Product category:
Industrial Drives/Controls
News Release from: Rockwell Automation | Subject: SMC-3 and SMC-Delta
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 16 January 2004
Soft starters tackle higher-rated
applications
Building on the leading compact soft starters that offer three-phase control, the Allen-Bradley SMC range has been extended to up to 147A (75kW) to meet even the most demanding applications.
Rockwell Automation now offers even more powerful versions of its Allen-Bradley SMC-3 and SMC-Delta soft starter units Building on the leading compact soft starters that offer three-phase control, the range has been extended to up to 147A (75kW) to meet even the most demanding applications
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 25 Feb 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Rockwell Automation is claiming a quantum leap in soft motor starting with the launch of two new Allen-Bradley units, the SMC-3 and SMC-Delta.
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SMC soft starters feature a built-in electronic overload and SCR bypass contactor.
By reducing the number of components and amount of heat generated, panel space is kept to a minimum.
Soft starters limit power line disturbances and reduce inrush currents, while reducing stress on the motor to extend operational life and minimise downtime.
They are ideal for applications such as compressors, chillers, pumps, conveyors and crushers where direct-online starting could result in damage to mechanical systems.
The SMC-3 is suitable for a wide range of starting applications that require the control and flexibility of a soft start, while the SMC-Delta is specifically designed as a replacement for a traditional star-delta starter.
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The SMC-3 is a smart and compact unit, with an integrated design that reduces the number components required, optimising panel space and making installation quick and easy.
Unlike single- or two-phase controllers, the SMC-3 delivers true three-phase soft starting, especially important for high inertia loads.
It provides a choice of start and stop modes including soft start, which allows the motor to be raised from an adjustable initial torque value to full voltage over an adjustable ramp time from 2 to 15s, and limited current start where it is necessary to limit the start current to between 150 and 450% of full load current.
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A selectable "kick-start" provides a boost at the beginning of the start mode by providing a current pulse of 450% of load current for up to 1.5s.
This allows the motor to develop additional torque for loads that are difficult to start.
Stop modes include a soft stop function, for applications that require an extended coast to rest.
The SMC-3 incorporates fully programmable, microprocessor-based, electronic overload protection with adjustable trip class, motor and system diagnostics and configurable auxiliary contacts.
Trip current is easily set to the motor full load current using a rotary dial and reset can be either manual or automatic.
LEDs show status information including run, fault diagnostics and off.
The overload is simple to set up using DIP switches, as with all other user adjustable parameters, precise settings can be quickly set up, significantly reducing installation times.
Advanced diagnostics, such as overtemperature monitor for the SCR using internal thermistors, and protection for phase reversal, phase loss and open load, phase imbalance or shorted SCR increase system performance, minimising downtime.
The SMC-3 controller is now available in two compact frame sizes: 45mm up to 37A (18.5kW) and 72mm up to 85A (45kW) that complement the Allen-Bradley range of contactors.
The device is suitable for either 50 or 60Hz operation.
The SMC-Delta is a compact, simple to use, solid-state motor controller designed for three-phase star delta motors.
It is wired for inside-the-delta configuration and features built-in electronic overload relay and silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) bypass contactor on all three phases, allowing a smaller footprint than traditional starters.
The SMC-Delta packages power wiring, overload, timers, and mains, delta and star contactors into a single, highly reliable, easy to set up star-delta controller.
Its 45mm width up to 64A and 72mm up to 147A - less than one third the size of a traditional star-delta, along with its competitive price make it ideal for the replacement of conventional star-delta motor starters.
The current limiting starting method eliminates the current transition point found in star-delta applications, reducing the mechanical and electrical shock on the system.
The SMC Delta limits the maximum starting current to between 150 to 350% of full load amps.
Start times are selectable from 2 to 15s.
The built in, microprocessor controlled electronic overload provides trip class selection and offers improved protection to motors when operated under phase loss conditions.
Trip reset is selectable to either automatic or manual using a setting dial.
New versions of the starters are also available, the range extended to 147A (75kW), at 50 or 60Hz.
Accessories for the SMC and SMC-Delta include flexible and user configurable auxiliary contacts, MOV modules to protect against transient voltages; remote reset solenoid for large or unmanned sites and cooling fan for heavy-duty start/stop cycles.
Compatible with the MCS (Modular Control System) range of contactors and motor protective circuit breakers, the SMC range provides outstanding performance from an exceptionally compact and cost effective package.
The new Allen-Bradley SMC-3 and SMC-Delta starters are compact, easy to install and simple and flexible in use.
Integrated features and the latest technologies provide functionality, which was not previously available within a compact 45mm housing.
They provide reliable and accurate motor protection together with advanced diagnostics, enabling the user to quickly optimise system performance.
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