INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ...International Journal of Electrical Engineering...
Transcript of INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ...International Journal of Electrical Engineering...
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
61
A CASE STUDY AT HINDALCO ALUMINIUM SMELTERS TO CHOOSE
THE RIGHT CONVERTER TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FUTURE FROM THE
WIDELY USED DIODE CONVERTER TECHNOLOGY AND THYRISTOR
CONVERTER TECHNOLOGY IN THE ALUMINIUM SMELTERS
Prof. Sharwan Kumar Jhajharia
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Manipal University Jaipur,
Jaipur – 303007, India
ABSTRACT
In aluminium smelters two types of rectification technologies are being widely used i,e diode
rectifier and thyristor rectifier. There is a varying degree of acceptability for aluminium industries
due to power quality, stringent reliability requirement and maintainability of the converters.At
present, the selection of a particular technology is quite a complex job to the industry. In spite of
having similar DC current and DC voltage requirements, the rectification technology differs from
industry to industry.At present throughout the world,aluminium industries are using both type of
rectification technologies.In this research paper solution has been presented to select the better
converter technology for aluminium smelters by the actual measurements of the parameters of the
operational converters by maintaining the same DC kA at Hindalco industries, Renukoot and a
detailed analysis has been carried out with the results to show that the thyristor converter technology
is the most energy efficient and cost effective solution from the operation and investment point of
view in comparison to diode converter technology.
Keywords: Rectifier, Thyristor, Smelter, Reliability, Maintainability.
INTRODUCTION
Across the world more than 240 aluminium smelters are producing primary aluminium The
process of producing aluminium comprises of two major steps: First is refining of bauxite to alumina
and second is smelting of alumina to aluminium.Smelting process involves electrolysis and this
electrolysis is a DC power based process.For electrolysis the requirement of DC power is essential
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING &
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ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online)
Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83
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and it is obtained by AC-DC converters.Today worldwide two types of converter technologies are in
use for the aluminium smelting process. In Hindalco industry both type of converter technologies are
being used i,e diode rectifier and thyristor rectifier technologies.
As per the available statics from the beginning of 1960’s diode rectifiers are in use but from
1980’s thyristor rectifiers were marketed by the suppliers of converters such as M/s ABB and M/s
AREVA (Alstom), BHEL,etc. that thyristor converter technology is more energy efficient than
diode rectifiers as it eliminates the use of regulating transformer with OLTC and transductors and
current remains constant in the smelter with the use of thyristor rectifier in comparison to diode
rectifiers.However after some time many industries again started favouring the technology of diode
converters and today it is observed that in last two decades there is a mixed use of both the
technologies in the different parts of the world.In India itself the new plants such as Aditya
Aluminium and Mahan Aluminium of Hindalco industries and Vedanta Aluminium preferred diode
converters against thyristor converters.
To select the right converter technology for aluminium smelters is still a complex job for the
aluminium industry. In this research paper the detailed analysis has been done on the basis of current
harmonics, power factor, energy efficiency, reliability and maintainability of both the technologies to
decide the best converter technology for upcomingsmelters.
The case study was carried out at Hindalco industries, where both type of converters are in operation
in the smelter with the same current rating. These converters are in operation at pot lines 7 & 9 at
132 KV levels. Potlines #7 has been in operation with thyristor converter technology since 1995
whereas potline #9 has been in operation with diode converter technology since 2001.
The measurements were carried out in order to assess the level of harmonics and power factor
without filter banks and with detuned filter banks at the respective feeder’s end at 132 KV level as
well as the load end to measure the harmonics generated by the AC-DC converters and its effect on
the network with and without harmonic filters by maintaining the load conditions same for both the
pot lines during the course of measurements of parameters.
INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Instrument used for field measurements is METREL Power Harmonics Analyser (MI 2092),
Slovenia, Europe make.It is one of the most sophisticated and accurate instrument for the purpose.
The instrument is designed to ascertain comprehensive real time monitoring, recording and
analysis of three phase power system with wide range of functions.
• True rms Voltage
• True rms Current
• Power
• Power Factor
• Power Scope
• Harmonic Analysis
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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The instrument measures Harmonic distortion analysis up to 63rd
harmonic,both on line and
on recorded data.Both power factor and current harmonics are measured simultaneously.The
equipment measure the system parameter continuously but down loads the desired data only at pre-
specified intervals to a personal computer connected to the Harmonic Analyser.
For the measurements, the inputs to the instrument were taken from the Bus Potential
Transformer and the respective Feeder Current Transformer.
SCOPE
The scope of study includes:
Measurement of current harmonics and power factor at 132 KV bus at the same load without
filter banks and with filter banksfor both type of AC-DC converters as the DC load of pot lines is
being kept always constant i,e 70 KA.
SYSTEM CONDITIONS
At the time of measurement the system conditions were as follows:
Voltage : Fairly constant, varies between 130 KV to 135KV
Load Current :Full DC load i,e 70 KA.
Power Factor of thyristor converters
(without filter banks) :Varies from 0.82 lag to 0.84 lag
(with tuned filter banks) :Varies from 0.90 lag to 0.93 lag
Power Factorof diode converters
(without filter banks) :Varies from 0.89 lag to 0.93 lag
(with tuned filter banks) :Varies from 0.95 lag to 0.99 lag
The actual reading of Power Factor, Efficiency and THD of unit 7A & 9A of Hindalco,
Renukoot in the month of December 2013 and January 2014 were takenwith and without filter bank
in service and following analysis were carried out.
1. Variance Analysis
2. Dot Plot
3. Scatter Plot
4. Histogram
5. Regression Analysis
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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Data for Thyristors (t_) and Diode(d_) without filter bank are as follows:
THYRISTOR
CONVERTER
DIODE CONVERTER
Serial
No
t_eff t_pf t_thd d_eff d_pf d_thd
1 98.77 0.82 10.10471 97.75 0.891 9.1
2 98.86 0.821 10.10333 97.80 0.892 9.1
3 98.94 0.824 10.10058 97.84 0.893 9.09
4 99.00 0.824 10.09911 97.93 0.896 9.09
5 99.01 0.824 10.0974 97.99 0.898 9.09
6 99.04 0.824 10.09197 98.02 0.899 9.09
7 99.06 0.825 10.09157 98.04 0.904 9.09
8 99.08 0.825 10.09074 98.15 0.904 9.09
9 99.10 0.825 10.08869 98.20 0.904 9.09
10 99.10 0.826 10.07857 98.22 0.906 9.09
11 99.11 0.826 10.07411 98.28 0.906 9.09
12 99.13 0.826 10.07314 98.35 0.908 9.09
13 99.13 0.827 10.07036 98.41 0.908 9.08
14 99.15 0.827 10.06337 98.46 0.91 9.08
15 99.16 0.827 10.05431 98.62 0.911 9.08
16 99.16 0.828 10.05006 98.64 0.911 9.08
17 99.16 0.828 10.04828 98.67 0.912 9.08
18 99.17 0.828 10.04817 98.67 0.912 9.08
19 99.19 0.829 10.04396 98.67 0.913 9.08
20 99.19 0.829 10.04303 98.69 0.913 9.08
21 99.20 0.83 10.03452 98.69 0.914 9.07
22 99.23 0.83 10.03327 98.73 0.917 9.07
23 99.24 0.831 10.03293 98.75 0.918 9.07
24 99.24 0.831 10.0285 98.77 0.919 9.07
25 99.26 0.832 10.02646 98.81 0.92 9.07
26 99.26 0.832 10.02619 98.83 0.921 9.06
27 99.28 0.835 10.02162 98.89 0.924 9.06
28 99.28 0.836 10.01981 99.02 0.926 9.06
t_eff :Thyristor efficiency
t_pf :Thyristor power factor
t_thd :ThyristorTotal Harmonic Distortion
d_eff : Diode efficiency
d_pf :Diode power factor
d_thd : Diode Total Harmonic Distortion
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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1. Variance Analysis
For Thyristor Results are as follows
Variable N StDev Variance
t_eff 28 0.125 0.0156
t_pf 28 0.00378 0.000014
t_thd 28 0.0288 0.000828
95% Confidence Intervals
Variable Method CI for StDev CI for Variance
t_eff Chi-Square (0.099, 0.170) (0.0097, 0.0288)
Bonett (0.087, 0.192) (0.0076, 0.0368)
t_pf Chi-Square (0.00299, 0.00514) (0.000009, 0.000026)
Bonett (0.00293, 0.00523) (0.000009, 0.000027)
t_thd Chi-Square (0.0227, 0.0392) (0.000517, 0.001533)
Bonett (0.0253, 0.0351) (0.000643, 0.001233)
For Diode Results are as follows
Variable N StDev Variance
d_eff 28 0.371 0.138
d_pf 28 0.00955 0.000091
d_thd 28 0.0113 0.000128
95% Confidence Intervals
Variable Method CI for StDev CI for Variance
d_eff Chi-Square (0.294, 0.506) (0.086, 0.256)
Bonett (0.314, 0.472) (0.099, 0.223)
d_pf Chi-Square (0.00755, 0.01300) (0.000057, 0.000169)
Bonett (0.00776, 0.01264) (0.000060, 0.000160)
d_thd Chi-Square (0.0090, 0.0154) (0.000080, 0.000238)
Bonett (0.0092, 0.0151) (0.000084, 0.000227)
Observation
From above analysis it is proven that the st. deviation of Thyristor unit (Efficiency, Power
factor and Thd) is lower than Diode rectifier unit. Stability in Thyristor is more w.r.t. Diode unit.
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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2. Dot Plot & Histogram
For Thyristor
For Diode
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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Observations This analysis prove that the efficiency of Thyristor based convertor is better that diode
convertors. Power factor and Thd is lower in Thyristor convertor but in further study the impact of
filter bank in PF and Thd of both types of unit is taking place.
3. Scatter Plot
For Thyristor
For Diode
Observations This analysis prove that in Thyristor convertors there is relationship of efficiency with respect
to Thd and PF. But in diode convertors efficiency has direct relationship with PF but Thd has
negligible impact on efficency generated by the convertors.
4. Regression Analysis The purpose of regression analysis is to form an equation of efficiency, PF and Thd of both
type of convertors and analyse their impact and carry out the SWOT analysis to prove that which
type of convertor is better for Aluminium industry.
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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For Thyristor By using multivariable regression technique for thyristor convertors Power Factor and THD
against response variable Efficiency yielded the following equation.
t_eff = 94.2 + 21.45 t_pf - 1.273 t_thd
Obs t_efficiency t_fit Resid Std
1 98.768 98.9094 -0.1414 -3.44
2 98.8587 98.9326 -0.0739 -1.71
3 98.9387 99.0004 -0.0617 -1.42
4 98.9961 99.0023 -0.0062 -0.14
5 99.0055 99.0045 0.001 0.02
6 99.041 99.0114 0.0296 0.65
7 99.0635 99.0334 0.0302 0.68
8 99.0804 99.0344 0.0459 1.03
9 99.0994 99.037 0.0623 1.38
10 99.1042 99.0713 0.0329 0.72
11 99.1139 99.077 0.0369 0.8
12 99.1255 99.0782 0.0472 1.02
13 99.1345 99.1032 0.0313 0.68
14 99.1503 99.1121 0.0382 0.83
15 99.1557 99.1237 0.032 0.71
16 99.1567 99.1505 0.0062 0.14
17 99.1573 99.1528 0.0046 0.1
18 99.1661 99.1529 0.0132 0.29
19 99.1881 99.1797 0.0083 0.18
20 99.19 99.1809 0.0091 0.2
21 99.1984 99.2132 -0.0148 -0.33
22 99.2329 99.2148 0.0181 0.41
23 99.2374 99.2367 0.0008 0.02
24 99.24 99.2423 -0.0023 -0.05
25 99.2563 99.2663 -0.01 -0.22
26 99.2629 99.2667 -0.0038 -0.09
27 99.28 99.3368 -0.0568 -1.4
28 99.2839 99.3606 -0.0767 -2.06
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
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For Diode Convertors Here also by using multivariable regression technique for diode convertors, Power Factor and
THD against response variable Efficiency yielded the following equation.
d_eff = 66.5 + 37.70 d_pf - 0.26 d_thd
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Obs d efficiency d_fit Resid Std
1 97.753 97.7443 0.0087 0.11
2 97.8048 97.782 0.0228 0.3
3 97.8423 97.8223 0.02 0.29
4 97.9258 97.9353 -0.0095 -0.13
5 97.9943 98.0107 -0.0164 -0.21
6 98.0223 98.0484 -0.0262 -0.33
7 98.0365 98.2369 -0.2005 -2.49
8 98.1529 98.2369 -0.0841 -1.05
9 98.2016 98.2369 -0.0353 -0.44
10 98.2177 98.3123 -0.0946 -1.2
11 98.2761 98.3123 -0.0362 -0.46
12 98.3548 98.3877 -0.0329 -0.43
13 98.4135 98.3903 0.0233 0.29
14 98.4555 98.4657 -0.0102 -0.12
15 98.6183 98.5034 0.115 1.41
16 98.6393 98.5034 0.136 1.66
17 98.6681 98.5411 0.127 1.56
18 98.6693 98.5411 0.1283 1.58
19 98.6713 98.5787 0.0926 1.15
20 98.6903 98.5787 0.1116 1.39
21 98.6932 98.619 0.0742 0.94
22 98.7271 98.7321 -0.005 -0.06
23 98.7513 98.7698 -0.0185 -0.23
24 98.7665 98.8075 -0.041 -0.51
25 98.8094 98.8452 -0.0358 -0.45
26 98.8318 98.8854 -0.0537 -0.73
27 98.8887 98.9985 -0.1099 -1.45
28 99.0242 99.0739 -0.0497 -0.65
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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Actual Models of Thyristor and Diode based convertors after regression analysisare.
t_eff = 94.2 + 21.45 t_pf -
1.273 t_thd
PF THD
d_eff = 66.5 + 37.70 d_pf -
0.26 d_thd
PF THD
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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Basic Analysis with filter banks
Data with Tuned Filter banks
Serial
No
t_eff t_pf t_thd d_eff d_pf d_thd
1 98.809 0.906 2.604707 97.797 0.958 2.07
2 98.89667 0.91 2.603325 97.84084 0.96 2.07
3 98.97971 0.911 2.597397 97.87726 0.964 2.06
4 99.03313 0.912 2.591566 97.96381 0.964 2.06
5 99.04348 0.912 2.563368 98.03333 0.967 2.06
6 99.08 0.913 2.554307 98.06326 0.969 2.06
7 99.10655 0.914 2.548282 98.08145 0.971 2.05
8 99.11636 0.914 2.533275 98.19586 0.972 2.05
9 99.13635 0.914 2.526463 98.24261 0.973 2.05
10 99.14719 0.915 2.52162 98.25267 0.976 2.05
11 99.14987 0.915 2.500579 98.31407 0.976 2.05
12 99.16548 0.916 2.49911 98.38984 0.978 2.05
13 99.17352 0.916 2.491967 98.45155 0.979 2.04
14 99.19032 0.918 2.474115 98.49148 0.979 2.04
15 99.19171 0.919 2.473143 98.65733 0.979 2.04
16 99.20067 0.919 2.470364 98.68233 0.981 2.04
17 99.20233 0.92 2.44817 98.70406 0.981 2.04
18 99.21113 0.921 2.443027 98.70733 0.982 2.04
19 99.233 0.921 2.426189 98.71333 0.984 2.04
20 99.23306 0.921 2.419813 98.72733 0.985 2.04
21 99.23639 0.921 2.390735 98.73023 0.985 2.04
22 99.2749 0.921 2.388687 98.7641 0.986 2.03
23 99.282 0.921 2.378572 98.79429 0.986 2.03
24 99.28242 0.924 2.350061 98.80845 0.986 2.03
25 99.29433 0.925 2.343961 98.85035 0.992 2.02
26 99.30686 0.925 2.334516 98.87579 0.994 2.02
27 99.319 0.927 2.332926 98.92767 0.996 2.01
28 99.32187 0.928 2.328499 99.05919 0.997 2.01
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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Dot Plot and Line Plot
Comparing results for Efficiency, Power Factor and THD between Thyristor and Diode.
99999999....3333333399999999....2222666699999999....1111999999999999....1111222299999999....0000555599998888....9999888899998888....9999111199998888....88884444
99999999....0000000099998888....8888222299998888....6666444499998888....4444666699998888....2222888899998888....1111000099997777....99992222
tttt____eeeeffffffff
dddd____eeeeffffffff
Dotplot of t_eff, d_eff
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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Reliability of Convertors
Thyristor based converters are more reliable than diode based converters
The aluminum smelting plant demands for very high DC power. The multi-pulse rectifier
configuration is commonly deployed in such cases, which consists of a number of series and parallel
connected diode/thyristor bridges to supply series of electrolytic cells. Both kind of rectifier
converters i.e Thyristor based converters and diode based converters are prevalent in the market .
Still the question regarding which one is the most reliable is of utmost interest in the industry and
with the increasing current ranges and production capacities and competition on a high the reliability
factor is of prime importance.
Reliability of Rectifier Transformers is a function of various parameters viz.
Major and auxiliary equipment healthiness, System voltage reliability, Environmental causes
(lightning), generation and load stability, smelter condition (anode effects)
From the above parameters the most important of all is the major and auxiliary equipment
healthiness as all other parameters would affect the transformer loading for transient period but any
abnormality of equipment may lead to the outage of the rectifier unit for a considerable amount of
time affecting heavy production losses and monetary losses consequently.
The table below shows the equipments of Thyristor based converters and diode based
converters
Thyristor based converters Diode based converters
Main Rectifier Transformer Main Rectifier Transformer
Rectifier Cubicle Rectifier Cubicle
Cooling equipment for rectifier
transformer viz. pumps and fans
Cooling equipment for rectifier transformer viz. pumps and
fans
Cooling equipment for rectifier
Cubicle viz. pumps and fans Cooling equipment for rectifier Cubicle viz. pumps and fans
Digital control system PEC 800 for
current regulation
Programmable High Speed Controller for current regulation.
DCCT DCCT
Regulating Transformer with OLTC and offload changer
Cooling equipment for regulating transformer viz. pumps
and fans
Transductors for fine control
Transductors for control assembly
As can be seen from the above table that the more number of equipmentare associated with
the diode based converters as compared to the Thyristor based converters.
Problems related to these extra various equipmentin the diode converters which are normally
faced during life of its operation.
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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OLTC The major drawback is the wear and tear on the mechanical on load tap changer,
Contacts ‘carbonization, heat losses and breakdown of its linked accessories viz.
MCBs, Operating mechanism faults etc. that results in a need for regular preventing
maintenance.
Transductor heat losses and breakdown of its linked accessories viz. MCBs, its reactors,
auxiliary transformers etc.
Cooling
Equipment
More Motors and Pumps for diode converters used are susceptible to wear and tear
and consequent breakdowns
Thus with every increase in the equipment the possibility of its breakdown increases and
probability of diode converters outage increases.
For comparison of the reliability of Thyristor based converters and diode based converters we
chose two equipment having same work scenario i.e. same type of system disturbances same kind of
maintenance schedules and same work environment. The two Rectifier Units of M/S Hindalco
Industries Limited were selected
Unit 7A of Potline 7 which is a Thyristorbased Rectifier Unit and Unit 9A of Potline 9 which
is Diode based converter.Both the converters are of M/s ABB make.
The units are connected to 132000 Volts lines at primary and supplies 900 Volts 35 kA DC to
Potlines
Single line diagram of thyristor converter of potline #7
132 KV NORMAL BUS
132 KV STANDBY BUS
1250A, 145KV OFF LOAD ISOLATOR
STAR DELTA
REVERSE
CURRENT
RELAY
REVERSE
CURRENT
RELAY
OFF LOAD DC ISOLATORS
(+)
ve (-)
ve
STA
R
REVERSE
CURRENT
RELAY
OFF LOAD DC ISOLATORS
(+)
ve (-)
ve
7A 7B
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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Single line diagram of diode converter of potline 9
Breakdowns analysis The Data of Unit 7A and 9A breakdowns owing to equipment failure or auxiliary failure for
six years were collected and the result showed that the Diode based rectifier system had more down
time than the Thyristor based system.
Thyristor based converter unit 7A
UNIT # 7A BETWEEN 01/04/2008 AND 01/04/14
From To
Duration
(in hrs) REASONS
8:49 8:50 0:01 for attending the fuse failure of Thyristor (F-27 was replaced)
8:35 8:40 0:05
Between 8.35 and 8.40 hrs DMW and Rect Cubicle Fan got tripped due to
hangup of PLC
6:24 7:35 1:11 Tripped from 6.24 to 7.35 hrs DMW flow failure .
18:38 18:39 0:01
Tripped from 18.38 hrs to 18.39 hrs on due to high temperature of rectifier
cubicle.
8:48 8:51 0:03 tripped from 8.48 hrs to 8.51 hrs on operation of reverse current relay of unit 7B
11:55 11:56 0:01 Unit # 7A tripped on OVP alarm.
15:18 15:40 0:22 Malfunctioning of Transformer Mains MCB.
132 KV NORMAL BUS
132 KV STANDBY BUS
1250A, 145KV OFF LOAD
ISOLATOR
2000A, 145KV SF6 CIRCUIT BREAKER
120KV, 10KA LIGHTNING ARRESTOR
RECTIFIER
TRANSFORMER
OFF LOAD DC
ISOLATORS
(+) ve
(-) ve
TRANSDUCTOR
Q5
0
Q5
1
Q6
0
Q6
0
DIODE RECTIFIER
REGULATING TRANSFORMER
120KV, 10KA LIGHTNING ARRESTOR
REVERSE
CURRENT
RELAY
OFF LOAD DC
ISOLATORS
(+)
ve
(-) ve
TRANSDUCTO
R
Q5
0
Q51
Q60
Q60
RECTIFIER
TRANSFORMER
DIODE RECTIFIER
9A 9B
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UNIT # 7A BETWEEN 01/04/2008 AND 01/04/14
15:00 15:45 0:45 DMWater Pump-2 having abnormal sound.
7:28 7:30 0:02 Tripped without alarm
5:22 5:24 0:02 DMWater flow failure .
6:31 7:02 0:31 DMWater Pump Main power 2NOS fuse blown.
18:17 18:18 0:01 Due to failure of rectifier synchronising voltage.
17:55 17:56 0:01 Due to rectifier synchronising voltage failure.
3:06 Total time lost
Diode Based Converter Unit9A
UNIT # 9A BETWEEN 01/04/2008 AND 01/04/14
From To
Duration
(in hrs) REASONS
13:48 15:06 1:18
Tripped from 13.48 hrs to 15.06 hrs on Rect Txf aux
failure
22:36 23:08 0:32
tripped from 22.36 hrs to 23.08 hrs on transductor
supply failue
3:38 4:14 0:36
Failure from 3.38 hrs to 4.14 hrs due to tripping of 110
v, MCB in ACDCDB panel
11:08 11:15 0:07
tripped from 11.08 hrs to 11.15 hrs on DM water flow
failure.
17:12 20:02 2:50
415 volt aux supply failed due to overheating of power
cable between ACDCDB panel and rect marshling box..
18:13 18:59 0:46 415 volt Aux. Failure of the control panel.
17:48 17:58 0:10 UPS supply MCB tripped.
9:16 9:20 0:04
during maintenance work in transductor panel supply
failed.
21:10 21:18 0:08 Tripped without alarm.(reason not known)
16:50 17:20 0:30
Tripped From 16.50 hrs to 17.20 hrs due to the defect in
Card U546.
8:27 17:04 8:37
S/d was taken for PM to replace 400A defective switch
at ACDC DB
19:15 19:37 0:22
Tripped from 19.15 hrs to 19.37 hrs due to Aux Failure
caused by Tripping of Txf T-24L LT Bkr due to
malfunctioning of Relay SR21
5:55 6:00 0:05
Tripped from 5.55 hrs to 6.00 hrs on failure of Aux
power due to Tripping of T-24 LV Bkr on Short -time
O/C
8:35 8:36 0:01
Due to aux failure while its 415v load transfer from
Normal to Std By Feeder at ACDC DB
8:30 9:06 0:36 Tripped on rectifier low oil level.
13:40 13:44 0:04
Tripped due to the failure of auxiliary supply of the
cooler of Regulating Transformer
16:46 Total time Lost
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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Also in Diode based converters the controlling of current involves operation of OLTC and
controlling of Transductor current which uses cabling and wiring and has heat loss and loose
connection problems. But in the Thyristor converters optical fibre connections have been used to
transfer signals to pulse transformers for providing firing pulses to thyristors, which does not have
data loss, and other problems which may lead to breakdowns in Rectifier transformers.
The above mentioned factors clearly shows that the thyristor based converters are more reliable than the diode based converters.
MAINTAINABILITY REQUIREMENTS OF CONVERTERS
Maintenance of Converters plays a key roll in its overall performance. Since a rectifier
system is made up of many parts, such as transformers, insulating oil, the cooling equipment,
bushings, tap changers and rectifier cubicles etc. must be checked periodically.
All these activities require man power, money and material which adds tothe cost of operation and
maintenance.
Since the diode based converters have extra equipment like regulating transformers,
transductors, OLTCs, etc. The maintenance of these equipment increases the maintenance cost, risks
of more breakdowns and decreases the efficiency of potlines.
The maintenance schedule for both type of converter systems has been shown in the table.
It is visible from the Hindalco check sheets that the amount of maintenance needed is more in
Diode based converters than the Thyristor based converters.
Also for Diode based converters, following spare parts (additional to the thyristor based
converters units) are essential for efficient operation of the equipment
1) OLTC
2) Filter pads
3) Cooling motors
4) Cooling pumps
5) HV & LV Bushings of Regulating Transformer
Thus the inventory cost increases considerably, which is a critical component in today’s
competitive scenario.
Investment Cost The investment cost of diode rectifier system is more due to the additional requirement of
Regulating transformer. It is clear that the price of thyristors is more by 25% than diodes of a
rectifier unit of the same. It is also known that the price of tuned filters is more for thyristor
converters. However overall price of rectifier converter system is more by 20% in comparison to
diode rectifier system.
REGULATION OF CONVERTERS
Regulation of Unit 7A Unit 7A being a Thyristor controlled rectifier has fine regulation from zero to 100 % of the
rated load. The load is controlled by the firing angle and the firing angle can be varied smoothly and
linearly to meet the load regulation as the output voltage of the rectifier is Vo= 1.35 Vrms cos α
(where α is the firing angle) and Vrms is the secondary voltage of the rectifier transformer.
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
79
With the present digital control system PEC 800 installed at Hindalco, the firing angle can be
adjusted to fourth decimal places thereby allowing the operators to maintain the current accuracy of
100 amps in the range of set value of 70kA.
Basic Control Philosophy of current regulation through PEC Controller
The load regulation is being done by PEC controller which has PI controlling and
corresponding to the feedback give firing pulses from its optical card through the different optical
fiber cable designated for each arm to the LTC cards connected on each arm. Each arm of rectifier
cubicle has Four LTC cards in all and the top of them is the master to which the firing pulses comes.
This firing pulse signal is then communicated to down the line LTC cards. In the card are two pulse
transformer one each for a thyristor and the firing pulses are given to the thyristors through these
LTC Cards.
Regulation of Unit 9A For Unit 9A, the tap changer operates in accordance with the upper and lower limit of a
control current for transductor. A coordinated approach for reactor and tap changer is used to control
rectiformer output current.
The tap changing transformer has multiple taps in order to adjust the DC side output voltage.
Each rectiformer has a unit reference current, which is compared with the measured current in a
closed loop current control. The current control loop for a rectiformer is shown in Fig.below. The
output measured current of twelve pulse rectifier is compared with the reference current and a
proportional-integral (P-I) controller adjusts the control current of the respective reactor, thereby
maintaining the output current at the desired value. The OLTC operates outside the controlled
current range of reactors.
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
80
The control is a mixture of step and linear regulation. Whenever the regulation is through
transductor then the regulation is linear.
Figure 3: Control Characteristic for a Voltage Controlled Reactor
When it is through OLTC it is Step wise. Some operational problem is observed when
transductor reaches its saturation point.Here the linearity of the load control is not achieved due to
this there are current variations and anode effects in the pots of the smelter.
Whenever there is some disturbance in Smelter the load varies because of the combined
philosophy of transductor and OLTC and it takes some time to maintain a stable load.
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
81
COMPARISON
Thyristor rectifier is more suitable for current control in comparison to diode rectifier because
of the following reasons:
1) Control is linear in case of Thyristor controlled converters
2) In case of Thyristor controlled converters Control is only dependent on alpha(firing angle)
whereas in diode it is only linear when it is in the range of transductor
3) When in OLTC range, the control is stepwise and the load can be increased in the steps as the
voltage increases in steps by OLTC. Fine control is not available in this range
4) The controlling is fast and smooth in Thyristors as compared to the sluggish control of Diode
based converters
5) The most positive point of thyristor rectifier is that the potline can be started from zero
current and the potline can be switched on with bare minimum power availability.
6) The above feature is not possible with diode based converters which can be switched on
when the required minimum power is available.
7) Since the load on the thyristor rectifiers can be finely adjusted and regulated to match the grid
exchange limit in contingency.
8) The above case is also applicable for maintaining stable frequency when the smelter power
network is isolated from grid.
All the above operational features are practiced at Hindalco Smelter, Renukoot which is
having both type of rectifier units. Below are the graphs depicting the performance of unit 9A and
7A connected with their respective potlines Pl 9 and PL 7 respectively
Pl 9 current graph plot
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
82
SWOT Analysis was carried out to reach at the conclusion
Strength
1. Thyristor convertors are more efficient than diode convertors
2. Highter reliability in thyristor convertor because of minimum mechenical parts.
3. Easy maintenance in thyristor system.
4.Thyristor convertors are most economical from the investment point of view also.
5. Regulation is better in thyristor convertor.
6.In thyristor convertors there is fast and smooth output control within milli seconds.
Weakness
1.Thyristor convertors has Low PF w.r.t. diode
convertors and with larger firing angle the pf is
further reduced.
2. Diode based system has non linear
regulation.
3. Losses in diode convertor is more because of
the Regulating transformer and transductors.
4. Thd is higher in Thyristor convertors without
filter banks.
5.Thyristors are more costly than diodes.
Opportunity
1. Thyristor convertors gives better performance usually equipped with pf and harmonic filter bank.
2. PF and THd both improve drastically by installing pf and harmonic filter bank with thyristor convertors
3. Installation and commissioning time is less for the thyrisor convertors
Threats
1. Voltage dip has major impact on thyrisor convertors
2. Firing control in thyristor convertor system needs reliability
3. Failure of digital control system PEC 800(regulation system) may lead to stoppage of complete unit
SWOT
Pl 7 current graph plot
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IJEET), ISSN 0976 – 6545(Print),
ISSN 0976 – 6553(Online) Volume 5, Issue 4, April (2014), pp. 61-83 © IAEME
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CONCLUSION
This paper reviews the qualities of the better converter technology. It presents actual
parameters of THD, p.f and energy efficiency for both type of converter technologies without
compensation and with compensation. A basic description of converter technologies are given
together with their quantification through different parameters.These actual field results give a better
insight in the benefits of thyristor converter technology that may be gained by adopting this better
technology in the future for aluminium smelters.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank the management of Hindalco industries Renukoot for the support which
was provided to me during my research. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Mr.
Kailash Pandey, Vice President (Electricals & Automation) of Hindalco industries for his excellent
support and help for this research paper.
REFERENCES
[1] “ABB” Operation and maintenance manuals of Hindalco industries for portline no. 7 & 9.
[2] Tanay Rastogi, Mohd. Tabish Siddiqui Prof. R.Sudha and Prof. K. Govardhan, “Analysis of
THYRISTOR Based HVDC Transmission System”, International Journal of Electrical
Engineering & Technology (IJEET), Volume 3, Issue 2, 2012, pp. 29 - 38, ISSN Print:
0976-6545, ISSN Online: 0976-6553.
[3] Prof. Sharwan Kumar Jhajharia, “A Comparative Study of Diode and Thyristor Converters
used in the Aluminum Smelters”, International Journal of Electrical Engineering
& Technology (IJEET), Volume 4, Issue 6, 2013, pp. 1 - 13, ISSN Print: 0976-6545,
ISSN Online: 0976-6553.
[4] Prof. Sharwan Kumar Jhajharia, “A Comparative Study of Harmonic Currents on Power
Supply System Due to 24 Pulse Ac-Dc Diode Converters and Thyristor Converters in
Aluminum Smelters”, International Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology (IJEET),
Volume 5, Issue 2, 2014, pp. 60 - 67, ISSN Print: 0976-6545, ISSN Online: 0976-6553.
[5] Sharwan Kumar Jhajharia, “Implementation of Integrated Load Management System with
Scada at Hindalco, Renukoot”, International Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology
(IJEET), Volume 4, Issue 2, 2013, pp. 187 - 201, ISSN Print: 0976-6545, ISSN Online:
0976-6553.