Low energy cell development on AP technologyTM

Abstract

During this decade the energy market is changing rapidly and new smelter projects may face large ranges of energy block size, significantly different energy prices and environmental regulations. To provide more choice in this complex and changing situation, Rio Tinto Alcan announced two years ago a new strategy of developing flexible solutions. On the same platform have been developed cells at very high productivity and cells with low energy consumption. This strategy has been delivered with the APXe and AP60 cells, able to operate with the same framework in the range 500-600 kA with energy efficiency between 12.0 and 13.2kWh/kg. This new development incorporates an environmental dimension, aiming to reduce dramatically the air emissions of future smelters. The prototype results have confirmed the feasibility of such ambitious targets and shown that innovation is a key factor to develop the cell of 2020‘s, at low energy consumption and reduced environmental footprint.