VFD can vary the speed of a motor while a soft starter only controls the starting and stopping of

that motor, when faced with an application, price and size are in the favor of a soft starter. A
VFD is the better choice if speed control is required. If an existing application has a soft starter
in place and speed control is later determined to be a requirement, a VFD can easily replace a
soft starter. The opposite is true as well, a soft starter can replace a VFD.

Benefits of VFD:
Layman:
• Speed control and system efficiencies operating at reduced speeds during the run mode
• Applications with high starting torque
• Continuous feedback for critical position control
• Holding rotor at zero speed
• Reduce mechanical wear and damage to system
Educated Layman:

 Energy Savings with Variable Speed Drives

 Variable Torque Versus Constant Torque
 Why Variable Torque Loads Offer Great Energy Savings
 Energy Consumption
 Tighter Process Control with Variable Speed Drives
 Extended Equipment Life and Reduced Maintenance

A Bit of Detail regarding application VFD Vs. Soft Starter:

Soft starters are ideally used in applications where analog speed control is not required. As Soft
starters are only capable of Speed and Torque control during start-up (and shutdown if
supported), use this device in applications where fixed speed is sufficient to maintain control of
the process or simply, where an ON/OFF motor control is applicable. Some compatible
applications include conveyor and belt-driven devices or equipment as well as gear systems. 

VFDs are used where conventional ON/OFF motor control is not sufficient, particularly, where
process variables are constantly changing, or process loads are fluctuating. As previously
mentioned, VFDs permit closed-loop control using PID algorithm thus, Speed and Torque can be
modulated and maintained anywhere from 0-100% of the motor’s rating. Some applications that
require motor Speed or Torque modulation include industrial fan and pumps, Dampers, lifting,
and material handling systems. 

Further Explanation:

Control Customization

VFDs simply outmatched Soft starters in terms of control customization. As VFDs are capable of
implementing more varieties of control, it can meet simple or complex control requirements by
customizing its built-in programmable parameters.

Embedded I/O

VFDs are typically equipped with more variety of I/O types enabling remote and local operation
of motors. These are commonly composed of discrete I/O channels that permit carrying out basic
motor control commands such as Motor Start / Stop; JOG / Forward / Reverse; Remote / Local
operation. Additionally, advanced control can be implemented via the usually provided analog
I/O channels that function as speed reference speed feedback. Aside from this, programmable
I/O are usually also included which aid in the customization of control. Soft starters also have
embedded I/O channels however, not as much variety compared to the embedded channels of a
VFD.

Energy Savings

Energy savings is one of the primary reasons why Soft starters or VFDs are utilized. As
previously mentioned, these devices limit electrical inrush, therefore, lowers current
consumption. In actual comparison, VFDs offer more varieties of energy savings for lowering
operational expense. Since VFDs can control Speed or Torque anywhere from 0-100% of the
motor rating, VFDs allow motors to operate at a minimum or maximum speed as well as within
an identified optimum speed of the process. These prevents the VFDs from cyclic start and stop
and motor hunting.

Size

In terms of size or form factor, Soft Starters are generally smaller compared to VFDs when
compared according to current rating, however, size matters only if Speed or Torque control is
out of the selection consideration.

Cost

As Variable Frequency Drive offers more complex features; it is typically purchased at a higher
cost. Additionally, since Soft starters are smaller, it requires lesser panel space, therefore,
contributes to lower overall cost of installation. 

Accessories

Variable Frequency Drives typically require more accessories installed to its incoming and
outgoing connections. Each of the internal circuitry (Rectifier, Filter or DC Bus and Inverter)
may generate or prone to electrical noises therefore, VFD accessories may need to be installed
such as AC Line filter, Harmonic filter, DC Choke, and Braking resistors. Soft starters may need
lesser accessories as this device generate lesser electrical noise due to its simple operation.

Conclusion:
When motors start at full voltage, the high inrush current and starting torque can damage them
and other components. Soft starters and VFDs both reduce the inrush current by limiting voltage,
but there are also important differences between these devices.

Electrical engineers recommend soft starters when motors only need a starting system, and
VFDs when motors also need speed control while operating. A soft starter cannot save energy
by ramping down a motor with variable load, and a VFD wastes its speed control capacity when
used only as a starter.
Pictures: