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Review

Motor Soft-Start Technology: Intelligent Control, Wide Bandwidth Applications, and Energy Efficiency Optimization

1
Wuhan Second Ship Design and Research Institute, Wuhan 430205, China
2
School of Automation, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Energies 2026, 19(3), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030603 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 17 November 2025 / Revised: 14 January 2026 / Accepted: 20 January 2026 / Published: 23 January 2026

Abstract

Direct-starting of industrial motors has problems such as large current impact (five to eight times the rated current), mechanical stress damage, and low energy efficiency. This paper explores the technological innovations in motor soft-start driven by intelligent control and wide-bandgap semiconductors, and constructs a highly reliable and low energy consumption solution. Firstly, based on a material–device–algorithm system framework, a comparative study is conducted on the performance breakthroughs of SiC/GaN in replacing silicon-based devices. Secondly, an intelligent control model is established and a highly reliable system architecture is developed. A comprehensive review of recent literature indicates that SiC devices can reduce switching losses by up to 80%, and intelligent algorithms significantly improve control accuracy. System-level solutions reported in the industry demonstrate the capability to limit current to 1.5–3 times the rated current and achieve substantial carbon emission reductions. These technologies provide key technical support for the intelligent upgrading of industrial motor systems and the dual-carbon goal. In the future, development will continue to evolve in the direction of device miniaturization and other directions.
Keywords: motor soft start; wideband semiconductor; intelligent control algorithms; industrial motor system intelligence motor soft start; wideband semiconductor; intelligent control algorithms; industrial motor system intelligence

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Li, P.; Fang, L.; Ji, P.; Li, S.; Li, W. Motor Soft-Start Technology: Intelligent Control, Wide Bandwidth Applications, and Energy Efficiency Optimization. Energies 2026, 19, 603. https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030603

AMA Style

Li P, Fang L, Ji P, Li S, Li W. Motor Soft-Start Technology: Intelligent Control, Wide Bandwidth Applications, and Energy Efficiency Optimization. Energies. 2026; 19(3):603. https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030603

Chicago/Turabian Style

Li, Peng, Li Fang, Pengkun Ji, Shuaiqi Li, and Weibo Li. 2026. "Motor Soft-Start Technology: Intelligent Control, Wide Bandwidth Applications, and Energy Efficiency Optimization" Energies 19, no. 3: 603. https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030603

APA Style

Li, P., Fang, L., Ji, P., Li, S., & Li, W. (2026). Motor Soft-Start Technology: Intelligent Control, Wide Bandwidth Applications, and Energy Efficiency Optimization. Energies, 19(3), 603. https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030603

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