Title: Mathematical models validation of aluminium electrolysis process using exergy method

Authors: A. Holda; Z. Kolenda

Addresses: AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, Department of Fundamental Research of Energy Engineering, 30-059 Krakow Av. Mickiewicza 30, Poland ' AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, Department of Fundamental Research of Energy Engineering, 30-059 Krakow Av. Mickiewicza 30, Poland

Abstract: A new method of validation of the mathematical model of the processes taking place inside the aluminium electrolysis cell has been proposed. The method is based on the comparison of the calculation results of the entropy generation rates obtained in theoretical way with the exergy losses estimated from global exergy balance equation. The following irreversible processes have been analysed - electric current flow, diffusion at the cathode, heat and electric current flow through the anode and cathode, irreversible carbon combustion, heat transfer from electrolyser to the surroundings and convection inside the electrolyte. Exergy balance calculations have been based on the experimental results from industry for two different electrolysis cells - with baked anode and Söderberg type. The proposed procedure shows good accuracy between mathematical model and experimental data.

Keywords: entropy generation; mathematical modelling; model validation; exergy analysis; aluminium electrolysis; exergy balance; electrolysis cells; heat transfer.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2014.065705

International Journal of Exergy, 2014 Vol.15 No.3, pp.296 - 307

Received: 16 Feb 2013
Accepted: 28 Sep 2013
Published online: 30 Apr 2015 *

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