基础篇——软启动器介绍（中英文）

什么是电机软启动？

What Is a Motor Soft Start?

软启动器是一种附加设备，可以添加到典型的交流电动机中，使电动机能够使用不同的启动方法。该设备的目的是减少电动机在典型通电阶段对电动机的负担。

A soft starter is an additional device that can be added to a typical AC electric motor that will allow the motor to use a different startup method. The purpose of this device is to reduce the strain put on the motor during the typical power-up phase of a motor.

为了实现这一点，软启动器将缓慢而逐渐地开始向电机施加增加的电压。这样可以平稳地加速功率，而不是突然剧烈的功率爆发，这可能会对电机和整个机器造成损坏。

虽然大多数典型的启动都涉及一次性将电流冲入电机，但软启动提供了平稳而稳定的线性功率斜率。这减少了电机电路的整体磨损，从而使整个机器更健康，不太可能快速损坏。根据选择的特定软启动器型号，有些能够调整启动电压和电机完全通电所需的时间。

To accomplish this, a soft starter will slowly and gradually begin applying increasing voltages to the motor. This allows for a smooth acceleration of power instead of a sudden and violent burst of power that could potentially cause damage to the motor and the machine as a whole.

Whereas most typical startups involve a rush of electrical currents all at once into the motor, the soft start offers a smooth and steady linear slope of power. This reduces the overall wear and tear on the motor’s circuits, resulting in a healthier overall machine that is less likely to break quickly. Depending on which specific soft starter model you choose, some have the capability to adjust the starting voltage and the length of time it takes until the motor is fully powered up.

软启动如何工作？

How Does a Soft Start Work?

本质上，电机软启动器通过控制流经电机电路的电压量来工作。它通过限制电机的扭矩来实现这一点。这反过来又允许软启动器降低电压并允许其逐渐停止降低电压以实现平稳的电流变化。

除此之外，某些软启动器型号可能使用固态设备。这些设备是控制允许流过电机的电流量的另一种方法。这让软启动器可以在三个独立的不同阶段控制电流，以实现更精确的控制水平。

Essentially, a motor soft starter works by controlling the amount of voltage running through the motors circuits. It does this by limiting torque in the motor. This in turn allows the soft starter to reduce the voltage and allows it to gradually stop reducing the voltage to allow for a smooth progression of current.

In addition to this, certain soft starter models may use solid-state devices. These devices are another means of controlling the amount of electrical current allowed to flow through the motor. This lets the soft starter control the current in three separate, distinct phases to allow for more precise levels of control.

许多电动软启动器还使用一系列可控硅整流器 (SCR) 或晶闸管，在电机开始启动时将电压限制在更易于管理的范围内。这些 SCR 具有 ON 状态，允许电流流动，以及 OFF 状态，控制和限制电流。当启动机器时，这些 SCR 会激活，限制电压，然后在机器达到满功率时放松。这可以降低电机的热量并减少整体压力。

虽然电动软启动器是可能的软启动解决方案的一个例子，但它们并不是唯一可用的解决方案。还有一些机械选项，它们较少依赖电流，而更多地依赖物理、机械解决方案。

机械软启动器依靠离合器和不同的联轴器，使用流体、钢丸或磁力来减少电机中的扭矩。如前所述，这限制了允许通过电机的电压，并使其更平稳、更轻松地启动。

Many electrical soft starters also use a series of silicon controlled rectifiers (SCR), or thyristors, to limit the voltage to a more manageable amount for the motor as it begins to start up. These SCRs have an ON state, where they allow the current to flow, and an OFF state, where they control and limit the electrical current. When you power up your machine, these SCRs activate, restrict the voltage, and then relax as the machine reaches full power. This keeps the motor’s heat down and reduces overall strain.

While electrical soft starters are one example of a possible soft start solution, they aren’t the only solution available. There are also mechanical options that rely less on electrical current and more on physical, mechanical solutions.

Mechanical soft starters rely on clutches and different couplings that use fluids, steel shot or magnetic forces to reduce the amount of torque in the motor. As discussed earlier, this limits the voltage allowed to surge through the motor and allows it to power up more gently and easily.

电机软启动器的一些常见应用是什么？

What Are Some Common Applications of Soft Starters for Motors?

了解了软启动是什么、它的工作原理和用途，下一个合乎逻辑的问题是：什么时候需要软启动？每台电机都需要它吗？它是否只对某些机器是必要的，还是应该在每台电机上安装软启动器选项？

第一个答案是，没有电机绝对需要软启动器。每台电机都可以在没有它们的情况下运行。这意味着不应该感到安装它们的过度压力。

但是，安装软启动器将使许多电机受益，并且某些电机比其他电机受益更多。这是因为某些电机在启动阶段更容易因电流过大而发生故障和磨损。以下是通常使用软启动器来简化启动过程的几个地方：

Now that you have some background in what a soft start is, how it works and what it’s used for, the next logical question is this: when do I need a soft start? Do you need it for every motor? Is it only necessary for some of your machines, or should you install a soft starter option on every motor you own?

The first answer is that no motor absolutely needs a soft starter. Every motor can get along without them. This means you shouldn’t feel undue pressure to install them.

However, there are plenty of motors that will greatly benefit from having a soft starter installed and some motors will benefit more than others. This is because certain motors are more susceptible to breaking down and wearing out due to excess amounts of electrical current during their startup phase. Here are just a few of the places where soft starters are commonly used to ease the startup process:

1. 泵应用 / Pump Applications

在各种泵应用中，都存在电源浪涌的风险。通过安装软启动器并逐步向电机供电，可以大大降低这种风险。

In various pump applications, there is a risk of power surges. By installing a soft starter and feeding the electrical current to the motor in a gradual progression, this risk is greatly reduced.

2. 传送带 / Conveyor Belts

对于传送带，突然启动总是有可能引起问题。传送带可能会抖动并错位。传统的启动方式还会给传送带的驱动部件增加不必要的压力。通过安装软启动器，传送带将更缓慢地启动，并且传送带更有可能保持在正确的轨道上。

With conveyor belts, it’s always possible that a sudden start may cause problems. The belt may jerk and become misaligned. The conventional start also adds unnecessary stress to the belt’s drive components. By installing a soft starter, the belt will start up more gradually and the belt has a greater chance of staying properly on track.

3. 风扇和类似系统 / Fans and Similar Systems

在采用皮带传动的系统中，潜在的问题与传送带出现的问题类似。突然和急促的启动意味着传送带有滑出轨道的风险。软启动可以解决这个问题。

In systems with belt drives, the potential problems are similar to the ones that arise with conveyor belts. The sudden and jerky start means the belt is at risk for slipping off its track. A soft startup corrects this problem.

4. 电动直升机 / Electrical Helicopters

不难看出为什么直升机突然急促启动可能会造成灾难性的后果。如果螺旋桨突然剧烈启动，并突然出现冲击，则可能会很危险。相反，软启动可使螺旋桨平稳启动。

It’s not difficult to see why it could be disastrous for a helicopter to have a sudden, jerky start. If the propellers start suddenly and violently with a sudden surge, this could be dangerous. Instead, a soft start allows the propellers to start smoothly.

使用电机软启动器有什么好处？

What Is the Advantage of Using Motor Soft Starters?

为什么要使用软启动器？毕竟，这意味着要投入额外的资金。这真的值得吗？是否应该将时间和金钱投入到电机的这一附加功能上？

虽然这取决于电机本身，但这是值得的。以下是在电机上安装软启动器时可以体验到的一些主要好处：

Why should you use soft starters? After all, this will mean investing extra money. Is it really worth it? Should you invest your time and money in this addition to your motor?

While it depends on the motor itself, we think that it is worth it. Here are some of the primary benefits you can expect to experience when you install a soft starter on your motor:

1. 减少能源使用 / Reduced Energy Use

减少机器所需的能量始终是理想目标。软启动器有助于实现这一目标，这是很有意义的。在传统启动中，电机会立即开始消耗最大能量，并在电机运行的整个过程中持续消耗能量。

Reducing the amount of energy your machines require is always an ideal goal. It only makes sense that a soft starter would contribute to this. With a conventional start, the motor immediately begins expending the maximum amount of energy and continues to do so for the entire time the motor is running.

采用软启动时，电压会逐渐升至最大值。这意味着总体上消耗的能量更少。

With a soft start, the voltage gradually builds up to the maximum. This means that, overall, less energy is expended.

2. 降低电涌风险 / Lower Risk of Power Surge

当最大电压立即冲入电机并使其开始运转时，电路总是有可能过载，电机将经历电涌。软启动是防止电涌的极佳保护措施。电压不会一下子全部进入电路，而是逐渐增加。

When the maximum voltage immediately rushes into your motor to start it running, there is always the possibility that the circuits will be overloaded and your motor will experience a power surge. A soft start is an excellent protective measure against power surges. Instead of all the power being thrown into the circuits at once, the voltage builds gradually.

3. 可调加速时间 / Adjustable Acceleration Time

并非每个软启动器都配备此选项，但有些软启动器配备此选项，并且它提供了显著的优势。使用此选项，可以选择电机启动所需的时间。

例如，如果知道电机或机器容易出现电涌或老旧磨损，可以将其设置为需要一段时间才能启动。另一方面，如果知道机器坚固可靠，可能愿意让它花更短的时间来启动。无论哪种方式，这种灵活性和可定制性都是一个巨大的优势。

Not every soft start is equipped with this option, but some are — and it provides a significant advantage. With this option, you can choose how long you want your motor to spend powering up.

If you know your motor or machine is prone to power surges or is old and worn out, for example, you might set it to take a while to power up. If, on the other hand, you know your machine is sturdy and reliable, you might be all right with letting it take a shorter time to power up. Either way, this flexibility and customizability is an enormous advantage.

4. 每小时启动次数的潜在增加 / Potential Increase of Possible Starts Per Hour

传统方式下，电机启动需要大量能量。这意味着，根据机器的不同，它可能无法在特定小时内启动过多的次数。

但是，使用软启动，电机每次启动时消耗的能量会更少，这意味着它能够更频繁地启动。

It takes a lot of energy for a motor to power up conventionally. This means that, depending on the machine, it may not be able to power up an excessive number of times within a particular hour.

With a soft start, however, your motor will expend less energy each time it powers up, meaning it’s able to power up more often.

5. 降低过热风险 / Reduced Risk of Overheating

传统启动时产生的大量电能有时会导致电机过热。这种过热可能无害，但也可能导致电机暂时关闭，甚至可能对电机造成持久损坏。

毋庸置疑，软启动不涉及这种初始电能冲击。相反，电机会获得温和的电能冲击，从而大大降低过热风险。

The large surge of energy associated with a conventional startup can sometimes cause a motor to overheat. This overheating can be harmless, but it can also lead to the motor shutting down temporarily and it can even cause lasting damage to the motor.

It should go without saying that a soft start does not involve this initial blast of power. Instead, a gentle surge of electricity is supplied to the motor, resulting in a greatly reduced risk of overheating.

6. 提高运行效率 / Improved Operating Efficiency

传统启动方式有时可以完整运行。但有时也会出现问题。电机可能会过热。机器可能会发生故障。可能会出现电涌。

由于软启动可以消除或大大降低这些问题的风险，因此机器将能够更高效地运行，并减少出现问题和损坏的风险。

Conventional startups can work perfectly fine sometimes. Other times, however, they can cause problems. The motor might overheat. The machine might malfunction. There might be a power surge.

Because the risk of these problems is removed or greatly reduced with a soft start, your machine will be able to operate more efficiently and with less risk of problems and damage.

7. 延长使用寿命 / Extended Lifespan

机器的使用寿命是无法保证的。任何事情都可能发生，损坏也随时可能发生。但是，通过在机器上添加软启动器，可以延长其使用寿命，这是非常有道理的。

这很有道理——可以降低许多可能终止机器使用寿命的事件和事故的风险。

It’s impossible to guarantee something like a machine’s lifespan. Anything might happen and damage might occur at any time. However, it’s a very good bet that by adding a soft starter to your machine, you’re extending its service life.

This makes good sense — you’re reducing the risk of many incidents and accidents that have the potential to end the useful life of a machine.

软启动和 VFD 之间有什么区别？

What Is the Difference Between a Soft Start and a VFD?

VFD 与软启动器有一些相似之处，但也存在足够多的差异，可以将其归为一类。VFD 的正式名称是变频驱动器，是一种控制交流感应电机速度的电机控制装置。这意味着它可以控制电机在启动和停止周期以及正常运行周期内的运行速度。

A VFD has some similarities to a soft starter, but there are enough differences to put it in a class of its own. Officially known as a Variable Frequency Drive , a VFD is a motor control device that controls the speed of an AC induction motor. This means it can control how fast the motor is running during both the start and stop cycles, as well as during the ordinary run cycle.

基于此，很容易看出 VFD 和软启动之间的相似之处。两者都有一种方法可以控制电机启动时流经电机的电量，并且都可以帮助防止启动期间出现电涌和问题等问题。然而，它们实现此目标的方法有所不同。

Based on this, it’s easy to see the similarities between a VFD and a soft start. Both have a way of controlling the amount of power running through a motor while it is starting up and both can help prevent things like power surges and issues during startup. They differ, however, regarding the method they employ to achieve this goal.

应该使用软启动器还是变频器？

Should I Use a Soft Starter or a VFD?

如果主要目标是节省能源，通常首选变频器。这是因为变频器不仅在通电阶段限制电机的速度。它还可以帮助在普通运行周期以及断电阶段控制速度。这使得它们非常适合在不需要时减少功率，从而降低整体能耗。

在需要控制机器速度和平稳性能的情况下，变频器也是一个不错的选择。电梯和自动扶梯等应用符合这一描述。在这些应用中，能够控制这些设备的恒定速度，并防止它们出现任何意外的功率激增。

A VFD is usually preferred if your main goal is to save energy. This is because a VFD doesn’t just limit the speed of the motor during the power-up phase. It can also help you control the speed during the ordinary running cycle as well as during the power-down phase. This makes them ideal for reducing power when it isn’t needed, resulting in lower energy being expended overall.

VFDs are also a good choice in situations where it’s important to be able to control the speed and smooth performance of a machine. Applications like elevators and escalators fit this description. In applications like these, you will be able to control the constant speed of these pieces of equipment and prevent them from experiencing any unexpected surges in power.

软启动失败的一些常见原因是什么？

What Are Some Common Reasons for Soft Starts to Fail?

软启动虽然很棒，但并非万无一失。与任何其他设备或机械一样，问题的组合可能会导致它们发生故障或损坏。虽然软启动器在可预见的未来应该处于良好的工作状态，但永远不知道会发生什么。

As great as soft starts are, they aren’t infallible. Like any other piece of equipment or machinery, the right combination of problems can cause them to fail or break. While your soft starter should be in good working condition for the foreseeable future, you never know what might happen.

如果发现软启动器出现问题或故障，则可能与以下问题之一有关：

• 过热：如前所述，机器过热会导致各种其他问题。与采用传统启动的机器相比，采用软启动的机器过热的可能性较小，但仍有可能过热。

• 电压过高：由于软启动的全部目的是首先限制电流量，因此不太可能发生这种情况。但是，如果在启动过程中高于正常水平的电压冲击到电机，则可能会导致问题。

• 电流过大：这个问题与电压过大的问题类似。如果最初流入电机的电流过大，可能会使电路过载并导致故障。

If you notice a problem or malfunction in your soft starter, it might be associated one of these problems:

• Too much heat: As previously mentioned, an overheated machine can cause all kinds of other problems. A machine with a soft start is less likely to overheat than one with a conventional start, but it’s still possible.

• Too much voltage: Because the entire purpose of a soft start is to limit the amount of electrical current at first, this isn’t likely to happen. However, if a higher voltage than usual jolts into your motor during startup, it could lead to problems.

• Too much current: This is a similar problem to the problem of too much voltage. If too much current flows into your motor at first, it might overload the circuits and cause a malfunction.

虽然这可能让人觉得软启动容易出现问题和故障，但事实并非如此。软启动可降低电机和机械发生故障的几率，并能很好地保护它们免受过热和电涌等问题的影响。它们还能大大延长大多数电机的使用寿命。

不可能说软启动永远不会发生故障或出现问题，但它们通常非常可靠，并为电机提供额外的安全和保护。

While this might make it seem like soft starts are prone to problems and malfunctions, the opposite is actually true. Soft starts make your motors and machinery less prone to malfunctioning and do a wonderful job of protecting them from things like overheating and power surges. They also do a great deal to lengthen the lifespan of most motors.

It’s impossible to say that soft starts never break down or experience problems, but they are generally very reliable and provide an extra layer of security and protection for your motors