Maximisation of energy efficiency in a six-electrode electric arc resistance furnace for high-content silicon alloys by developing innovative solutions, especially for the furnace power supply system.

Implemented were:

1. The first stage: an industrial research held by the Silesian University of Technology and the Research and Development Centre GLOKOR sp. z o.o., what brought the objectives and instructions for an upgraded, energy efficient technology of producing high-grade silicon alloys
   by taking advantage of the geometry of six-electrode furnace hearth (characterised by uniform distribution of energy) to the maximum.
2. The second stage: a technical design of demonstration line elements was drawn up. The main technological challenge for designers was to match all installation elements with the innovative bifilar high current circuit and combining it all with the existing infrastructure of the furnace building. Stages planned, but not performed:
3. The third stage: a demonstration line – a six-electrode arc-resistance furnace along with auxiliary systems, based on technical guidelines and assumptions set out in the first stage of the project and detailed designs at the second stage.
4. The fourth stage: test runs – it was assumed that a unit indicator of energy consumption per tonne of FeSi75 produced was at the level of 8465 kWh and overall productivity at the level of 40 tonnes per day.
5. The fifth stage: a patent application in terms of bifilar high current circuit, a technical procedure specification of FeSi production in the electric arc resistance six-electrode furnace with the use of the new, innovative, energy efficient technology.