ENERGY SAVINGS IN ALUMINUM ELECTROLYSIS CELLS: EFFECT OF THE CATHODE DESIGN

摘要

Non uniform current distribution inside aluminumelectrolysis cells is responsible for energy losses, aphenomena impacting on both the economy and theenvironment. Indeed, non uniform distribution inducespremature wear of the cathode surface and triggersmagneto-hydro-dynamic instabilities in the molten aluminumof the cell. The present study addresses this problem byexamining the effect of the cathode shape and design onthe current distribution. A computational methodology basedon a finite element method is developed. It is then employedto determine the optimal cathode design, i.e., the designthat minimizes the energy losses and maximizes the lifetimeof the cell. The effect of various design parameters on thecurrent distribution is highlighted. Their economic impacts onthe operation of the cell are also assessed.