Energy efficiency in primary aluminium industry

Abstract

Abstract The extraction of metals and subsequent processing into finished product takes place in series of various operations which demand the usage of much energy. Saving energy is the main purpose of the present industry investigations. Aluminium industry is one the greatest energy consumers with 13-17 kWh/kg of Al and low energy efficiency of 40-50 %. At the same time every day researchers strive to increase current output and reduce energy consumption of aluminium pots for primary aluminium used in various applications. In the present work, the attention is given to the energy efficiency. In particular, it is considered that titanium diboride is used in cathode pot lining to prolong cell’s life cycle, to reduce the electric consumption of cell series due to the voltage drop and reducing anode to cathode distance.