Modeling calculations of an aluminum-air cell

Abstract

A mathematical model of the performance of an aluminum-air single cell with caustic electrolyte has been developed along with an efficient solution algorithm. The model includes kinetic expressions for the cathode and anode along with the aluminum corrosion reaction. The effects of mass transfer, migration, gas evolution, the mass balances and their inter-dependencies have been included. Comparison of calculation predictions with experimental data show good agreement. Calculations demonstrate the sensitivity of cell performance to cell dimensions, electrolyte concentration and flowrate, temperature, and most importantly, to cathode and especially anode kinetics. The model and solution algorithm may be useful to describing the performance of other types of flow electrochemical reactors.