Gwangyang Steelworks Draws Attention by Enhancing Ladle Transporter Safety Using Renewable Energy Systems

Securing Safety for Tugboat Drivers and Nearby Pedestrians with Nighttime Lighting Installation

Generating Electricity for Lighting Using Waste Heat Energy from Tugboat Movement

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks announced on the 10th that it has practiced eco-friendly and safety management by creating a safe operating environment for Torpedo Ladle Car (TLC) through the establishment of a renewable energy system.

The Production Technology Department of Gwangyang Steelworks recently devised a method to prevent collision accidents in advance by installing lighting during the nighttime operation of the Torpedo Ladle Car, which transports molten steel, amid the growing importance of safety.

Accordingly, headlights that illuminate the transport tracks were installed on the Torpedo Ladle Car to enhance the driver's nighttime visibility, and side marker lights were installed on the sides so that pedestrians passing nearby can easily recognize the operating status from multiple directions, securing safety during nighttime transport operations.

Notably, a system was established that supplies electricity to the lighting by utilizing the waste heat from the Torpedo Ladle Car.

The Production Technology Department of Gwangyang Steelworks, noting that the Torpedo Ladle Car carries hot molten steel, judged that recovering the heat energy discarded during process movement could generate electricity for lighting without greenhouse gas emissions.

The department attached a thermoelectric power supply device, which converts thermal energy into electrical energy, to the surface of the Torpedo Ladle Car and connected it to the lighting, actively utilizing eco-friendly renewable energy while also reducing fuel and maintenance costs.

Park Changyong, assistant manager of the in-plant transport section at Gwangyang Steelworks, who built the system, said, “Nowadays, when safety has become the most critical issue across the industry, railway crossing accidents cause significant human and property damage, so extra caution is required.”

He added, “I hope this power supply device system will contribute even a little to safe steelworks railway transport. I wish for 100% accident-free operations to become a reality,” emphasizing safety once again.

Meanwhile, Gwangyang Steelworks plans to continue growing as a respected 100-year company that “protects the environment together” by actively implementing ‘Green with POSCO.’ Last July, it installed SCR, a high-efficiency nitrogen oxide treatment facility, on a total of nine thermal power generation units and replaced six GAH units of thermal power generation equipment whose waste heat recovery performance had deteriorated due to long-term use. This prevents heat loss from exhaust gases and reduces the electricity input.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik hss79@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.