Advanced Medium Voltage Soft Starters for Messer Haiphong Industrial Gases

Application: Industrial Gas Air Compressor Systems

Messer Haiphong Industrial Gases, a major industrial gas supplier in Vietnam, required a reliable motor starting solution for a fleet of high-power air compressors across two facilities.

The main installation included 12 high-inertia air compressors operating at 10 kV, with motor ratings ranging from 1 MW to 5 MW. A secondary installation included two 6.6 kV compressors rated at 630 kW, supporting critical gas production processes.

These compressor systems operate under continuous duty conditions, requiring stable motor control, reliable starting performance, and protection against mechanical and electrical stress.

Challenge: Starting High-Inertia Compressors Across Multiple Voltage Levels

The project required addressing several technical challenges:

• Managing high-inertia compressor loads, requiring controlled torque during startup
• Reducing high inrush current associated with large motor starting
• Preventing mechanical stress on motor windings and drive systems
• Supporting frequent start-stop cycles in continuous industrial operation
• Ensuring consistent performance across multiple voltage levels (10 kV and 6.6 kV)

These conditions required a flexible and robust medium voltage soft starter solution capable of handling varying motor sizes and demanding compressor load profiles.

Solution: HRVS-DN Medium Voltage Soft Starters for Compressor Applications

Solcon-IGEL supplied a total of five HRVS-DN medium voltage soft starters across both installations.

For the main facility:

• Three HRVS-DN units (10 kV, 250 A and 500 A) were installed to control the 12 high-power compressors

For the secondary facility:

• Two HRVS-DN units (6.6 kV) were implemented for 630 kW compressor motors

Key Technical Features

• Reduced starting current, minimizing electrical stress on the network
• Torque-controlled acceleration, optimized for high-inertia compressor loads
• Adaptive start and stop algorithms, ensuring smooth operation
• Thyristor-based topology, delivering high reliability in continuous duty
• Comprehensive motor protection, supporting long-term system stability
• Flexible configuration, suitable for multiple voltage levels and motor sizes

Results: Improved Reliability and Compressor Performance

The implementation of HRVS-DN soft starters delivered measurable operational improvements:

• Smooth and controlled compressor startup, reducing mechanical stress
• Lower inrush current, improving electrical system stability
• Enhanced reliability in continuous operation, supporting industrial gas production
• Extended motor and equipment lifetime, due to reduced thermal and mechanical loading
• Consistent performance across both high-voltage and medium-voltage systems

This project demonstrates the scalability and adaptability of medium voltage soft starters in complex industrial environments.

Technical Summary: Soft Starters for Industrial Gas Compressors

• Application: Air compressors in industrial gas production
• Voltage levels: 10 kV and 6.6 kV
• Motor range: 630 kW to 5 MW
• Soft starter model: HRVS-DN
• Number of units: 5
• Load type: High-inertia compressors
• Key functions: Torque control, adaptive start/stop, motor protection
• Operation: Continuous duty with frequent start-stop cycles