9 • Introduction
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
3.
INTRODUCTION
3.1
Why Solcon? Why Soft Starters?
Three-phase AC induction motors are commonly used in a wide variety of drive applications. Due to their
starting characteristics, in many cases these motors cannot be connected directly to the power supply system.
When starting Direct On Line (DOL) the motor can see a very high surge current reaching up to 6 times (and
more…) the rated motor current. This excessive current puts stress on the supply system and the switchgear.
Also, when starting DOL, a very high peak torque can occur, stressing the driven motor and the mechanical
system including auxiliary power transmission parts (V-belt, gears, etc.).
There are several methods for reducing the damaging effects of this excessive starting current. Conventional
methods include reactors and autotransformers. But these methods only allow the voltage to be reduced in
steps whereas a soft starter provides step-free acceleration of the drive system by continuously increasing the
voltage over a selected period of time. This approach to starting minimizes the effect of high inrush current on
the supply system, the motor and the driven load.
Soft starters provide the following benefits:
Reduced starting current, eliminates voltage drops and dips of the supply network
Smoother acceleration of loads, eliminates process or product damage
Extended lifetime of all mechanical components, e.g. eliminates gearbox damage and results in less
maintenance & downtime
Extended motor life
Reduced maintenance and operating costs
The HRVS-DN soft starter represents a logical extension of the Solcon soft starter product range into medium
voltage applications.
With HRVS-DN, Solcon presents an innovative standard product that provides a flexible, low cost alternative
to fixed speed (DOL) starting.
Designed for use with standard medium voltage three-phase squirrel cage induction motors as well as
synchronous motors, this high-performance digital soft starter ensures smooth acceleration and deceleration.
HRVS-DN is available in all standard internationally recognized medium voltage ratings: 2.3kV, 3.3kV, 4.16kV,
6kV and 6.6kV, 10kV, 11kV, 13.2kV, 13.8kV and 15kV.
The standard current output range capability is from 200kW to 27MW.
HRVS-DN is designed and built to meet international standards including:
• IEC • EN • DIN VDE • NEMA • UL/CUL • IEEE
The HRVS-DN soft starters are manufactured at the highest quality level. The entire design, production and
delivery process, (i.e. construction, manufacturing, order processing and logistics delivery center) have been
certified DIN ISO 9001.2000.
The enclosed versions of the HRVS-DN are provided as ready-to-connect cabinet enclosed type units
(example shown in
Figure 1
) or - for OEM only - chassis type OEM kits (example shown in
Figure 2
) are
available for building into custom enclosures or other relevant equipment (
note
: the complete interface
engineering is the responsibility of the user).
