Advanced Technology to Increase the Use of PV Energy in Copper Electrowinning

Taking advantage of the low cost of photovoltaic energy requires overcoming several process challenges. The triple intercell bar technology with current-source topology is an alternative solution. The bar overcomes faulty or open contacts with sidebars and faces the challenge of metallurgical short circuits providing short circuit resistance. In addition, thanks to the lower dispersion of current densities obtained by the technology, an increase in sunlight energy of + 10% becomes possible. The better dispersion allows modulating the energy consumption of 300,000 tons of copper cathodes per year facility. A concentrated parameter model using industrial data projects the results. The technology ensures that all defective contacts are bypassed and, the short circuits avoided or eliminated. Furthermore, the lifetime of the electrodes is extended and the energy efficiency improved. A conservative estimate is an annual saving in electricity costs of US$ 2.4 million and in electrodes of US$ 0.8 million. The inclusion of photovoltaic modulated energy brings additional savings of US$ 12.9 million.