While the idea of integrating renewable energy sources with furnace transformers is not new, it does face several challenges that need to be considered to ensure efficient and reliable operation. Furnace transformers help this process by providing a stable and efficient power supply for several industrial operations. Here is a quick overview of the subject matter for better understanding.

Furnace transformers are usually found in industrial settings such as steel factories, glass manufacturing, and chemical industries. They convert high power voltage to levels suited for the machinery connected to the transformer to ensure optimal performance. Point to be noted, the power levels these facilities operate in are exceedingly high compared to those in residential or commercial settings. In the case of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or biomass, the power generated may vary from time to time since it depends much on external factors like weather conditions and the quality of the input material. For this reason, there are notable challenges in integration. These include:

• Energy generated from solar and wind power is not consistent and tends to fluctuate depending on the weather conditions. Hence, the power generated from such sources is intermittent.
• One operation, it is important to maintain the stability of the voltage, frequency, and harmonics to ensure the furnace transformer is not impacted by any variabilities in power transmission.
• The power generated from renewable energy needs to meet the high-power demands of industrial settings.
• The substation that connects the furnace transformer and renewable energy source needs to synchronize to maintain compatibility.

Here are a few measures to integrate these two systems effectively:

• Hybrid Systems combine renewable energy sources and traditional power sources to provide a more stable power supply for the connected furnace transformer
• Battery storage systems can be used to minimise irregularities during transmission in renewable energy systems. The idea is to provide extra power during operations when renewable sources are not producing enough
• Start technology is also incorporated to optimize power generation and distribution. They can manage the flow of electricity to ensure stable and efficient operations for furnace transformers.
• Industrial operations can also realign power consumption patterns to align with the availability of renewable energy. For example, furnace transformers can be used when the power supply from renewable energy is at its peak while at other times, they use traditional energy sources.

Some of its benefits include:

• Reducing dependency on fossil electricity can reduce overall costs in the long run.
• Increased usage of renewable energy reduces the carbon footprint of industries
• Diversifying power sources can improve power security and stability.