Sofstarter for Compressor Motor ?

[alamsyah]

Dear All,

I have a question.
Can I use a softstarter for compressor motor?
The chiller model is Carrier 30GB-060 (piston compressor)

Thank you.

[chemi-cool]

Yes you can.

[D.D.KORANNE]

Yes , piston compressors usually are installed with unloading valves .this results in adverse power ratio because power saving is not linear .
Hence piston compressors when installed with frequency drive can contribute to the saving of 2o% power . However check the max & minimum speed recommended by compressor manufacturer .

Also must be careful on high temp application where compressor is selected for say 5 deg c as evap temp may not be permitted to operate at say 59 hz . As the compressor motor might exceed the max rated current. With due care in design & selection ,the frequency drive can be an asset

[D.D.KORANNE]

Instead of soft starter , use vfd & lock it at say 28 hz for start up frequency for say three minutes & then ramp up the speed of motor speed . Accordingly , use of frequency drive can serve the purpose of soft starter as well as power saver .