timing switching to reduce startup surge

Exactly when an inductive load is switched on effects the peak current drawn over the next half cycle. Perhaps non-intuitively, switching an inductive device on while the AC waveform is at a voltage peak significantly reduces the peak current flow. Has anyone looked at using this to reduce startup surge for a motor? For example, a pressure switch on a well pump might be connected to a "peak switcher" box and then to the pump.
I am available for custom hardware/firmware development
Comments
And details help... For many devices, there is an "unloader" of some sort that reduces loading during startup (an air compressor that dumps air to have "zero" back pressure until pump is up to speed--Water pump that opens re-circulation/dump valve to prevent back pressure, or even continuous run--Start the motor once, then use unloaders to regulate pressure, etc.).
-Bill
I am available for custom hardware/firmware development
That is the specific technique as you say. Am I missing something??
Most people have no clue about this stuff and they just expect it to work. Big inverter system and no problems.
I get it that it is not cheap, but there is nothing new here. I have been doing this for clients who do not want problems or just expect it to work correctly.
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
E-mail [email protected]
I am available for custom hardware/firmware development