SMS Group will construct a new 190-ton Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) for SSAB with an upper shell diameter of 9.3 meters. The new EAF is set to be one of the largest installations in the world and its first heat is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Nov 30, 2024
SMS Group has been chosen by SSAB, a Nordic and US-based steel company, for the construction of a new 190-ton Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). The new EAF is set to be one of the largest installations in the world with an upper shell diameter of 9.3 meters.
The EAF, located in Oxelösund, has its first heat scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026 and will not only play a vital role in realizing SSAB’s transition plans towards fossil-free production but also lower total CO2 emissions in Sweden by three percent.
Powered by a 280 MVA transformer, an installation such as this requires highly advanced technology to meet the limitations imposed by the grid authority in terms of flicker, power factor, and harmonic distortion.
SSAB has now entrusted SMS group with the integration of a direct feed (DF) system from GE Vernova to be fitted in the new furnace at Oxelösund. The technology being implemented at SSAB is crucial as it ensures the new electric arc furnace operates smoothly and efficiently without disrupting the grid, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
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“It’s the most powerful digital electric arc furnace ever designed,” said Andrea Lanari, Vice-President Metallurgy Steelmaking at SMS group. “The combination of SMS process/equipment knowledge in terms of the GE Vernova grid and converter control background is an unique asset we can provide to SSAB on its decarbonization path.”
The modular multilevel converter (MMC) based direct feed system, supplied by GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business, is an indirect power supply built on IEGT (injection-enhanced gate transistor) technology and designed specifically for EAFs, which seeks to ensure that the new EAF operates smoothly and efficiently without disrupting the grid.
This system uses advanced technology to maintain high levels of power quality and reliability.
Jan Heimann, Executive Vice President of SMS group, said: “This project is a significant step forward in our journey towards sustainable steelmaking. Powering the furnace with a fast digital control system will enable SSAB to achieve their targets in terms of power quality and efficiency. We are excited to contribute to a project that sets a benchmark for the entire industry.”
