System and method for controlling a multi-state electrochemical cell

A method, comprising:

• configuring an electrolytic cell to operate under a predefined production process condition;
• configuring a variable controllable power circuit to apply a first non-zero potential difference across an anode and a cathode of the electrolytic cell to initiate operation of the electrolytic cell in a production state associated with the first non-zero potential difference in which a product of interest is produced by the electrolytic cell;
• operating the electrolytic cell in the production state to produce the product of interest;
• maintaining the predefined production process condition while the electrolytic cell is operating in the production state;
• while operating the electrolytic cell in the production state, configuring the variable controllable power circuit to apply a second non-zero potential difference across the anode and the cathode of the electrolytic cell to initiate operation of the electrolytic cell in an idle state associated with the second non-zero potential difference, the second non-zero potential difference being insufficient to support charge transfer between the cathode and the anode;
• maintaining the predefined production process condition while the electrolytic cell is operating in the idle state;
• while operating the electrolytic cell in the idle state, configuring the variable controllable power circuit to reapply the first non-zero potential difference across the anode and the cathode of the electrolytic cell to return the electrolytic cell to the production state;
• and
• wherein the product of interest is a compound of magnesium.