voltage and speed to zero when stopping the motor, avoiding torque shock from free stopping.
4. High Reliability:
   • Utilizes thyristors as core elements, offering high reliability, high sensitivity, contactless operation, and maintenance-free advantages.
5. Strong Environmental Adaptability:
   • Can be customized to adapt to harsh environments such as high altitudes, humidity, and severe cold according to requirements.

VI. Application Cases

• Petrochemical Industry: Used for startup of process equipment in oil and gas, such as compressors, pumps, etc.
• Power Industry: Used for startup of major equipment in power plants, such as generators, fans, etc.
• Water Treatment Industry: Used for startup of water pumps, fans, etc.
• Manufacturing Industry: Used for startup of large machinery and equipment, such as metallurgical equipment, textile equipment, etc.