Are Soft Starters Still Useful In Modern Industry 4.0 Systems?
Factories today are becoming increasingly intelligent, developed, and data-driven because of technology-driven Industry 4.0. There is a critical question that arises. Are soft starters still relevant for contemporary Industry 4.0 systems? Yes, soft starters are still relevant today, but their function has changed to become more focused on specific applications than they were before. In this article, we will examine the evolving nature of soft starter applications in relation to Industrial 4.0, as well as any associated benefits when compared to newer motor control technology.
Industry 4.0 and motor control evolution
The term "Industry 4.0" describes the fourth industrial revolution: the emergence of "smart" production facilities, or factories, connected via the internet of things to create highly efficient real-time operations using data through predictive maintenance and artificial intelligence algorithms to generate decisions.
To ensure the efficient motor control system operates properly, it will need to be digitally integrated with the ability to be remotely controlled and provide information about its operation. This shift has led many people in the engineering field to believe that traditional motor control devices such as soft starters are losing their relevance; however, if you examine the overall system architecture, this is not the case.
The role of soft starters in modern industry 4.0 systems
1.Reducing mechanical stress in smart systems
Mechanical components in automated factories endure high levels of mechanical stress when starting. By utilizing soft-starting devices, the motors of large electrical machines can be ramped up to full speed with less torque shock than would otherwise be experienced, this results bring a longer life for the machine and aligns with the predictive maintenance objectives associated with Industry 4.0.
2.Protecting power networks in smart factories
High powered systems like Industry 4.0 often have many machines running at the same time. Soft starters prevent voltage dips from occurring, decrease the amount of peak current required, and help keep electrical distribution systems stable. This is very important in places like manufacturing plants, water treatment plants or mines.
3.Cost-effective alternative to VFDs
Use of variable frequency drives provides advanced continuous speed control, but drive prices tend to be substantially higher than those associated with soft starting equipment, and the drive itself also has a much more elaborate installation process. However, for applications that don’t require constant speed control, and thus require only a single mode, soft starters provide more economical, simpler to install, and more reliable solutions.
4.Integration with PLC and smart control systems
Modern soft starters are not isolated analog devices anymore. Instead, they have the ability to connect directly with programmable logic controllers, SCADA systems and Industrial IOT systems. The ability to connect to these platforms enables operators to monitor, diagnose failures and track soft starter performance during start-up from a remote location. Thus, they fit perfectly into the framework of Industry 4.0.
