Electrical Demand Analysis and System Design for Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) Manufacturing

Abstract

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF), a widely used wood composite, suffers from limited electrical conductivity, restricting its integration into electronic applications. This study addresses this limitation by analyzing the power demands of an MDF factory. The production process is divided into four operational areas, including stages of preparing wood, fibers, shaping, finishing, pressing, and handling. A consistent approach was applied to determine the required power capacity for each area. This approach involved calculating the common demand for energy for all equipment taking into account peak loads and efficiency losses. The analysis outlines the main electrical requirements for each MDF panel production process, analyzes the energy demand profile, and proposes a detailed design for the electrical system, including energy efficiency and safety considerations. The findings indicate that the following transformer capacities are required: 2500 kVA for wood preparation and energy generation, 1600 kVA for pressing and handling, and 4000 kVA for refining. Shaping and finishing also require a 2500 kVA transformer. By estimating energy needs for each production stage, this study provides valuable insights for improving the electrical infrastructure design and paves the way for cost savings and environmental benefits in MDF manufacturing across various industries.