The Research Of Fe-Mn Based Austenitic Nonmagnetic Steels Applied To Energy Saving Electrical Fittings

In the process of electric power delivering, decreasing the energy loss is one of important study subject. As the vital components of power delivering, the traditional electrical fittings unavoidably cause eddy loss and magnetic hysteresis loss under the effect of alternating magnetic field. Due to the huge number of different fittings applied in electrical network, the energy losses are enormous. To develop the energy saving fittings is one effective path and the inexorable trend, which motivate the researchers of materials to develop the new substitute. Although the aluminium fittings' apparent effect of energy saving, it cost too much investment to construct the power networks and cause lots of aluminium consumption, which finally constrain the popularization of aluminium fittings. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new kind of fitting material with lower cost.In this study, the energy loss mechanism of traditional fittings was analyzed and according to the properties of different metal microstructures, a new kind of austenitic nonmagnetic steel was obtained through the addition of manganese and aluminium etc to the Q235 steel, which is the major material for fittings with larger magnetic permeability comparing to the new steel. With the problem of stability and work hardness of austenite steel, the ingredients of carbon, manganese,aluminium and chromium are coordinated to solve the problem. To insure the absolute predominance of new fitting material at cost, it is vital to limit the cost in two times of Q235, not exceeding the half price of aluminium fittings. The result shows it is a feasible plan.The testing results of microstructure, mechanical properties and magnetic permeability indicate that the new steel has achieve the demands of energy saving fittings, with high strength, appropriate hardness,high stability and lower magnetic permeability after forged. The result of energy losses testing show that the new fitting can meet the demands of energy conservation product, belonging to the new kind of energy saving fittings. The new fitting components play an effective role in blocking the magnetic loops, and the energy saving ratio can achieve 92.4%.The research shows that the nonmagnetic steel at base of Q235 can meet the demands of energy saving fittings in microstructure and properties, with much merit such as reducing power loss, decreasing the investment of power networks and economizing the aluminium. So it will have a prosperous application in the process of paving low voltage networks and the renovation of networks in rural areas, with good economic returns.