An improved finite-element model for electromagnetic analysis in aluminum cells

This article presents the use of an improved finite-element model to calculate the static electromagnetic field for an aluminum reduction cell. Consisting of three solid cells and their surrounding bus bars, the model can evaluate the non-uniformity of the current distribution in the inside conductors and bus bar system and couple the current into the sequential magnetic analysis through a conversion routine. Voltage potential distribution in the molten aluminum was investigated based on one industrial 320 kA aluminum cell with two designed bus bar arrangements. Characteristics of magnetic components’ distributions were also given.