Intelligent soft starts
February 14, 2011
By
Mary Del
Carlo Gavazzi has recently launched their RSQK Series high power intelligent soft starts, designed to improve the performance of industrial applications. They decrease the wear and tear on mechanical transmission components (such as belts) and assure the reduction of high starting currents and of mechanical stress on gears, shafts and pulleys, thanks to a smooth and stepless acceleration and deceleration, the company explains. While Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) have a strong market share in the low power range (0.5 to five horsepower), RSQK soft starts are ideal for industrial applications greater than 100 horsepower, such as controlling large pumps, fans and mixers in the 200- to 500-HP range that generally require only a limited number of starts and stops. The soft starts are provided with an automatic energy-optimizing feature that can increase efficiency, especially in lightly loaded applications, thus saving energy without any drawbacks on the motor or system, according to the company. The device is also provided with an automatic application setup. Some key technical specifications include: three-phase controlled soft start with internal bypass; six-button keypad with LCD display for continuous display of relevant parameters; motors, resistive (heater) control and inductive (transformer) loads; in-line or inside delta wiring operation capability; maximum UL motor rating at 460 VAC, 750 HP; and up to 12 starts per hour.
