Design and implementation of matrix converter based electric arc furnace for power quality improvement

Abstract

In recent years, non-linear loads on the distribution side are increasing rapidly. Notably, the electric arc furnace (EAF) is the most used non-linear load due to its diverse applications for industrial needs. However, EAF has some disadvantages like uneven distribution of heat inside the furnace, release of unwanted gases, increased level of harmonics, and Flickers in voltages. Specifically, power quality concerns are more and need comprehensive solutions. newlineElectric Arc Furnaces (EAF) finds an important role in Steel and Iron Industries. However, it builds severe problems in the quality of Power Systems because EAFs are not stable, nonlinear and dependent on time. Usage of EAFs more in industry will have a great impact on the power system quality. EAFs cannot be avoided in the Industry as it is needed to melt the scarps and other metals to get steel and Iron. Any shape and size of steel rods can be made using this Electric Arc Furnace. There are many types of Electric Arc furnace like direct type, indirect type and submerged type furnaces. Each type has its own advantages. The type of EAF is selected according to the function and the availability. Much advancement in EAFs happened due to technological advancements. Here the Electric Arc Furnace is taken as a load due to its properties like non-linear, unstable, power factor correction issues and the time dependency. In this work, a matrix converter (MC) along with static VAR compensator (SVC) is proposed, and the hybrid exponential-hyperbolic furnace model is adapted in MATLAB platform. Simulations are carried out for different cases and the observed results are compared with existing methodologies. It was perceived that the power quality parameters such as peak current and voltages, total harmonic distortions (THDs), voltage flickers, and power factors are enhanced compared with existing methodologies. Precisely, the THD of current and voltage attains a prime rate of about 2.85% and 29.54%, respectively. Moreover, the proposed model s voltage flicker and power