January 10, 2021
This document was originally created when the company was known as Alstom Grid. The company is now known as GE Vernova.
Upgrading three generations of smelter in Patagonia
Alstom Grid replaced the eight existing 50 kA - 900 V rectifier groups with eight new 74 kA - 1000 V groups. In addition, the teams from France and Argentina installed a new electrical supply system with all the necessary equipment including HV substation, power transformers, rectifiers, and harmonic filters. Deploying the entire turnkey solution in close coordination with Aluar operations entailed two years of work on site.
Customer profile
Aluar is the only aluminium smelter in Argentina and one of the largest in South America. The company's first 150 kA Potline A was commissioned at Puerto Madryn in 1974. At the time of the project was producing with four fully with four fully modernised potlines, the site in excess of 470,000 tons per year.
Business challenges
Non-stop production was essential. Delivering continuously the 175 kA potline rated current required keeping at least four groups in permanent operation while replacement took place.
Project objectives
- Rebuild HV substation to change from 33 kV to 132 kV
- Install new DC power supplies for electrolysis potlines A and B
- Adapt the internal distribution network to accommodate a new 500 kV feeding line.
Finding the right partner
Close contact with the customer and a full understanding of the intricate industrial process made Alstom Grid the ideal partner for this highly complex revamping.
