Siemens Smart Infrastructure has launched its first fully electronic starter with semiconductor technology. The SIMATIC ET 200SP e-Starter offers short-circuit protection that is 1 000 times faster and is virtually wear-free compared to conventional solutions such as circuit breakers or fuses. This ensures optimal protection for motors as well as other types of loads and the applications in which they are used. The e-Starter also features the application-friendly Smart Start and full integration into Siemens’ Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) concept. The compact device can be used worldwide, requires minimal space in the control cabinet, and is easy to install.
The e-starter is used in the food industry, for example, where liquid from deep-cleaning high-pressure washers can often cause short circuits.
In industries such as food and beverages, intralogistics, and mechanical engineering, high efficiency motors are used in demanding applications, to drive conveyor systems or pumps, for example. Malfunctions and failures can quickly lead to considerable damage and costs. In this context, motor starters play an important role: they switch on motors reliably, and protect them against overload and short circuits.
The SIMATIC ET 200SP e-Starter uses semiconductor technology with silicon carbide metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (SiC MOSFETS), which enables ultra-fast and wear-free switching. Conventional feeder solutions, because of the short-circuit protection device with which they are equipped, have a comparatively slow response time. As a result, the device often needs to be replaced when a short circuit occurs. In contrast, the e-Starter detects short circuits very quickly and switches off in less than 4 µs. This makes it about 1 000 times faster than conventional components. The device offers unlimited short-circuit shutdown and does not need to be replaced after being tripped, which increases availability and significantly reduces warehousing costs for replacement parts.
High inrush currents are typical for high-efficiency motors, those in energy efficiency classes IE3 and IE4, for example, and can lead to unintended trips of the protection device. The phase-optimised switching and Smart Start of the SIMATIC ET 200SP e-Starter neutralise the inrush currents and significantly reduce the starting currents and therefore the electrical load on the grid during start-up. In addition, the torque surges that occur during a direct start are minimised, noticeably reducing the mechanical wear. This means less maintenance work is required – a valuable benefit for applications with a high switching rate.
Andreas Matthé, CEO of Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, said: “Our fully electronic e-Starter is a real innovation that offers many benefits over traditional electromechanical or hybrid motor starters. We developed it in close consultation with potential users. That is why it responds to their challenges as required. It makes demanding motors and applications more available, durable, and user-friendly than before.
“Siemens is the first manufacturer with a fully electronic starter, completely integrated into ET 200SP and TIA Portal, that specifically addresses two challenges in the industrial sector: applications prone to short circuits and high current peaks when starting high efficiency motors," Matthé said.
Machine and plant manufacturers and system integrators benefit from the integration of the e-Starter into the market-leading Totally Integrated Automation concept. Diagnostic functions come as a standard, enabling detailed system diagnostics without the need for programming. Unlimited data availability and engineering using SIMATIC STEP 7 in TIA Portal simplify project planning, parameterisation and commissioning. Automatic re-parameterisation makes it easy to replace devices during ongoing operation (hot swapping).
Furthermore, minimal use of materials, energy efficiency, and durability all combine to make the SIMATIC ET 200SP e-Starter a highly sustainable product, earning it the Siemens EcoTech label. In addition to its use of recycled materials, the e-starter offers lower energy consumption and wear-free switching for a longer and more efficient service life.
For more information visit: www.siemens.com
