Aluminum production is an energy-intensive process. Before our electrolysis furnaces can operate, the electricity must first be converted by rectifiers.
To supply the furnaces with the required direct current, a rectifier converts the alternating current from the power grid. With up to 90 megawatts of power per electrolysis hall, a significant amount of heat is generated. A modernized, energy-efficient cooling system at the Essen aluminum smelter ensures optimal operating temperatures for the rectifiers and transformers.
Previously, six cooling tower cells were used to circulate cool water to the rectifiers and cool down the warm water afterward. In recent months, the maintenance team replaced three of these cells with two new ones. The new cells have reduced energy consumption from 135 to 60 kilowatts and lowered noise emissions by 15 decibels.