Modeling and Simulation of an Electric Arc Furnace Process

Abstract

The model derived in this paper is intended for the testing of control strategies using off-gas variables in the control of an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). The derivation of a multivariable non-linear state space model of an EAF process is treated. Assumptions are made that facilitate the modeling effort. First principles of thermodynamics, together with empirical relationships, are used to derive the model equations. A state-space model is developed with physical variables such as carbon content in the steel as model states. Rates of change such as decarburization are also considered. Typical operating conditions for a furnace are discussed and initial conditions for a simulation are derived from this. A timeline of events corresponding to operating conditions is determined for the simulation. A simulation is conducted starting with the initial conditions and proceeding with the line of events. The results of the simulation are shown and discussed in terms of the purpose of the model.