A new time domain voltage source model for an arc furnace using EMTP

This paper presents a new time domain Controlled Voltage Source (CVS) model for an arc furnace using the Electro Magnetic Transients Program (EMTP). The developed model is based on a piece wise linear approximation of the v-i characteristic of the arc furnace load. In addition to this, the novelty of this simulation technique lies in the fact that the active power consumed by the load is also considered in the proposed load model, thus making the proposed load model dependent on the operating conditions of the load. Dynamic variation of the arc is incorporated through sinusoidal and band limited white noise variation of the arc resistance in the v-i characteristic of the arc furnace load. Depending on the variation of the arc resistance, the developed load model accurately represents both static (deterministic) and dynamic (random) arc characteristics. While static arc models are useful for harmonic studies, dynamic models are useful for power quality studies and in particular, the study of voltage flicker. The results are compared with actual voltage measurements taken from a local utility to prove the validity of the proposed load model.