The Aluminium Electrolysis Cell Heat Balance Challenge Under Low Voltage

Abstract

Using low voltage technology is an effective measure to realize energy saving and consumption reduction of aluminum electrolysis cells. After reducing the cell voltage, the energy balance must be adapted to low voltage technology. The authors took 200 kA aluminum reduction cell as an example. The heat distribution challenge was evaluated from actual measurement results and calculations under the operating conditions of the low-voltage aluminum electrolysis cell. At 0.76 A/cm² of anode current density, the total heat loss of cell was predicted to be equivalent to 1.223 V, calculated as electric voltage, in which the anode area heat loss was 0.758 V, accounting for 62% of the total heat loss. The cathode area heat loss was 0.465 V, accounting for 38% of the total heat loss. Electrolysis temperature, bath and pad level, the consumption of alumina, anode gross consumption, and anode net consumption on the heat balance were also reported.