Research and Application of Energy Saving Technology for Aluminum Reduction in China

Aluminum electrolysis is known as more energy consumption and more pollution. The DC power of aluminum electrolysis before the technology of aluminum reduction cells with a new-type of cathodes design being applied in China was about 13000 kWh/t. After 2010, nearly all the aluminum smelters have used the technology of new type of cathode design and 800~1000 kWh/t of aluminum reduction can be achieved easily. The DC power of aluminum electrolysis is nowadays 12100~12300 kWh/t. 18000 kWh DC energy power of an aluminum reduction cell in Chuangyuan Smelter is achieved. In present paper, three different type cathodes design are given and the surface oscillation of liquid metal in the cells are studied by means of hydraulic model and numerical simulation. By using the technology of small size of anode and narrow central channel between the anodes under busbar, the energy power of less 11500 kWh/t of aluminum reduction is expected.