| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Aluminum Reduction Technology
|
| Presentation Title |
Evolution of Power Modulation Technology in Response to Changing Market Conditions Worldwide |
| Author(s) |
Nicholas B. Depree, Yashuang Gao, Mark P. Taylor, John J. J. Chen |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Nicholas B. Depree |
| Abstract Scope |
The EnPot system for power modulation of aluminium smelting cells was developed over many years of research and plant trials by the Light Metals Research Centre. The early development goals were to facilitate sidewall heat transfer, to enable amperage creep and increased production at existing smelters. Since that time, market conditions around the world have undergone unprecedented changes. The inherent capability of EnPot to stabilize cell operations at increased or decreased cell voltage is being harnessed allowing profitable operation of smelters to support variable renewable energy usage directly or in power grids, and become an enabler of energy system decarbonisation. This is becoming especially urgent for the smelting industry in China, that represents nearly 60% of world production, and is undergoing rapid regulatory changes in addition to power supply challenges. This paper reviews the fundamental heat transfer and pot control solutions for sustainable power modulation, the changing landscape for smelting worldwide, and latest developments in China. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |