BGH Edelstahl in Siegen, Germany, has signed an agreement with Primetals Technologies to test the Active Power Feeder solution on the electric arc furnace (EAF) at its steel plant in Siegen with 50 tonnes tap weight. Active Power Feeder is projected to be ready for operation under industrial production conditions by 2025.
Active Power Feeder – with new, innovative power control
Active Power Feeder is a key technology for environmentally friendly steel-making. It utilises the patented medium-voltage modular multi-level converter (MMC) technology combined with an innovative power control system developed by specialists at Primetals Technologies.
Thanks to Active Power Feeder, the EAF will operate using a high-quality power supply system that meets utility companies’ requirements. Additionally, Active Power Feeder will ensure low electrical losses and high furnace efficiency.
Another benefit of Active Power Feeder is its highly flexible installation options, regardless of whether the situation calls for modernising an existing EAF or creating a brand-new melt shop. Moreover, Active Power Feeder can also compensate for the extra strain put on the power supply system if an additional ladle furnace is introduced – without the need for an extra static VAR compensator (SVC) or a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM).
First industrial application at BGH Edelstahl
The collaboration between BGH Edelstahl and Primetals Technologies aims to demonstrate the environmental, technical, and commercial benefits of the technology under industrial production conditions for scrap melting with EAFs. BGH Edelstahl’s furnace will be powered by Active Power Feeder featuring indirect modular multi-level converter (MMC) technology.
BGH is a speciality producer of top-quality stainless steels and special alloys. The company’s wide product range also encompasses small batch sizes for bespoke requests and requirements from BGH’s end customers, such as precisely timed deliveries and the most exacting quality standards.
BGH is committed to reducing its scope 1 and scope 2 CO₂ emissions by 42 percent by 2030 against the 2021 baseline. The German steel producer also aims to reduce scope 3 emissions by 25 percent over the same time-frame and baseline.