Starters for Electric Motors

Brunvoll starter systems for constant speed asyncron electric drive motors

Brunvoll starter systems for constant speed asynchronous electric drive motors tailored to the thruster and propeller application

Various types of starters applicable for CP-Propeller applications

  • Star-Delta Starter
  • Auto-Transformer Starter
  • Electronic soft Starter
  • Frequency converter starter

Starter systems tailored to its purpose

  • Service friendly and cost-effective technical solutions
  • Robust design
  • Designed for easy access and ergonomic working conditions
  • Trouble free performance
  • Designed in-house with the high standards that our customers expect
  • Each cabinet is tailored to its purpose, function, location, and size
  • Complies with all relevant standards

Starter characteristics

Direct On-Line starter

Starting current:

5-10x Nominal motor current (IN)

Pros:

Low price and high starting torque

Cons:

High in-rush current

Description:

The Direct On-Line (DOL) starter consists of a contactor and a protection device such as a circuit breaker. The contactor is energized when the start button is pressed, and the full line voltage is connected to the motor. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).

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Star-Delta starter

Starting current:

2-3x Nominal motor current (IN)

Pros:

In-rush current reduced with approx. 60% compared with DOL

Cons:

Reduced starting torque

Description:

The star-delta starter method applies reduced voltage to the motor, thus reducing current, during startup. This method requires that both ends of motor winding terminals are available. When connected in star each winding has less voltage (1 / √3 ~ 60%), and thus will have reduced starting current and torque. When full speed is reached the motor is connected in delta, having full torque available. Propeller pitch can be increased, and load applied when motor is connected in delta. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).

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Auto-Transformer

Starting current:

2-3x Nominal motor current (IN)

Pros:

In-rush current reduced with approx. 60% compared with DOL

Cons:

Reduced starting torque

Description:

Auto-Transformer also applies reduced voltage in steps to the motor during startup. The transformer voltage ratio can be designed to the application, typically having a 50-70% motor voltage during startup. The motor consumes less current at a lower starting voltage. For example, with a 50% tap on the Auto-Transformer, the motor draws half its rated current, or about 25% of what it would draw with a DOL starter. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).

Click the images to enlarge

Electronic soft starter

Starting current:

2-2,5x Nominal motor current (IN)

Pros:

In-rush current reduced 

Cons:

Reduced starting torque.
Based on electronics

Description:

An electronic soft starter is a starting device that controls the way electricity is provided to the motor by using active switching devices such as thyristors. The device works in both in-line and in-delta configuration modes in three-phase motors. 

This starting method is ramping up the motor voltage in the starting sequence resulting in a reduced start-up current, allowing for a smooth and surge-free increase in motor torque. The voltage dips, stress, and wear and tear on the mechanical parts are all reduced as a result. Due to the thyristors there will be harmonic distortion of the current, and the influence on system voltage will depend on starting current and system impedance. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).

Click the images to enlarge

Frequency converter starter

Starting current:

0,5x Nominal motor current (IN)

Pros:

In-rush current reduced.
Full speed and torque control

Cons:

THD generated, filters required.
Based on electronics

Description:

This is an electronic-controlled approach for starting asynchronous motors smoothly. It controls the frequency and current for the motor with electronics inverter circuits, avoiding large startup current. The thruster system's mechanical parts will be protected from high load because of the smooth start-up, and the this will also reduce the load on generators during startup compared to line-starter options. Depending on required performance torque and current may be below nominal values during startup. This is the high-end solution for the starting the thrusters, giving benefits such as smooth start, better energy economy, reduced wear and tear and process optimization.  Other benefits include motor speed stability during load changes and a longer motor life overall. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).

Frequency converter starters may have different interface towards the main switchboard where 6-pulse rectifier is the most common, but both 12/24 pulse and Active Frontend (AFE) are used.6-pulse starters are the most common type, widely used due to the compact design and availability.The disadvantage with the 6-pulse starter is the increased THD during startup, particularly in smaller power system with large thrusters this might be an issue. 

To mitigate the THD a 12 or 24 pulse transformer and rectifier may be chosen, typically used for larger thrusters in larger ships. 
Frequency converter starters with active front end guarantees sinusoidal current and does not require a transformer. The AFE rectifier and LCL filter is more spacious than the 6-pulse rectifier and is suitable for high end solutions and ships with relatively small power system compared to thruster power.

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Complete system deliveries

One source - one responsibility

For optimal performance Brunvoll takes responsibility for delivering complete systems and for providing support throughout the lifetime; from design, production, installation and commissioning, through daily operation.

Compile your vessel from Brunvoll's  product range

The wide product range of Brunvoll gives a unique configuration flexibility of integrated propulsion, manoeuvring and automation systems, see Propulsion Systems.

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Joar Heggset

Joar Heggset

Sales Manager, Brunvoll AS

+47 916 30 640
[email protected]

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