Predicting Electrolyte and Liquidus Temperatures of Aluminium Smelting Cells for Power Modulation Using Dynamic Model

Effective monitoring and precise control of electrolyte and liquidus temperatures (which together give superheatSuperheat levels) are imperative for optimising the performance, extending the lifespan, and improving the current efficiencyCurrent efficiency of aluminiumAluminium smelter cellsCell. During periods of intensive and frequent power modulationPower modulation, where the power input to the cellCell is altered, maintaining a perfect mass and thermal equilibrium becomes increasingly challenging. As a result, both bath temperature and superheatSuperheat will invariably fluctuate. This paper presents a study of a power modulationPower modulation event, as well as encouraging results on the use of a comprehensive dynamic model, which integrates mass and thermal balancesThermal balance, for the continuous prediction of the bulk electrolyte and liquidus temperatures, ledgeLedge thickness, and bath compositions. This paper is working towards addressing the absence of continuous thermal measurements suitable for real-time thermal monitoring and control, especially under complex conditions introduced by power modulationPower modulation.