Internet Explorer, Chrome Browser, Firefox Browser, Safari Browser
Press Release08 November 2024Smart InfrastructureZug
Siemens launches fully electronic e-Starter with semiconductor technology
The e-starter is typically used in areas where short circuits occur frequently. The food industry is subject to strict hygiene regulations. For example, conveyor systems often have to be deep-cleaned using high-pressure washers. Liquid can cause short circuits on worn cables between starters and motors that move the conveyor belts. This often results in costly downtimes. The new ET 200SP e-starter detects a short-circuit current extremely quickly and switches it off immediately. This prevents potentially damaging short-circuit currents from occurring in the first place. Once the cause of the short circuit has been eliminated, the device is immediately ready to be switched on again. Procuring spare parts or replacing devices – as was often necessary after short circuits – is no longer required.
In industries such as
food and beverage, intralogistics, and mechanical engineering, high efficiency
motors are used in demanding applications, for example to drive conveyor
systems or pumps. Malfunctions and failures can quickly lead to considerable
damage and costs. Against this backdrop, motor starters play an important role:
They not only switch motors reliably, but also 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. Because of the short-circuit protection device they are equipped
with conventional feeder solutions 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 extremely quickly and switches
off in less than 4 µs. This makes it approximately 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, e.g. those in energy efficiency classes
IE3 and IE4, and can lead to unintended trips of the protection device. The
phase-optimized switching and Smart Start of the SIMATIC ET 200SP e-Starter
neutralize 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 minimized as well,
noticeably reducing the mechanical wear. This means that less maintenance work
is required – a valuable benefit for applications with a high switching rate.
“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
exactly as needed. It makes demanding motors and applications more available,
durable, and user-friendly than ever before,” said Andreas Matthé, CEO of
Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “Siemens is the first
manufacturer with a fully electronic starter that is completely integrated into
ET 200SP and TIA Portal and specifically addresses two challenges in the
industrial sector: applications prone to short circuits and high current peaks
when starting high efficiency motors."
Machine and plant
manufacturers and system integrators benefit from the seamless integration of
the e-Starter into the market-leading automation concept Totally Integrated
Automation (TIA). 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, parameterization and commissioning. Automatic
re-parameterization makes it easy to replace devices during ongoing operation
(hot swapping).
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.
The new starter will
make its public debut at the Smart Production Solutions (SPS) trade fair held
from November 12 to 14, 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany. The Siemens booth will be
located in Hall 11.
The new fully electronic e-Starter with semiconductor technology.
For this press release
Follow us on X
Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. It addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change by connecting energy systems, buildings, and industries. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions, and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet. Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. As of September 30, 2023, the business had around 75,000 employees worldwide.
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company’s purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company, Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare.
In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €74.9 billion and net income of €8.5 billion. As of September 30, 2023, the company employed around 305,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.
In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €74.9 billion and net income of €8.5 billion. As of September 30, 2023, the company employed around 305,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.