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Content archived on 2022-12-27

SOFT START FAN-DRIVES CONVERTER EXHAUST SYSTEM IN OXYGEN STEEL PLANT

Objective

To save electricity consumption in the oxygen steel plant during the conversion of iron into steel, by the soft start of the 3 fan drives, and the subsequent controlled speed of the fan drives.
The soft start installation is functioning quite well; operating automatically as well as manually. The amount of energy saving is clearly influenced by the operation of the steelmaking process. This was shown in the demonstration period. The energy saving in this period was 3,900 MWh on annual base.
The oxygen steel plant nr 2 consists of 3 convertors for the conversion of iron into steel. Each convertor has an induced draught system for exhaust gases and dust from the convertor. The oxygen steel making process is characterised by cycles, in each of which one charge is processed. Each cycle consists of a period of treatment with oxygen, and a period of other treatments.
The fans are currently controlled by valves, and during the oxygen treatment the fan operates at maximum power, whereas during the remainder of the cycle at a reduced power level.
Moreover, between two cycles, the fans have to be kept turning at a substantial no-load power. The energy consumption during no-load time could be saved by switching off the motors. However, this is not with the present motors because they are not fitted per such frequent switching.
This project proposes the following : the 3 fan drives are started by means of an electronic frequency-converter, put in between the supply network and the motors. Starting up to rated RPM is done with the valve closed. Then the motors are connected to the supply network by switching off the electric convertor and closing a HV - contactor, after which the valve is opened to make the fan accelerate to full power.
Since the convertor's cycles are out of phase, the same frequency-convertor can be used for the alternative stop and start of the 3 fan drives.
Possibilities for application are not limited to the steel industry, because the system concept is universal and independent of the type of equipment used.

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Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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Funding Scheme

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DEM - Demonstration contracts

Coordinator

HOOGOVENS GROEP BV
EU contribution
No data
Address
POSTBUS 10000
1970 Ijmuiden
Netherlands

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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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