Parallel Furnace Transformer Layout for High-Power Arc Furnaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power supply devices for metallurgical equipment, such as electric arc furnaces, face challenges in efficiently managing high power consumption and reliability, especially when transitioning from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces, requiring innovative solutions to handle non-linear loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a power supply device with at least two structurally equivalent three-phase furnace transformers configured in a delta connection, connected via a low voltage-side parallel circuit using water-cooled high current conductors, which reduces the current intensity and allows for easier replacement and maintenance, along with non-active current compensation to stabilize voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single large transformer with power rating ≥180 MVA is used, then the power consumption requirement is met, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large transformer (≥180 MVA) into multiple smaller transformers (each ≥90 MVA) connected in parallel. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual transformers while maintaining the total power capacity, making manufacturing and maintenance more manageable.
2Power
If a single large transformer with power rating ≥180 MVA is used, then the power consumption requirement is met, but the maintenance and replacement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the transformer system into multiple smaller units connected in parallel, the patent enables individual transformer maintenance and replacement without shutting down the entire system. This significantly improves ease of repair compared to a single large transformer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration parameter from a single large transformer to multiple smaller transformers in parallel, which fundamentally alters the maintenance characteristics from system-wide shutdown to individual unit replacement.
3Speed
If water-cooled high current conductors are used in the low voltage-side parallel circuit, then the current intensity is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs water-cooled high current conductors, using hydraulic cooling to manage the high current densities in the parallel circuit conductors. This approach reduces current intensity and thermal effects while the modular parallel configuration keeps manufacturing manageable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances operational reliability, reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, and allows for efficient operation of electric arc furnaces with high power consumption, addressing the challenges of space and complexity associated with large transformers.
Implementation Method 1
a low voltage-side parallel circuit connecting the output-side low voltage connectors of the at least two furnace transformers via symmetrized external delta connection configurations (delta interconnections) implemented as water-cooled high current conductors
Implementation Method 2
water-cooled high current conductors
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device is provided for metallurgical equipment, which is to be operated with electric energy with a non-linear load and has a maximum power consumption equal to or greater than 180 MVA, such as for an electric arc furnace having a power consumption equal to or greater than 180 MVA. In such a power supply device, at least two structurally equivalent three-phase furnace transformers (100, 200) having an output power rating equal to or greater than 90 MVA include a delta interconnection (D) on the input side thereof and an external interconnection (iii) on the output side thereof. A low voltage-side parallel circuit (400) of output-side low voltage connectors of the furnace transformers (100, 200) includes symmetrized external delta interconnections implemented as water-cooled high current conductors. The low voltage-side parallel circuit is connectable in an electrically symmetrized manner to electrodes of the metallurgical equipment (10).