Thermal Analysis of Operational Events Affecting Electrolysis Cells and Their Local Alumina Dissolution Conditions

Recent cell designs tend to use innovative sensors coupled with control systems for timely process decisions that provide a common usage of digital twins and improved competitiveness. As the cells are pushed closer to their operational limits, the preservation of the energy balance is a dominant limitation in the aluminum industry. Consequently, the proper use of novel measurement procedures and sensors is a realistic path toward optimal conditions. In order to understand the key drivers, and to pinpoint possible solutions, this article investigates the heat and energy balance of the cell with its main focus on the sustainability of proper alumina dissolution conditions. The paper highlights the difficulties associated with different process operations resulting in heat and thermal imbalance. Finally, solutions that can provide smelters with efficient ways to mitigate these disruptions are presented and discussed that improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.