AUTOMATIC ELECTRODE REGULATOR BASED ON DIRECT POWER FACTOR REGULATION AND CORRESPONDING METHOD

摘要

Disclosed is an electrode control system for an electric arc furnace having a furnace transformer. The electrode control system includes a current transformer for measuring operating current of the electrode and a voltage transformer for measuring operating voltage of the electrode. An active power transducer is connected to the current transformer and the voltage transformer for calculating active power of the electrode from the measured operating current and operating voltage as a first output signal. A reactive power transducer is connected to the current transformer and the voltage transformer for calculating the reactive power of the electrode from the measured operating current and operating voltage as a second output signal. A programmable control unit is connected to the active power transducer and the reactive transducer for receiving the first and second input signals. The control unit is configured to calculate actual power factor of the electrode from the first and second output signals and compare the actual power factor with a preprogrammed power factor set point. The control unit is configured to generate a control signal indicative of a difference between the actual power factor and the power factor set point. An electrode positioning mechanism is provided for controlling movement of the electrode. The electrode positioning mechanism is connected to the control unit for receiving the control signal and is configured to adjust a vertical height of the electrode such that the actual power factor approximates the power factor set point. A method of controlling the position of an electrode in an electric arc furnace is also disclosed.