Thank You
for Sending Us Your Request!
We will get back to you shortly
We’ve received your inquiry and are already working on preparing your quote. Our team is committed to providing you with the best solution tailored to your needs.
You can expect to hear from us soon with all the details.
In the meantime, if you have any additional questions or need immediate assistance, feel free to contact us
Thank you for choosing Solcon – we look forward to serving you!
DRIVESTART
Low-Current, High-Torque Motor Starting
The DriveStart medium voltage soft starter provides controlled starting of AC squirrel cage induction motors from 2.3 kV to 6.6 kV (for higher please contact us), with power ratings of up to 5 MW.
Using an IGBT-based inverter with variable frequency and variable voltage (V/F) control, DriveStart initiates motor acceleration at a low frequency and low voltage while gradually increasing both parameters throughout the start sequence. This enables smooth and controlled acceleration while maintaining torque and minimizing starting current.
The system is particularly suited for applications where conventional soft starters cannot deliver sufficient torque or where grid limitations require strict current control.
Inverter-Based Starting Technology
At the core of a DriveStart is a three-level Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) IGBT inverter, generating a controlled output waveform using Space Vector PWM (SVPWM).
This approach allows:
- Controlled torque development from zero speed
- Stable acceleration across the entire speed range
- Significantly reduced inrush current compared to direct-on-line and SCR-based starting
Once the motor reaches rated speed, a closed-transition (warm synchronization) transfers operation to the internal bypass contactor, isolating the inverter from medium voltage during normal operation.
Stable Operation Under Grid Constraints
The DriveStart enables reliable motor starting in electrically weak networks and generator-powered systems by limiting starting current and reducing voltage dips.
Controlled acceleration minimizes disturbances to the power supply and allows operation where direct-on-line or conventional soft starting methods are not feasible.
Reduced Mechanical Stress and Extended Equipment Life
By controlling both torque and acceleration profile, the DriveStart reduces mechanical stress on driven equipment including gearboxes, couplings, conveyor systems, pumps, and compressors.
Smooth starting characteristics help extend equipment service life and reduce maintenance requirements in heavy-duty industrial environments.
The system supports integration into plant control architectures via standard communication interfaces and configurable I/O.
DriveStart Technical Specifications
| Parameter
|
Range
|
| Motor Voltage
|
2.3 kV – 6.6 kV
|
| Rated Current
|
60 – 800 A
|
| Frequency
|
50 / 60 Hz
|
| Control Method
|
IGBT inverter, scalar V/F control (SVPWM)
|
| Motor Type
|
AC squirrel cage induction motors
|
| Starting Current
|
10%–100% FLC (application dependent)
|
| Power Range
|
200 kW – 5.0 MW
|
| Bypass
|
Closed transition (warm synchronization)
|
| Communication | Modbus RTU (RS-485) |
Features
- IGBT-based three-level NPC inverter topology
- Scalar V/F control with SVPWM
- Closed-transition synchronization bypass
- Automatic contactor timing optimization
- Integrated motor protection functions
- Real-time monitoring
- Programmable acceleration profiles
- Multi-start capabilities
- Compact MV cabinet design
Options
Advantages
- Ultra-low starting current (down to 10% FLC unloaded)
- High starting torque from zero speed
- Smooth acceleration with minimal mechanical stress
- Reduced voltage drop and grid disturbance
- Suitable for weak grids and generator supply
- Compact footprint compared to MV VFD solutions
- Eliminates torque shocks and water hammer effects
- Improved process control during motor start
- Higher system efficiency via bypass operation
- Reduced thermal stress on power components
- Lower total cost compared to full MV VFD solutions
Applications
FAQ
It is a medium voltage soft starter that uses IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) inverter technology for controlled motor startup, offering near sinusoidal waveforms and reduced harmonic distortion.
A conventional soft starter reduces motor terminal voltage using SCR phase control at fixed mains frequency. The motor requires high slip and current to generate torque.\nDriveStart uses an IGBT inverter with V/F control, enabling low-frequency start, near-zero slip, high torque, and low current. Starting current can be as low as 10% vs 150–350%.
No. The inverter operates at near-unity power factor. Capacitors must not be connected to the output as this may damage the inverter
It transfers the motor from inverter to mains by matching voltage, phase, and frequency, ensuring no interruption or current spike.
No. It cannot reduce natural coast-down. Doing so may cause DC bus overvoltage and damage.
2.3–6.6 kV, 60–800 A, 200 kW–5 MW. Custom ratings available.
Yes. Up to 9 motors sequentially with internal PLC or external control.
When only starting is required. It offers lower cost, smaller footprint, and higher efficiency.
Harmonics exist during start but are eliminated after bypass. Minimal impact in steady state.
The system trips safely and logs the fault for diagnostics.
See More Products
See All
Contact Us
Solcon-IGEL is a developer and manufacturer of soft starters, heat control systems, and motor control and protection solutions for heavy industry. Our power electronic technologies are engineered for reliable operation across a wide range of industrial motor applications worldwide.
