Chaotic responses in electric arc furnaces

Abstract

This article reports the findings of ongoing research into the nature and extent of electric fluctuations occurring in electric arc furnaces (EAFs). These fluctuations are indicators of the state of the furnace system and may serve as precursors for use in predictive control of the system. Current and voltage wave forms taken from a small-scale, 200 lb capacity alternating current EAF are used to characterize the motion of the arc column. Wave forms were analyzed using nonlinear dynamics and digital signal processing techniques. Analysis indicates that the observed system behavior is suggestive of chaotic dynamics, with phenomena occurring on several time scales.