Many friends can't distinguish between the inverter and the soft starter, so let's introduce it in detail:

What is an inverter?

Inverter is a converter that converts alternating current with constant voltage and frequency into alternating current with variable voltage and frequency. It is mainly used in places where speed regulation is required. Its output not only changes the voltage but also the frequency; the soft starter is actually a voltage regulator. When the motor is started, the output only changes the voltage and does not change the frequency. The inverter manufacturer emphasizes that the inverter has all the functions of a soft starter, but its price is more expensive and the structure is more complicated.

What is a soft starter?

The soft starter is connected in series between the power supply and the controlled motor. The microcomputer controls the internal thyristor to trigger the conduction angle to achieve AC voltage regulation, so that the motor input voltage gradually rises from zero in a preset function relationship until the end of the start. The full voltage of the motor is a soft start. During the soft start process, the starting torque of the motor gradually increases and the speed gradually increases until the thyristor is fully turned on. The motor works on the mechanical characteristics of the rated voltage to achieve smooth start and reduce the starting current . Avoid starting overcurrent trips. When the motor reaches the rated number of revolutions, the start-up process ends, providing the rated voltage for the normal operation of the motor.

So what is the main difference between a frequency converter and a soft starter?

The inverter is used in places where speed adjustment is needed. The output of the inverter not only changes the voltage but also the frequency.

The soft starter is actually a voltage regulator that protects the motor. It is used for the soft starter output to change the voltage and not the frequency when the motor starts at a reduced voltage.

The inverter has all the functions of a soft starter, but its structure is complex and the price is much more expensive than a soft starter.

The inverter controls the electrical equipment by adjusting the frequency, which can adjust the speed and start, such as the variable frequency pump used in industry. The basic principle of soft start is to change the resistance connected in the circuit so that the current is from small to large. This method is used to start high-power motors. It is used to reduce the high-power motors directly starting to cause fluctuations in the grid or cause Trouble with important load offloading.