Modeling electric arc furnace to estimate flicker levels in power systems using ATP

Electric arc furnace and its influence in the power system are studied in this paper. Two models that allow to evaluate its behavior during steady state are shown. These models has different complexity level; the first model takes into account the main nonlinearities of the load; the other assumes that current-voltage characteristic in the arc is piece-wise linear. Electromagnetic transients program ATP was used to simulate power system and load. Simulated results are compared with actual measurements. Power system was modeled including the point of common connection and electric utility grid.