AC Arc Furnace Power-saving Operation Technology

AC Arc Furnace Power-saving Operation Technology

The core technology of arc furnace power saving is optimizing the AC arc furnace power supply and distribution system. Its core unit is maximizing arc power and power efficiency.

The main contents include the actual operation characteristics of the arc furnace power supply and distribution system, the working point selection, and the power supply P-Q curve.

By reasonably selecting and optimizing the working point and operation area of the arc furnace in real time, that is, the position of the series reactor, the arc furnace transformer secondary voltage,e and the position of the working current on the P-Q curve, the purpose of accelerating the melting of scrap steel, shortening the smelting time, reducing the smelting power consumption and extending the life of the furnace lining can be achieved, thereby reducing the comprehensive energy consumption per ton of steel.

Implementation path:

(1) Optimize the distribution parameters (select the arc transformer secondary voltage position, series reactor position, and power factor) to improve the distribution efficiency.

(2) Optimize the power distribution parameters (select the arc transformer secondary voltage level, series reactor level, and power factor), increase the input active power, realize high-power steelmaking, shorten the smelting time, and improve the EAF thermal efficiency and production efficiency.

(3) Optimize the EAF power supply power factor control, reduce the reactive power impact of the arc furnace, and thus reduce the pollution to the power grid.

This technology can be applied to AC arc furnace steelmaking production of various capacities. The larger the furnace tonnage and transformer capacity, the more obvious the effect. It is particularly suitable for large ultra-high power arc furnaces with transformer capacity greater than 30MVA. Based on theoretical research and production operation research, this technology summarizes research methods and experiences and has achieved relatively good operation results, reaching the domestic advanced level.

Contents:

(1) AC arc furnace power saving operation system hardware platform;

(2) AC arc furnace power saving operation system software platform;

(4) Production base, test equipment, and test conditions.

Market prospects and benefit analysis: 

After adopting this technology in AC arc furnace steelmaking of various capacities, an average of 10-30kWh/t of electricity can be saved, and the smelting power-on time can be shortened by about 3 minutes.

Take a steelmaking arc furnace with an annual output of 200,000 tons of steel as an example.

1. Technology and equipment investment of 200,000-400,000 yuan;

2. Direct economic benefits of 1.5 million yuan;

3. Social benefits;

(1) Annual electricity saving of 3 million kWh

(2) For electric furnace steel mills whose smelting time is restricted by the power supply system, the productivity of electric furnace steelmaking can be increased by about 5%.

An electric furnace with an annual output of 200,000 tons can increase production by 10,000 tons per year, which means an increase of 20 million yuan in annual output value and more than 1 million yuan in profits and taxes.

This technology has broad prospects for promotion and application. After adopting this technology, electric furnace steel mills can recover their investment in the same year and see benefits.