Harmonics generated by Electric Arc Furnace in Electric Power System - A Review

Abstract

An electrical power system is designed to operate at the frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. But there are certain loads which generate voltage and current that are the integer multiple of 50 or 60 Hz. Those higher frequencies form electrical network pollution called as power system harmonics. An Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) is one of such load when operated on AC affects the power quality of the power system. The power quality is degraded mainly due to the poor power factor, current and voltage harmonics and voltage fluctuation. The problems due the harmonics is getting worsen day by day due to the introduction of power electronics equipments and voltage fluctuation arise by the use of large industrial load such as EAFs and LMF (Ladle Melt Furnace) in steel meting shop. Also connecting rolling mill and forging shop generate harmonics in the adjacent electrical power system. In this paper, an extensive review of harmonics generated in EAF is presented .