Low-profile aluminum cell potshell and method for increasing the production capacity of an aluminum cell potline

An aluminum reduction cell, comprising: (a) a shell structure comprising a pair of longitudinally extending sidewalls, a pair of transversely extending endwalls, a bottom wall, and an open top having an upper edge; (b) a transverse support structure comprising a plurality of transverse bottom beams located under the shell structure and extending transversely between the sidewalls, each of the transverse bottom beams having a pair of opposed ends; and (c) a plurality of compliant binding elements fixed to the transverse support structure, each extending vertically along an outer surface of one of the sidewalls, for applying an inwardly directed force said sidewall; wherein the compliant binding elements are in the form of cantilever springs, each comprising a metal member having a lower end which is secured to the transverse support structure, and a compliant, upper free end which is movable inwardly and outwardly in response to expansion and contraction of the shell structure.