Operational Simulation of Solar-Powered Variant-Diaphragm Cells for Caustic Soda Production

Abstract

The application of mathematical models for the operational simulation of asbestos and non-asbestos diaphragm-type electrolytic cells, powered by an array of solar panels was carried out. Carbon rods and stainless steel plates were used as the anode and cathode respectively for the electrolysis of 25% w/w sodium chloride solution. With the aid of the asbestos and non-asbestos diaphragms which served to hinder the formation of unwanted substances as well as permit reasonable production of the desired products, caustic soda, chlorine and hydrogen were produced. As observed, the asbestos and non-asbestos diaphragm cells exhibited various characteristic performances, which is a reflection of their design, fabrication, composition and operational parameters. From the investigation, the non-asbestos diaphragm cell showed similar trend with the conventional asbestos diaphragm cell type, with performances that indicated higher yield of caustic soda per d.c Watt. The simulated values closely represented the experimental operation with the maximum positive and negative deviations of all modeled from experimental values are between +0.08 and -0.06 respectively. The aim of the research is to serve as an encouraging inquisitive foundation into the possibility of producing caustic soda directly from solar powered electrolytic diaphragm cells, with the possibility of designing better cells in future.

Keywords: caustic soda, simulation, asbestos, diaphragm cells, solar, non-asbestos, energy