Evaluation of Grid-load Interactive Adjustable Capacity of Electrolytic Aluminum Load Considering Optimization of Electrolytic Cell Energy Flow

The electrolytic aluminum load is a typical thermal energy storage and high energy-consuming industrial load with good regulatory capabilities. By fully tapping into its regulating potential and quantifying the adjustable capacity of the electrolytic aluminum load, it can actively participate in grid interactions, effectively mitigating issues related to the integration of new energy sources and the management of wind and solar power curtailment. First, from the perspective of production processes, a detailed analysis of the energy balance mechanism of the electrolysis cells and the operating principles of additional heat exchangers is conducted. This forms the basis for establishing a thermal characteristic control model of the electrolysis cells. Then, based on the principle of electrical-thermal energy conversion in the electrolysis cells, the adjustment boundaries for load power are determined considering the production characteristics and control constraints. This leads to the development of an adjustable capacity assessment model that takes into account the optimization of energy flow within the electrolysis cells. Finally, through simulation and case studies, the results demonstrate that process optimization involving the addition of additional heat exchangers enhances the controllability of energy input and dissipation in the thermal balance of electrolysis cells. This leads to a significant improvement in the power regulation capability of the electrolytic aluminum load, along with a noticeable increase in the sustainability of power regulation. This enhancement greatly improves the adaptability of large-capacity electrolytic aluminum to participate in interactions within new-generation power grid systems.