The effects of series inductors for flicker reduction in electric power systems supplying arc furnaces

The effect of a series inductor on the reduction of voltage flicker in electric power systems supplying arc furnaces is assessed. The arc furnace is simulated as a voltage generator with variable amplitude during the melting process. The design of the inductor hinges on the fact that, when connected into the electric power system, it should not interfere with the production capacity of the plant itself. The use of a powerful simulation program (EMTP) makes it possible to study a large number of cases and therefore to determine the appropriate size of the series inductor for the purpose of reducing voltage flicker. The simultaneous presence of the series inductor with capacitors and/or filters, with the purpose of limiting harmonic pollution and improving the power factor, is also discussed.