Multiple physical field coupling simulation of high current lithium electrolyzer in industry

Abstract

AbstractThe electric field, thermal field, and velocity field in a 60 kA diaphragmless lithium electrolyzer are studied by multiple physical field coupling simulations. The current density distribution, the balance of heat generation, heat dissipation, and the flow field distribution of the lithium electrolyzer are discussed. The velocity distribution is solved by the Euler–Euler two‐phase flow model, and the turbulent flow of electrolyte is solved by the k–ε method. The results show that in an electric‐heat field, there is a constant ratio of current loss, and the current density distribution is not uniform. The electrolyte temperature is evenly distributed, wherein thermal radiation plays a dominant role. In addition, it is found that the velocity distribution of the end‐side interpolar space and the inside interpolar space is different. The influence of electrode distance in the range of 30~60 mm on the flow field is investigated, and the dominance of the electrode distance effect and the eddy current effect is analyzed. The optimal range of electrode distance is 40~50 mm.