VLT® Soft Starter MCD500 Adapts Acceleration and Deceleration Profiles Based on Specific Application Needs

MOTION CONTROL: Danfoss Drives introduces the VLT® Soft Starter MCD500 with Adaptive Acceleration Control (AAC).  AAC is the newest evolution in soft start technology, enabling users to select different acceleration and deceleration profiles according to specific application needs, optimizing performance and maximizing energy efficiency.

Among the most compact soft starters available in its class, the features-laden VLT Soft Starter MCD500 is available in 23 models and five different frame sizes, from 21 to 1600A (7.5 to 800kW). The G1 frame size is IP20 rated, and G2 - G5 frame sizes are IP00 rated. Optional finger guard kits are available for the G2-G5 frames to achieve IP20.  Moreover, the MCD500 is significantly smaller and more compact than its MCD3000 predecessor. The MCD 500 series have earned certification and approvals by the following: CE, CCC, C-Tick, RoHs, UL, cUL and Lloyds Register.

Soft Starters are typically used to limit motor start current, or to control load acceleration and /or deceleration.  The former is best accomplished with constant current control, and the latter is best accomplished with Adaptive Acceleration Control.  The MCD 500 offers both constant current and Adaptive Acceleration Control, making it a powerful and flexible soft starter solution ideal for any number of water/wastewater, HVAC, industrial, and food and beverage applications, among others.

Soft starting, or gradual and shock free acceleration, can benefit all motor applications, but many situations need more precise acceleration and/or deceleration control - that is where AAC technology shines.  For example, AAC is particularly dominant in controlling pumps, band saws and conveyor systems because it allows the selection of multiple deceleration profiles.

-Edited by Kelsey Anderson