Advanced solutions in motor control technology are designed to meet the diverse needs of industrial and infrastructure applications, offering improved performance, efficiency and reliability.

The Schneider Electric new generation Altivar soft starter ATS430 and ATS490 ranges have recently been launched in the  Anglophone Africa region.

Schneider Electric offer manager: variable speed drives and speed drive systems for Anglophone Africa Didier Kayembe notes that the ATS430 soft starter is tailored for industrial applications in discrete manufacturing. It is designed to integrate seamlessly into automation architectures, making it ideal for applications that demand enhanced energy and motor monitoring.

“The Altivar soft starter ATS430 is perfect for industrial applications from 4 kW to 400 kW or 3 hp to 500 hp. It provides best-in-class motor control, reliable operation and simplicity while reducing the overall cost of the equipment,” he says.

“This range also integrates the essentials of the future, such as cybersecurity best practices and condition monitoring features.”

The ATS490 soft starter model is specifically designed for process manufacturing and infrastructure environments where operational resilience is critical. It provides advanced motor control with features such as energy, power and condition monitoring, to optimise performance in high-stress environments.

“ATS490 is suited for process manufacturing and infrastructure applications from 4 kW to 900 kW or 3 hp to 1 200 hp, such as water treatment plants, mining operations and large-scale HVAC systems,” Kayembe says.

“This range was designed with high durability in mind and the innovative features of ATS490 lead to optimisation of project costs and operational expenditures with high levels of digitisation,” he asserts.

Benefits and features of the ATS430 model:

• Best-in-class motor control with torque control for smooth acceleration/deceleration.
• Designed to withstand high stress and avoid limiting events.
• Meets cybersecurity standards by integrating best practice features.
• Embedded monitoring of the system, including the motor, the application, power and energy.
• Reduced carbon footprint with 99.5% efficiency thanks to integrated bypass relays, power and energy monitoring.

Benefits and features of the ATS490 model:

• Certified cybersecurity and SIL1 ‘safe torque off’ functionality, eliminating the need for line contactors.
• Embedded condition monitoring of the soft starter and of the application.
• Advanced motor management with a holistic vision.
• Reduced carbon footprint with 99.5% efficiency thanks to integrated bypass relays, power, and energy monitoring
• Application-specific functions, including jog mode, anti-jam, borehole pump starting.

“Schneider Electric's ATS430 and ATS490 soft starters represent a significant step forward in motor control technology, empowering businesses to achieve greater efficiency, reliability and sustainability,” concludes Kayembe.