Performance of the Cathodes with Trapezoidal Protrusions in Aluminum Electrolysis Cells

Trapezoidal protrusions were added onto flat cathodes with the objective of enhancing the flow resistance to the metal in aluminum electrolysis cells. This design was tested for 8 months and proved to be effective in reducing cell voltage. Subsequently, trials revealed that when all the protrusions were widened, the energy consumption was barely influenced. Moreover, in the case of flat cathodes alternating with cathodes with widened protrusions, collector bars embedded in the flat cathodes took more current. In this paper, through finite element analysis, protrusions of various arrangements and widths were considered to estimate the current density and velocity in the metal.