Predictive Firing Algorithm for Soft Starter Driven Induction Motors

Soft starters are a well-known solution for starting induction motors in industrial applications. With a predictive algorithm approach the losses in motor and soft starter can be lowered significantly. This article presents an algorithm which can be implemented in industrial devices with a concomitant speed control option. This speed control is necessary to fit the users requirements for start-up. Besides the speed control, the characteristic behavior of the predictive algorithm is analyzed in detail. The suitability of the novel predictive closed loop approach for different representative industrial applications is proven by measurements and discussed in detail.