STATCOM for compensation of large electric arc furnace installations

High power electronic equipment, developed for the compensation of utility power transmission systems, has been successfully applied to the problem of flicker compensation in a large industrial arc furnace. Whereas conventional flicker compensation methods, using thyristor valves in conjunction with passive components, have generally failed to reduce flicker substantially the new STATCOM-based compensator provides a dramatic reduction in flicker, as seen from the first installation. In addition, the STATCOM regulates the furnace bus voltage, helping to establish longer arcs in the furnace and reduce electrode consumption. It is expected that STATCOM will find wide application for arc furnace compensation.