Soft starters limit the inrush current, improving overall stability of the power supply and reducing transient voltage drops, which may affect other loads in a network. They are ideal for applications demanding high-performance in terms of control and protection during motor start-up and operation.
Soft starters can avoid pressure surges and prevent water hammer in pump applications. Conveyor belt systems can be started smoothly, avoiding jerks and other stresses on drive components. Fans, or other systems with belt drives, can be started slowly to avoid belt slipping.
“The new ADXL series from Lovato, distributed by ElectroMechanica (EM), comprises modern, state-of-the-art, compact soft starters for three-phase motors from 7.5 to 160 kW, in four frame sizes,” explains EM product manager, Jaap Grobler. “They allow control of starting, stopping, monitoring, and protection, with integrated functionality for an extremely efficient starting solution. A bypass facility is provided on all sizes, which operates when the start-up function has completed, thus reducing power losses and saving energy.”
Wide operating voltage in a compact design
A wide operational voltage range of 208 to 600 V AC, a compact design and advanced functionality make the ADXL series a highly efficient solution for most industrial applications. Two-phase control during motor starting and stopping, combined with torque control during operation, provides optimised ramping characteristics.
This ensures smooth start and stop functionality, significantly increasing lifespan of connected motors and power transmission devices. Hence the ADXL series is an excellent choice for pumping applications where water hammer is normally a problem. Kick-start functionality delivers high torque only during the initial starting period, permitting motors to be started when initial torque is insufficient to overcome friction.
The ADXL series is equipped with built-in electronic overload protection, protecting the motor from overheating. No additional overload device is required, saving space and installation time. A backlit LCD icon language-neutral display is incorporated on the fascia for quick and easy configuration and visualisation of all measurements and status parameters.
Alarms and text can be displayed in any of six languages. Icons indicate default application set-up in use, while graphic bars indicate the motor and internal thyristor temperatures, and an alphanumeric display shows texts and measurements as well as the current status of the starter.
Input and output functions are pre-configured to the most common settings, but can be easily overridden to adapt the soft starter to specific application needs. The series incorporates two counters, dedicated to the number of start-ups and motor operating hours, to set possible thresholds for potential maintenance purposes.
Set-up is easy, as the soft starters are supplied pre-configured for most common applications such as centrifugal pumps, fire-fighting pumps, conveyer belts, fans, mixers, and general purpose. Selecting the required application automatically updates the parameter programming.
Programming can be done via the front four button controls, together with the Icon display, or via a front-mounted optical port that can be configured to connect to a computer via USB or WiFi using optional accessories, or simply via NFC (near field communication), using compatible smartphone or tablets, even with the starter turned off.
All starters are equipped to receive a dedicated RS-485 Modbus communication card, permitting constant monitoring of all starter measurements, or to connect to an optional remote keypad with display to view the measurements, or to perform the set-up on the front of the enclosure.
For more information contact Karen Zotter, ElectroMechanica, +27 11 249 5000, karenz@em.co.za, www.em.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 249 5000 |
| Email: | info@em.co.za |
| www: | www.em.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about ElectroMechanica |
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