Why Medium Voltage SVG is essential in the metallurgical industry

Using Medium Voltage SVG in the metallurgical industry is not an "option," but a "necessity" concerning economic efficiency, production stability, and social responsibility.

We can use a simple analogy to understand this: The power grid of a metallurgical plant is like a main water pipe supplying all equipment. High-power impact loads like electric arc furnaces and rolling mills are like giant faucets being turned on and off suddenly. Each time they turn on, they cause severe pressure (voltage) fluctuations throughout the entire pipe system, making it impossible for other equipment using water (electricity) to function properly.

The SVG is an extremely responsive "smart voltage stabilization pump." It can instantly sense pressure changes and immediately inject or remove water flow (reactive power) into/from the pipe, thereby maintaining absolute water pressure (voltage) stability.

Here are the fundamental reasons why Medium-High Voltage SVG must be used in the metallurgical industry, summarized into three core drivers:

1. Economic Driver: Direct Cost Savings and Profit Generation

This is the most direct and urgent motivation.

1. Avoid "Penalties" and Obtain "Rebates":

   • Problem: Metallurgical loads (especially EAFs) result in a very low natural power factor (can be below 0.5). The State Grid has mandatory requirements for the power factor of industrial users (usually must be higher than 0.9). If this target is not met, the power supply company imposes hefty "Power Factor Adjustment Fees," which are essentially penalties.

   • SVG's Role: The SVG can compensate the power factor in real-time, stabilizing it above 0.95 or even close to 1.0. This not only avoids penalties 100% but, in many regions, also qualifies for electricity bill rebates for contributing to grid "quality." The return on investment for this is typically very short, often paying for itself within 1-2 years.

2. Release Capacity, Save on Expansion Costs:

   • Problem: A low power factor means significant reactive current occupies the capacity of transformers and cables, preventing them from effectively transmitting active power. When a factory wants to add new equipment, it might have to spend millions on transformer and line capacity expansion.

   • SVG's Role: The SVG provides reactive power locally, so reactive current no longer flows through the upstream transformers and lines. This "releases" the load-bearing capacity of the existing power supply facilities, directly creating room for production increases and delaying or avoiding huge expansion investments.

2. Production Stability Driver: Ensuring Continuous and Efficient Production

This is the "lifeline" protecting the core interests of the enterprise.

1. Suppress "Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker," Eliminating Production Bottlenecks:

   • Problem: This is the most typical and critical issue in the metallurgical industry. Every electrode short-circuit in an EAF causes a momentary grid voltage dip, leading to:

     • Sensitive Equipment Tripping: PLCs, variable frequency drives, computer systems, etc., can shut down due to unstable voltage, causing entire production lines to halt.

     • "Flicker" Phenomenon: Light flickering, affecting workers' vision and the plant environment.

   • SVG's Role: The SVG's millisecond-level response speed can instantly compensate for voltage dips, suppressing voltage fluctuations within limits allowed by national standards. It minimizes unplanned downtime and ensures smooth processes like continuous casting and rolling. The resulting production benefits far exceed the value of the SVG itself.

2. Improve Three-Phase Balance, Reduce Equipment Losses:

   • Problem: Loads like EAFs are single-phase and cause severe three-phase current imbalance, increasing transformer and motor losses, potentially leading to overheating and burnout.

   • SVG's Role: The SVG can perform phase-by-phase compensation, balancing the three-phase currents, thereby reducing overall system losses and extending the service life of major electrical equipment.

3. Technical and Compliance Driver: Meeting Standards and Being a "Friendly User"

This relates to the social responsibility and operational prerequisites for long-term business development.

1. Compliance with National Power Quality Standards:

   • Chinese standards like GB/T 12326 (Voltage Fluctuation and Flicker) and GB/T 14549 (Harmonics) have clear limits for power quality injected into the public grid. With tightening regulations, non-compliant enterprises face risks of power usage restrictions or even shutdowns.

   • The SVG is the most effective tool for managing voltage fluctuations and flicker, making it key equipment for ensuring compliant and legal production.

2. Enhancing Grid Friendliness:

   • Metallurgical enterprises are typically major "power consumers" in their localities. Their impact loads are significant pollutants for the regional grid, affecting other users like hospitals, schools, and residents.

   • Installing an SVG demonstrates corporate social responsibility, positioning the company as a "friendly grid user," which helps maintain good relationships with the community and government.

Summary: Why is it Essential?

Using Medium-High Voltage SVG in the metallurgical industry is not merely an "energy-saving renovation." It is a strategic investment that directly generates profit, safeguards core production, and ensures compliant business operations. It is a standard configuration and an inevitable choice for modern large-scale metallurgical enterprises to achieve safe, efficient, and green production. And if you have any interest, please contact sales@yt-electric.com