Thermodynamic Performance Analysis of a Waste Heat Power Generation System (WHPGS) Applied to the Sidewalls of Aluminum Reduction Cells

To recover energy from the waste heat of aluminum reduction cells, a waste heat power generation system (WHPGS) with low boiling point working fluid based on Organic Rankine Cycle was proposed. A simplified model for the heat transfer around the walls of aluminum reduction cells and thermodynamic cycle was established. By using the model developed and coded in Matlab, thermal performance analysis of the system was conducted. Results show that the electrolyte temperature and the freeze ledge thickness in the cell can significantly affect the heat absorption of the working fluid in the heat exchange system on the walls. Besides, both the output power and the thermal efficiency of the power generation system increase with the system pressure. The output power and thermal efficiency of the system can also be affected by the type of working fluid used in the system. Working fluids for the best system performance under different output pressures were determined, based on the performance analysis. This WHPGS would be a good solution of energy-saving in aluminum electrolysis enterprises.