High Performance Smart MV apparatus for arc furnace applications

Abstract

Steel manufacturing represents a critical application for control processes and apparatuses. In particular, switching of the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) transformer are recognized as challenging for reliability of the switching devices needed for relentless furnace operation. The Medium voltage Circuit Breaker is required to cope up with hundreds of close/open operations per day, limited maintenance and minimum number of downtimes, operations in harsh environment.In order to support safe and relentless operation and protection a dedicated circuit breaker based on vacuum technology and innovative actuation systems has been developed. The solution allows reliable and efficient service up to 150,000 close-open operations without the need for revamping, contributing to improve the quality of the arc furnace process in the steel industry.