Electric arc modeling of the EAF using differential evolution algorithm

?tore Steel Ltd. makes more than 1400 steel grades. The highest costs in steel production from scrap stems from the electric arc furnace electric energy consumption. Electrical energy is used to produce heat energy generated by the burning arc between the graphite electrodes and steel scrap. In general, the balanced heat input of all electrodes is essential. Based on the input of thermal energy from all electrodes, also the possibility of occurrence of hot and cold spots in the electric arc furnace can be determined. Perception of and the elimination of the unequal heat load of electrodes have a major impact on reducing operating costs and increasing the efficiency of the electric arc furnace production. Most authors have modeled the arc furnace as an electrical equivalent circuit, where the electric arc is modeled using the macroscopic approach. In this paper, the microscopic approach to the electric arc model is described, where a set of equations (electrical neutrality, Dalton law, Saha–Eggert) was solved using differential evolution algorithm. The results of modeling were practically confirmed by measuring electric parameters (voltage, current, active power) during the electric arc furnace operation. In November 2016, the investment in a new electrode controller using implemented logic will be carried out.