Lorenzo Bartolucci, Edoardo Cennamo, Stefano Cordiner et al.

SAE Technical Paper Series • 2024

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">In the face of the pressing climate crisis, a pivotal shift towards sustainability is imperative, particularly in the transportation sector, which contributed to nearly 22% of global Greenhouse Gas emissions in 2021. In this context, diversifying energy sources becomes paramount to prevent the collapse of sustainable infrastructure and harness the advantages of various technologies, such as Fuel Cell (FC) Hybrid Electric Vehicles. These vehicles feature powertrains comprising hydrogen FC stacks and battery packs, offering extended mileage, swift refueling times, and rapid dynamic responses. However, realizing these benefits hinges upon the adoption of a rigorously validated simulation platform capable of accurately forecasting vehicle performance across diverse design configurations and efficient Energy Management Strategies. Our study introduces a comprehensive microcar hybrid prototype model, encompassing all subsystems and auxiliaries. This model incorporates a validated FC stack Digital Twin, alongside an experimentally characterized Li-Ion Battery Pack, thus faithfully representing the real prototype. Moreover, the integration of this model has proven indispensable for design optimization, enabling precise performance estimation across various powertrain configurations. After the analysis of the experimental Pulse Discharge test and the calibration of the battery equivalent circuit with three RC branches, we comprehensively examined both single (2-kW) and parallel (4-kW) architectures, utilizing two FC stacks, on a reference driving cycle. Notably, the combination of two parallel stacks emerged as the most promising, yielding a 6% increase in estimated range. Our findings underscore the significance of this innovative approach in advancing sustainable transportation solutions.</div></div>

Marcelinus Christwardana, Sri Widodo Agung Suedy, Udi Harmoko et al.

Journal of Electrochemical Science and Engineering • 2024

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) hold great promise as sustainable bioenergy sources, with their performance intricately linked to the formation and characteristics of biofilms. This study delves into the bio-electrochemical perspective of biofilms in MFCs, aiming to elucidate their pivotal role in MFC functionality. The investigation focused on a yeast-based MFC operated through 48 h per cycle, with cycle 5 marking the maturation stage of biofilm formation. During this phase, voltage stability was observed, with a stationary phase voltage of 38.9±2.6 mV. Notably, cycle 5 exhibited a significant boost in power density, reaching 8.82 mW m-2, accom­panied by the lowest internal resistance of 100 Ω. Furthermore, the electron transfer rate constant from cycle 5 is 1.14±0.02 s-1, 57 times higher than the initial, underscoring biofilm's catalytic potential. Additionally, cyclic voltammetry unveiled non-linear relationships between redox reaction peak current and scan rate, with a consistent DEp of ~219 mV at 100 mV s-1. Importantly, elemental analysis disclosed incorporating diverse elements (Na, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, and Fe) into the carbon felt, signifying their association with biofilm development. These findings offer critical insights into optimizing MFC performance through biofilm modulation, advancing sustainable bioenergy technologies.

Ali J. Jaeel

Wasit Journal of Engineering Sciences • 2015

Chicken manure wastewaters are increasingly being considered a valuable resource of organic compounds. Screened chicken manure was evaluated as a representative solid organic waste. In this study, electricity generation from livestock wastewater (chicken manure) was investigated in a continuous mediator-less horizontal flow microbial fuel cell with graphite electrodes and a selective type of membrane separating the anodic and cathodic compartments of MFC from each other. The performance of MFC was evaluated to livestock wastewater using aged anaerobic sludge. Results revealed that COD and BOD removal efficiencies were up to 88% and 82%, respectively. At an external resistance value of 150 Ω, a maximum power and current densities of 278 m.W/m2 and 683 mA/m2, respectively were obtained, hence MFC utilizing livestock wastewater would be a sustainable and reliable source of bio-energy generation .

Guanwen Wang, Chunhua Feng

Polymers • 2017

Here we reported the use of electropolymerization to achieve the transformation of aqueous hydroquinone to solid-phase polyhydroquinone (PHQ) with pseudocapacitive characteristics, and the application of this redox-active product to shuttle electron transfer in the anode system of a microbial fuel cell (MFC). The microscopic and spectroscopic results showed that the treatment of the graphite felt (GF) substrate with acids was effective in improving the amounts of surface-bound oxygen-containing groups, enabling better adhesion of PHQ onto the GF surfaces. The electrochemical measurements indicated that the resulting PHQ–AGF (acid treated GF) possessed high pseudocapacitance due to the fast and reversible redox cycling between hydroquinone and benzoquinone. The MFC equipped with the PHQ–AGF anode achieved a maximum power density of 633.6 mW m−2, which was much higher than 368.2, 228.8, and 119.7 mW m−2 corresponding to the MFC with the reference PHQ–GF, AGF, and GF anodes, respectively. The increase in the power performance was attributed to the incorporation of the redox-active PHQ abundant in C–OH and C=O groups that were beneficial to the increased extracellular electron transfer and enhanced bacterial adhesion on the anode.

Michael D. Johnson, Moritz Hübel

ASME Power Applied R&D 2023 • 2023

Abstract Following the trends of integrating intermittent renewable energy into the electrical grids, design processes and tools for thermal power plants are changing. Utility-scale boilers are complex thermodynamic systems, which consist of components like combustors, heat exchangers, pumps, or valves. These components are well understood in principle and can be described with fundamental physical equations such as mass, energy, and species balances as well as heat transfer, and pressure loss correlations. Evolving computational performance and transient system simulation tools allow the coupling of these components and the creation of system models which support the design process to adapt to the energy market trends. The paper will give insights into the underlying modelling approaches and assumptions for a commercial, 540MW boiler design process. System model validation for a wide load range will be shown based on plant measurement data. The paper will cover the implementation of an innovative dual-fuel combustion model, which allows switching from 100% coal operation to 100% natural gas operation. In addition, ramp-rate studies will be presented, affecting critical operational data such as temperature differences in critical headers causing thermal stress. The presented approach serves plant designers, owners, and operators to increase safety, reduce commissioning times and maximize output.

Li Fang Deng, Hao Ran Yuan, Hong Yu Huang et al.

Advanced Materials Research • 2012

Leachate is a high concentration organic wastewater, and microbial fuel cell (MFC) is capable of decomposing and treating organic pollutants directly. Single-chamber MFC using landfill leachate as anolyte was built to get rid of BOD and ammonia-nitrogen organic pollutant in leachate. The use of MFC led to the treatment of the biodegradable organic pollutant of municipal solid waste leachate and the production of electricity. The biofilm was detected on the MFC anode carbon felt, the voltage and power output were achieved 292.7± 5 mV and 2375.1mW.m-2. The suitable running time was about 10 days, when the BOD and ammonia-nitrogen removal efficiencies were achieved about 93.0% and 84.1 %, respectively.

Suraksha Thorani, Jai Godheja

Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology • 2024

MFC technology is a new type of technology which generates electricity from organic waste with the help of microorganisms by using their metabolic activities. It has now become a promising and efficient technology that converts waste to energy. The present study demonstrates the production of bioelectricity from vegetable waste. Double chambered microbial fuel cell was constructed which was connected with the salt bridge. Bacillus megaterium was used in the MFC which proved to be an efficient microbe for the production of bioelectricity. The maximum power generated was 50Mw using 1% CMC.

Soumen Biswas, Sanjoy Kumar Saha

Advances in Environmental Engineering and Green Technologies • 2024

As is well known, a microgrid is a small grid made up of a single or multiple conventional or unconventional power sources. In this case, the primary generator is a microturbine (MT), which may or may not be connected to the main grid. The authors talked about modelling several kinds of micro turbines when using MATLAB® Simulink® to implement mathematical modelling of the split-shaft kind. The behaviour of a MicroGrid (MG) operating in an island mode with MT and SOFC as the sources can be described using existing models. Although SOFC can alter its electrical output power (30%) from high to low, it responds slower than MT (2–3 times slower). It is shown that fuel cells and microturbines can perform load-following functions in a distributed generation system. Results demonstrate how well the two models were created for researching and analysing the transient dynamic response of MG.

G Samudro, W Oktiawan, T Imai et al.

IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science • 2023

Abstract Unoptimised simultaneous performance in microbial fuel cell (MFC) is still a big concern due to a lack of information on the correlation between organic removal and power production. Its correlation becomes more substantial owing to the main factors which affect a concurrent condition. To contribute new insight, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between the main factors for determining the optimal condition of MFC performance. Dual-chamber MFC (DCMFC) was designed by modifying the anode chamber into two compartments, namely double anode chamber DCMFC (DAC-DCMFC), operated within 8 days running with intermittent mode. The differences of organic loading rate (OLR), 0.4; 1.0; 2.5 kg.m −3 .d −1 represented low to high organic loadings and electrode material-based reactor types, were used to assign the optimal concomitant performance in DCMFC. A closed circuit voltage (CCV) wiring system plugged onto the data logger within running time was employed to evaluate the synchronous achievement. This study result was medium OLR 1.0 kg.m −3 .d −1 , and GNPs anode-PTFE cathode attained optimally in the performance. In addition, higher OLR does not indicate higher organic removal correlating linearly with power production. This finding contributes to the limitation of organic loading that biological role capabilities can use.

Xinxin Shi, Jiaona Zhang, Tinglin Huang

Energy Technology • 2017

Abstract Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), widely recognized as a promising technology, naturally combine the functions of green energy generation and wastewater treatment. Developing effective catalysts for the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to improve the power outputs of MFCs has aroused extensive research interests. To achieve a high‐performance MFC, low‐cost nitrogen and trace iron co‐doped porous carbon nanospheres (NFe/CNS) were synthesized in this work by using a facile method. The MFC using NFe/CNS as an ORR catalyst showed a maximum power density of 866.5±7 mW m −2 , which is 24 % higher than that of a MFC using Pt/C as a catalyst. Moreover, compared with Pt/C, NFe/CNS demonstrated a stronger tolerance against acetate (a typical anodic fuel in MFCs) crossover and durability in the MFC neutral electrolyte. Benefiting from the outstanding catalytic properties of NFe/CNS, the normalized energy recovery of the MFC with NFe/CNS was two times higher than that of the MFC with Pt/C. These results demonstrated that NFe/CNS could be expected to be a practical and breakthrough catalyst for MFCs.

En Ren Zhang, Lei Liu, Ying Ying Cui

Advanced Materials Research • 2012

Microbial fuel cells with microbial brush anode and ferricyanide-cathode which could discharge at current up to 350 mA were constructed, and the effect of anodic pH on the performance of the microbial anode was investigated in the present study. Anodic pH was found to decrease significantly， from 6.23 to 4.35, when the MFC was operated to discharge at high current levels, which in turn reduced the performance of the microbial anode. No obvious pH change was observed during MFC discharge at lower current level (~12 mA), meaning that proton production is mainly related to the electrochemical oxidization of the organic fuels, rather than to the microbial degradation in the anode chamber. Results presented herein indicate that effective approach should be employed to control the anodic pH close to neutral conditions when optimizing the power output of microbial fuel cells, especially at high discharge current.

Hyeon‐Woo Kim, Kyeong‐Seok Lee, Abdul Razzaq et al.

Energy Technology • 2017

Abstract Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) received considerable attention because of their ability to provide dual advantages of electricity generation and wastewater treatment. However, their performance is primarily limited by the slow oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). To alleviate this problem, we describe a hybrid MFC in which a conventional bioanode is coupled with a TiO 2 photoanode. The photocatalytic photoanode utilizes light to provide additional photogenerated electrons to the external circuit of the MFC, which promotes the ORR, as confirmed by power density curves and electrochemical impedance spectra, resulting in improved power generation (1284±20 mW m −2 ) compared to that of a normal MFC (850±12 mW m −2 ). Furthermore, the ability of the TiO 2 photoanode to reduce CO 2 to methane is demonstrated.

Nashley Ursula Mundi Ujai, Siti Kudnie Sahari, Marini Sawawi et al.

Pertanika Journal of Science and Technology • 2023

This paper describes a device known as a Single-chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (SMFC) that was used to generate bioelectricity from plant waste containing lignocellulosic components, such as bamboo leaves, rice husk and coconut waste, with various anodic chamber substrate compositions. The maximum power density among all assembled SMFCs was determined to be 231.18 mW/m2, generated by coconut waste. This model’s bioelectricity production was enhanced by adding organic compost to the anodic chamber, which acts as a catalyst in the system. The maximum power density of 788.58 mW/m2 was attained using a high proportion of coconut waste (CW) and organic compost. These results show that the higher percentage of lignin in CW improved the bioelectricity of SMFC.

Hong Liang Sun, Hong Bin Lv, Wen Jing Nie

Applied Mechanics and Materials • 2012

To make the treatment of seafood wastewater more economical and sustainable, this study aims to examine electricity generation from seafood wastewater in MFC reactor. By supplying the MFCs with seafood wastewater, the maximum power density of 291.6 mW/m2 and CE of 20.3 % could be obtained. The substrate loss was attributed to diffusion of molecular oxygen from the cathode to the anode, which led to substrate conversion through aerobic respiration rather than electricity-producing pathway. This study provides a conceptual demonstration of seafood wastewater for electricity production using MFC technology.

Felix N. Büchi, Marcel Hofer, Urs Cabalzar et al.

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2014

When storing fluctuating renewable electricity by water electrolysis hydrogen and oxygen are obtained. Up to a scale in the order of Megawatt-hours the concurrent storage of oxygen and hydrogen gas is technically feasible. This opens up the possibility to use hydrogen/pure oxygen fuel cells for the efficient conversion of hydrogen back to electric power. The oxygen reduction reaction is responsible for the largest voltage loss in the operation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The sluggish reaction rate of the four-electron reduction, even on the best platinum based catalysts, is aggravated by the low partial pressure of oxygen in air. When using pure oxygen the partial pressure can typically be increased by an order of magnitude. On the cell level, not only the reduced electro catalytic loss but also voltage gain from lower transport overvoltage and reduced ohmic loss at same gas humidification as with air operation are observed. At the same time very high specific power densities of up to 2 W/cm 2 can be realized. In addition to the advantages on the cell level, low parasitic power consumption in the balance of plant (no compressor/blower) also contributes to high system efficiencies of up to 69% (LHV).

Tyler Huggins, Albert Latorre, Justin Biffinger et al.

Sustainability • 2016

Waste-wood derived biochar was evaluated for the first time as both an anode and cathode material, simultaneously, in an overflow style microbial fuel cell (MFC) using actual industrial wastewater. Results show that the average chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was 95% with a reduction rate of 0.53 kg·COD·m−1·d−1 in closed operation mode. The ammonia and phosphorous reductions from wastewater was 73% and 88%, respectively. Stable power production was observed with a peak power density measured at 6 W/m3. Preliminary contributions of physical, biological, and electrochemical COD removals were evaluated, and the results show such combined mechanisms give BC an advantage for MFC applications. Nutrient recovery data showed high levels of macronutrients adsorbed onto the spent biochar electrodes, and phosphorus concentration increased from 0.16 g·kg−1 in raw BC to up to 1.9 g·kg−1 in the cathode. These findings highlight the use of biochar as electrodes in MFCs to facilitate simultaneous wastewater treatment and power production with additional agronomic benefits.

Tony Phan, Shirley Chan, Sofia Babanova et al.

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2016

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bioelectrochemical systems that exploit microbial respiration for the conversion of organic compounds into electrical energy. Within a typical system, electrochemically active microorganisms extracellularly transfer electrons released during the oxidation of organic compounds to the anode surface. The electrons travel from the anode, across an external load to the cathode, where they react with the terminal electron acceptor (e.g. oxygen from air). MFCs are a promising means for wastewater treatment and as a source of renewable energy. The operational mode of the MFC can directly control microbial metabolism and respiration and thus define the wastewater treatment rate, energy recovery and final products from wastewater treatment. Despite the advantages, MFCs are not yet a viable solution for large-scale wastewater treatment and energy generation. Extensive research must still be conducted to optimize the system including MFC start-up time, stability and treatment rates. MFC start-up time is widely variable depending on external conditions, inoculum source and substrate. There are challenges associated with stability and reproducibility of the system. Finally, wastewater treatment rates using MFCs still are not comparable to conventional wastewater treatment methods, and the magnitude of energy recovery is not at a meaningful scale. In this study, we evaluated different enrichment and operational strategies to optimize MFC performance. At the beginning of the experiment, during the enrichment phase, the anode potential was modulated either by an external resistor or an applied voltage. It has been previously shown that the anodic community composition and biomass formation changes according to the external resistor or potential applied [1,2]. Under such operational conditions, a faster start up time can also be achieved [3]. In addition, start-up time and overall performance will also be impacted by inoculum source and substrate selection. Previous reports addressed MFC performance as a function of operation and startup time using either a defined media and single carbon substrate [2] or a single enrichment strategy with primary clarifier effluent as the single inoculum and substrate [1]. Therefore our evaluations addressed a highly diverse inoculum source including lagoon sediment and swine waste and different methodologies for enrichment to expand the knowledge base about what enrichment strategies may be best for a given wastewater treatment application. Varying ranges of external resistors and applied voltages were tested. A periodically induced open circuit condition was also evaluated to study its effect on MFC output. With these experimental conditions, we are aiming to identify an optimal strategy for MFC start-up and operation, and evaluate the long-term effects on MFC performance including the electrochemical performance, community taxonomic dynamics, biomass formation, and wastewater treatment rate. References: [1] Shun’ichi Ishii, Shino Suzuki, Trina M Norden-Krichmar, Tony Phan, Greg Wanger, Kenneth H Nealson, Yuji Sekiguchi, Yuri A Gorby, and Orianna Bretschger; Microbial population and functional dynamics associated with surface potential and carbon metabolism [2] Sokhee Jung and John M. Regan; Influence of External Resistance on Electrogenesis, Methanogenesis, and Anode Prokaryotic Communities in Microbial Fuel Cells [3] Xin Wang, Yujie Feng, Nanqi Ren, Heming Wang, He Lee, Nan Li, Qingliang Zhao; Accelerated start-up of two-chambered microbial fuel cells:Effect of anodic positive poised potential Figure 1

Sharad Pachpute, Jason Lee

ASME 2024 Power Conference • 2024

Abstract The effect of hydrogen enriched of natural gaseous fuel from 100% methane to 100% hydrogen firing is numerically investigated for a tangentially fired boiler. The arrangement of gas burners, auxiliary air, closed coupled over-fire air (CCOFA) and separated over-fire air (SOFA) compartments are modeled considering upward, horizontal, and downward burner tilt positions. A detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of combustible flow from the fuel and air staged burners arranged in five elevations in the furnace has been carried out to evaluate the effect of hydrogen firing on heat transfer profiles and NOx emissions at the furnace exit plane. The results show that the heat absorption in the furnace walls is increased from 6% to 10% and NOx is increased by 15 to 18 times of that of 100% methane firing when firing 100% hydrogen fuel. Higher FEGT and NOx are observed for upward firing compared to horizontal and down firing. The addition of 35% flue gas recirculation into the preheated air decreases the NOx ratio significantly for hydrogen enriched natural gas firing.

R. A. Gaggioli, W. R. Dunbar

Journal of Energy Resources Technology • 1993

The ideal voltage of steady-flow fuel cells is usually expressed by Emf = −ΔG°/nF where ΔG° is the “Gibbs free energy of reaction” for the oxidation of the fuel at the supposed temperature of operation of the cell. Furthermore, the ideal power of the cell is expressed as the product of the fuel flow rate with this emf. Such viewpoints are flawed in several respects. While it is true that if a cell operates isothermally, the maximum conceivable electrical work output is equal to the difference between the Gibbs free energy of the incoming reactants and that of the leaving products; nevertheless, even if the cell operates isothermally, the use of the conventional ΔG° of reaction (a) assumes that the products of reaction leave separately from one another (and from any unused fuel); and (b) when ΔS of reaction is positive, it assumes that a free heat source exists at the operating temperature, whereas if ΔS is negative, it neglects the potential power which theoretically could be obtained from the heat released during oxidation. Moveover, (c) the usual cell does not operate isothermally, but (virtually) adiabatically. Comment (a) is often accounted for by employing the Nernst equation to correct for the dilution of reactants and/or products. Nevertheless, comments (b) and (c) remain pertinent. Rather than with emf, the proper starting place is with power output. The ideal power is that which would be obtained if the fuel were oxidized without irreversible entropy generation. Among other factors, this ideal power output depends upon the ratio of oxidant to fuel flow rate (e.g., air-fuel ratio) and the percentage of fuel oxidation. The ideal voltage is deduced from the ideal power, because it is defined as electrical work output per unit of charge delivered. It is a local characteristic which varies with the percent of fuel oxidized. Therefore, (d) ideal power is not equal to the product of emf with current (unless the amount of fuel utilized is infinitesimal). Examples are presented which illustrate such affects and their importance for the evaluation of ideal power and of efficiency.

N. Samsudeen, Amit Sharma, T. K. Radhakrishnan et al.

Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy • 2015

The performance of a multi-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was investigated that consisting of four anodes and a cathode component separated by a membrane. The arrangements of the anode and cathode chambers were similar to four individual MFCs stack connected electrically in parallel fashion by sharing a cathode chamber. The multi-anode chamber MFC produced maximum open circuit potential of 720 ± 20 mV and the peak power density of 52.8 mW/m2 (162.5 mA/m2) at 100 Ω as normalized to the anode surface area. The effect of cathodic parameters such as electrode area, shapes, and catholyte concentrations was studied as factors affecting the power production. The wastewater concentration of 8720 mg COD/l was achieved the peak power density of 135.4 mW/m2 (368 mA/m2) using a graphite electrode with catholyte concentration of 100 mM potassium ferricyanide and 150 cm2 cathode electrode area. The results demonstrated that the proposed design may be an alternative approach to obtain high power generation and small space occupation for the scale-up MFC system.

Sara Mateo, Manuel Rodrigo, Luis Pina Fonseca et al.

Biotechnology Progress • 2015

The effect of the oxygen availability over the performance of an air‐breathing microbial fuel cell (MFC) was studied by limiting the oxygen supply to the cathode. It was found that anodic reaction was the limiting stage in the performance of the MFC while oxygen was fully available at cathode. As the cathode was depleted of oxygen, the current density becomes limited by oxygen transport to the electrode surface. The exerted current density was maintained when oxygen mole fraction was higher than 10% due to the very good performance of the cathodic catalysts. However, the current density drastically falls when working at lower concentrations because of mass transfer limitations. In this sense it must be highlighted that the maximum exerted power, when oxygen mole fraction was higher than 10%, was almost three times higher than that obtained when oxygen mole fraction was 5%. Regarding to the wastewater treatment, a significant decrease in the COD removal was obtained when the MFC performance was reduced due to the limited availability of oxygen, which indicates the significant role of the electrogenic microorganisms in the COD removal in MFC. In addition, the low availability of oxygen at the cathode leads to a lower presence of oxygen at the anode, resulting in an increase in the coulombic efficiency. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog ., 31:900–907, 2015

Zhou Ye, Junbo Hou, Michael W. Ellis et al.

Volume 6: Energy, Parts A and B • 2012

A three-electrode system was used to study the effect of anode surface roughness on the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Two glassy carbon plates were polished to uniform roughness of the orders of magnitude of 10s of nm and 100s of nm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to quantify the roughness as well as the 3D topography of the surfaces. Multiple electrochemical methods including potentiostatic tests, potentiodynamic tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were utilized to monitor the performance of the glassy carbon electrodes. After 275 hours of experimentation, the current density generated by the rough electrode was much higher than that generated by the smooth one. Furthermore, the charge-transfer resistance of the rough electrode was lower than that of the smooth one. The better electrochemical performance of the rough surface may be due to denser biofilm grown on the surface, which was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Marjolein Helder, Wei‐Shan Chen, Eugenie J.M. van der Harst et al.

Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining • 2012

Abstract Several renewable and (claimed) sustainable energy sources have been introduced into the market during the last century in an attempt to battle pollution from fossil fuels. Especially biomass energy technologies have been under debate for their sustainability. A new biomass energy technology was introduced in 2008: the plant‐microbial fuel cell (P‐ MFC ). In this system, electricity can be generated with living plants and thus bioelectricity and biomass production can be combined on the same surface. A green roof producing electricity with a P‐ MFC could be an interesting combination. P‐ MFC technology is nearing implementation in the market and therefore we assessed the environmental performance of the system with an early stage life cycle assessment ( LCA ). The environmental performance of the P‐ MFC is currently worse than that of conventional electricity production technologies. This is mainly due to the limited power output of the P‐ MFC and the materials presently used in the P‐ MFC . Granular activated carbon (anode material), gold wires (current collectors), and Teflon‐coated copper wires (connecting anode and cathode) have the largest impact on environmental performance. Use of these materials needs to be reduced or avoided and alternatives need to be sought. Increasing power output and deriving co‐products from the P‐ MFC will increase environmental performance of the P‐ MFC . At this stage it is too early to compare the P‐ MFC with other (renewable) energy technologies since the P‐ MFC is still under development. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Ryan Milcarek, Kang Wang, Ryan Falkenstein-Smith et al.

ASME 2015 13th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology • 2015

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) operating in a Flame-assisted Fuel Cell (FFC) setup have potential for Combined Heating and micro Power applications. The feasibility of a FFC furnace operating with natural gas is investigated by using methane/ air flames. The confrontation between the FFCs operating temperature and fuel concentration under various conditions was investigated which uncovered the complex performance behavior. Variations in the fuel/ air equivalence ratio, fuel flow rate and distance between the FFC anode and burner outlet were studied. A critical distance for FFC placement above the burner outlet was uncovered, which has a significant impact on the FFCs performance. A high power density of 791mW.cm−2 was achieved which is comparable to the dual chamber SOFC and single chamber SOFC. Carbon coking was observed on the anode surface, but was not detrimental to FFC performance during testing.

M. Thoennes, A. Busse, L. Eckstein

Fuel Cells • 2014

Abstract Fuel cells are a promising propulsion technology option in sustainable and zero‐emission drivetrain strategies as they offer a high potential to significantly reduce well‐to‐wheel greenhouse gas emissions and the dependency on fossil energy resources. At the same time, the current technological performance of automotive fuel cell systems is not yet sufficient to meet market demands. Therefore, the technical development of fuel cells is a critical factor for a successful market introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). This paper describes the methodology and results of a two‐round Delphi Survey conducted by the Institut für Kraftfahrzeuge of RWTH Aachen University to assess the technological potential of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems in automotive applications by 2030. The analysis of the current and future performance level of key performance indicators (KPI) of automotive fuel cell systems helps to identify critical performance parameters and to prioritize research and development demands. KPI analyzed in the Delphi Survey as forecast parameters include system efficiency, durability, power density, and specific power.

Rengasamy Karthikeyan, Jin Xuan, Michael K. H. Leung

Handbook of Clean Energy Systems • 2015

The vision of producing sustainable and renewable bioenergy is to contribute reducing the current global warming impact. It is well known that microorganisms can produce fuels, such as ethanol, butanol, methane, and hydrogen. Alternatively, microbes can produce electricity by means of microbial fuel cell (MFC). The recent development in energy biology has demonstrated the potential of MFC for commercial applications in converting renewable biomass and organic waste into electricity. The biomass sources are highly desirable because they are “carbon‐neutral.” Electrical energy can be extracted from organic waste matter and renewable biomass by microbial degradation. The major challenge of using microbial fuel cell is to increase power density for most of the envisaged applications, such as power monitoring electronic devices, light source of battery charger in off‐grid areas. A wide scope lies ahead in the scaling up of MFC for large‐scale conversion of organic waste and biomass into electricity for powering vehicles, mobile electronic devices or buildings. The use of waste organic from biomass is environment‐friendly and regarded as a renewable energy source. This article gives an overview of microbial fuel cell that covers the bioelectrochemical mechanisms, system and components, characterization, performance, and applications.

Fuhua Yin, Nengwu Zhu, Yu Lu et al.

Electroanalysis • 2017

Abstract The properties of anode material are crucial for high performances in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Herein, we report a biocompatible, conductive, and electron transfer efficient cooperative processing anode, which is fabricated by electrodepositing polypyrrole/anthraquinone‐2, 6‐disulphonic disodium salt (PPy/AQDS) onto nitric acid‐soaked carbon felt. Results showed that the cooperative processing anode outperformed the pristine one in biomass, electrical conductivity, and exchange current density with better performance between 2.4 and 3.3 times. The maximum power density (1060.3 mW m −2 ) of the MFC equipped with the properties hybridized anode delivered a 2.2‐fold increase over that of the control and thus has great potential to be used as an anode for high‐power MFC. Further investigation revealed that the contributions of biocompatibility (BCB), electrical conductivity (EC), and electron transfer efficiency (ETE) to the performance of carbon felt anodes appeared as cumulative effect rather than summing effect. We propose combined treatment of BCB with EC and ETE to form a properties‐hybridized anode based on thoroughly analyzing the feasibility and effectiveness, and discussed future efforts to be made for realizing more extraordinary high‐performance cooperative processing anodes. This work may also provide a novel approach for the development of other types of anode for high‐performance MFC through combined treating the BCB with EC and ETE simultaneously.

Fatemeh Nourbakhsh, Fahameh Zolfagharzadeh, Mohammad Pazouki et al.

Applied Research • 2024

Abstract This study examines the performance of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) utilizing Shewanella bacteria through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Exo‐electrogen bacteria are key agents in an MFC. Shewanella sp. as a common exo‐electrogen bacteria can transfer electrons from the cell surface through different electron transfer mechanisms. In this work, EIS was used to probe the effects of biofilms of Shewanella sp. and the solution of 10% V/V Shewanella on the MFC performance. This research investigates the effects of both microbial biofilms and Shewanella bacterial solutions on MFC efficacy. Findings revealed that biofilm formation on the anode surface significantly reduces anode charge transfer resistance, thereby enhancing power generation. Notably, a 10% Shewanella solution resulted in a 25% higher power density compared to the biofilm. Furthermore, the MFC demonstrated up to 80% chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency in treating brewery wastewater. The study underscores the viability of Shewanella bacterial solutions as an efficient alternative to biofilms, emphasizing their role in improving MFC performance and wastewater treatment efficiency.

Zul Hasrizal Bohari, Nur Asyhikin Azhari, Nuraina Nasuha Ab Rahman et al.

Jurnal Teknologi • 2017

Energy trending lately shown the need of new possible renewable energy. This paper studies about the capability and capacity generating of electricity by using Bio-electricity-Microbial Fuel Cell (Bio-MFC). Bio-MFC is the device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy by using microbes that exist in the sewage water. The energy contained in organic matter can be converted into useful electrical power. MFC can be operated by microbes that transfer electrons from anode to cathode for generating electricity. There are two major goals in this study. The first goal is to determine the performance characteristics of MFCs in this application. Specifically we investigate the relationship between the percentages of organic matter in a sample results in higher electricity production of MFCs power by that sample. As a result, the sewage (wastewater) chosen in the second series experiment because the sewage (wastewater) also produced the highest percentage of organic matter which is around 10%. Due to these, the higher percentage of organic matter corresponds to higher electricity production. The second goal is to determine the condition under which MFC work most efficiently to generating electricity. After get the best result of the combination for the electrode, which is combination of zinc and copper (900mV),the third series of experiments was coducted, that show the independent variable was in the ambient temperature. The reasons of these observations will be explained throughout the paper. The study proved that the electricity production of MFC can be increased by selecting the right condition of sample type, temperature and type of electrode.Â

Sona Kazemi, Khalid Fatih, Madjid Mohseni

The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering • 2015

This study aims to investigate the effect of the graphite felt (GF) substrate surface treatment, the GF active surface area, and the anode chamber depth on the performance of the passive air breathing flat‐plate microbial fuel cell (FPMFC) configuration. Three passive air breathing FPMFCs (depth of anode chamber: 2 mm, 4 mm, and 8 mm) were developed and operated using 1, 2, and 3 packed layers of three‐dimensional (3D) graphite felt anodes, respectively, with similar cross sectional (geometric) surface area as the cathode and the membrane. The surface of the GF substrate was treated by soaking in a hot solution of nitric acid prior to inoculation. The 2 mm FPMFC generated a peak power density superior to that previously reported for the same configuration with no GF treatment. The peak power density in the 8 mm and 4 mm FPMFCs with 3 and 2 layers of GF increased by 118 % and 48 %, respectively, compared to the 2 mm FPMFC with 1 layer of GF. By using only 1 layer of GF, the peak power density showed no significant variation with the electrode spacing.

Y. B. Fu, Z. H. Liu, G. Su et al.

Fuel Cells • 2016

Abstract Improving the performance of anode is a crucial step for increasing power output of marine sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs). A multi‐walled carbon nanotube/polyaniline (MWCNTs/PANI) modified anode was prepared by the way of electrochemical deposition and its electrochemical performance is investigated in this paper. Result shows that the wettability of carbon felt becomes better and the number of bacteria (9.52 × 10 12 m −2 ) on anode biofilm is increased respectively, which is 9 times higher than that of the unmodified. The anti‐polarization ability of the modified anode increases significantly and its kinetic activity of electron transfer increases 4 times. Its exchange current density is 3.62 × 10 −5 A cm −2 . The maximum power density of the modified SMFC reaches 527.0 mW m −2 , which is 4 times higher than that of the unmodified one. Finally, a novel molecular synergistic mechanisms for the enhanced SMFC is also presented, based on the higher bacteria number, the capacitive performance of PANI, the hydrogen bond interaction and higher conductivity of MWCNTs. This excellent electrochemical performance makes the MWCNTs/PANI composite be a potential choice for higher output SMFC.

Jarina Joshi

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2016

A two compartment model of microbial fuel cell was designed. The cells were made from wastewater as electrolyte. Saccharomyces cerevisae was cultured in anodic compartment. The maximum power of 10.745w/m 3 was obtained on the 5 th day when cellulose acetate was used as the proton exchange membrane (PEM) utilizing waste water as a substrate while supplying external resistance of 500 ohm. There was slight decrease in the power when PEM used was coated cellulose acetate i.e 9.156w/m 3 and the power dramatically decreased when nafion membrane was used producing the power of 4.34w/m 3 . The continuous flow of 1%hydrogen peroxide at the rate of 1 ml/min in anodic compartment in similar conditions increased the power to 22.145w/m 3 .

Zainab Z. Ismail, Ali Jwied Jaeel

The Scientific World Journal • 2012

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have the potential to simultaneously treat wastewater for reuse and to generate electricity. This study mainly considers the performance of an upflow dual‐chambered MFC continuously fueled with actual domestic wastewater and alternatively biocatalyzed with aerobic activated sludge and strain of Bacillus Subtilis . The behavior of MFCs during initial biofilm growth and characterization of anodic biofilm were studied. After 45 days of continuous operation, the biofilms on the anodic electrode were well developed. The performance of MFCs was mainly evaluated in terms of COD reductions and electrical power output. Results revealed that the COD removal efficiency was 84% and 90% and the stabilized power outputs were clearly observed achieving a maximum value of 120 and 270 mW/m 2 obtained for MFCs inoculated with mixed cultures and Bacillus Subtilis strain, respectively.

Ming Ma, Shijie You, Jiuhui Qu et al.

RSC Advances • 2015

Waste eggshell membranes are in situ used as separators in MFCs for remarkably enhanced coulombic efficiency of 67.14–95.03%.

B. Bourouis, H. Djeghloud, H. Benalla

Electrical Engineering & Electromechanics • 2021

Introduction. Nowadays, electrical energy is indispensable in industrial, tertiary and domestic appliances. However, its efficiency is becoming affected by the presence of the disturbances that appear in the electrical networks such as harmonics, unbalance, sags/swells, flickers …etc. Indeed, the disturbances cause a decrease in the power factor and an increase in the power losses. In this paper, the harmonic disturbance is considered and a 3-level shunt active power filter powered by a hybrid fuel-cell/battery DC is applied to mitigate current harmonic components from the electrical feeder. Aim. Studying the energy efficiency of a system based on a 3-level shunt active filter powered by a hybrid fuel-cell / battery DC bus. Methodology. It is a matter of finding the suitable formulas that express the efficiency and the relative power losses according to the load factor (which is the ratio between the short-circuit active power and the load active power) and the load power factor. The DC bus energy is controlled using an energy management algorithm that contributes in generating the required reference input currents and output voltages of the fuel-cell and the battery. The DC/DC converters control circuits are performed in a closed loop by means of regulated duty cycles. Results. The simulation results carried-out under MATLAB/Simulink environment show better filtering quality if compared with the case of open loop control of the DC/DC converters and lesser differences between the fuel-cell power, the battery power and their respective reference powers. Which concerns the energy efficiency, the results demonstrate that higher efficiency and lower relative power losses can be achieved only when higher load factor and load power factor are attained. Therefore, the compensating system of the power factor is very important to improve the energy efficiency.

Qi Zheng, Lei Xiong, Bing Mo et al.

Sensors • 2015

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are of increasing interest as bioelectrochemical systems for decomposing organic materials and converting chemical energy into electricity. The main challenge for this technology is that the low power and voltage of the devices restricts the use of MFCs in practical applications. In this paper, a power management system (PMS) is developed to store the energy and export an increased voltage. The designed PMS successfully increases the low voltage generated by an individual MFC to a high potential of 5 V, capable of driving a wireless temperature and humidity sensor based on nRF24L01 data transmission modules. With the PMS, MFCs can intermittently power the sensor for data transmission to a remote receiver. It is concluded that even an individual MFC can supply the energy required to power the sensor and telemetry system with the designed PMS. The presented PMS can be widely used for unmanned environmental monitoring such as wild rivers, lakes, and adjacent water areas, and offers promise for further advances in MFC technology.

Chih‐Hung Wu, Chi‐Yung Lai, Chi‐Wen Lin et al.

CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water • 2012

Abstract The power generation potential of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) during the process of benzene biodegradation with potassium ferricyanide (0–200 mM) as the terminal electron acceptor was evaluated. Experimental results demonstrate that benzene was used as the sole carbon source in generating electricity by a mixed culture. The power density increased from 0.0276 to 2.1 mW m −2 as the concentration of potassium ferricyanide in the cathode chamber was increased from 0 to 200 mM. With a benzene concentration of 10.87 mg L −1 and a potassium ferricyanide concentration of between 0 and 150 mM, complete degradation of benzene was achieved in 22–24.5 h. However, when the concentration of potassium ferricyanide was raised to 200 mM, the time required for complete benzene degradation was prolonged to 35 h. The results of this investigation can be used as a basis for future assessments of the power generation capacity of MFCs that are used to treat benzene‐contaminated wastewater.

, Alberto Boretti

FISITA World Congress 2021 - Technical Programme • 2021

The latest advances in power density and efficiency of internal combustion engines (ICEs), both diesel direct injection (DI) compression ignition (CI), and gasoline positive ignition (PI), DI and jet ignition (JI), ICEs, are transferrable to single fuel or dual fuel hydrogen engines (H2-ICEs). H2-ICEs have the potential to deliver peak efficiency about 50%, peak power efficiency above 46%, and cycle average efficiency above 35% when fitted to hybrid powertrains. The major hurdles to achieve these performances are the development of hydrogen injection system. Dual fuel DI diesel-hydrogen CI ICEs have the potentials to deliver extremely low emissions of the regulated pollutants, NOx, unburned hydrocarbons (HC), CO and particulate matter (PM), and CO2 emission. Hydrogen PI ICEs with DI and JI have the potentials to deliver extremely low emissions of the regulated pollutant NOx, practically zero emissions of regulated pollutant PM, and practically zero emission of CO2 (while a small amount of lubricating oil may end up in the combustion chamber, but this amount is negligible). The PI ICEs allow much higher power densities, being the combustion event controlled by the turbulent mixing rather than vaporization, mixing and diffusion times. Thus, combustion duration is about independent of the engine speed in PI ICEs but increasing with the engine speed in CI ICEs. While combustion of hydrogen only in a CI engine is still troublesome, needing added research and development, much simpler is the use of hydrogen and diesel in a dual fuel CI engine accepting the DI of both diesel and hydrogen. While the dual-fuel DI diesel-hydrogen CI ICEs are a workable short-term replacement of the traditional hydrocarbon fueled PI ICEs, as cryogenic H2-ICES may share infrastructure and fuel system technology with LNG-ICEs, the hydrogen PI ICEs with DI and JI are an even better environmentally-friendly proposal while offering better performances. Simulations are presented for a dual duel diesel-hydrogen engine featuring two injectors per cylinder, one for the diesel and one for the hydrogen. The coupling of a pilot/pre-injection of diesel with a main injector of hydrogen is straightforward. Mixed modes of combustion are possible injecting part of the hydrogen before, and a part after the diesel injection ignition. The engine has a super turbocharging, where the turbocharger shaft is connected to the crankshaft by gears and a continuously variable transmission. Steady-state maps are presented in detail. Even if this aspect is not investigated, thanks to the super turbocharging, the engine has excellent transient behaviors, in decelerations (energy recovery) as well as accelerations (no turbo-lag). Dual fuel CI ICEs have also the advantage of a hydrogen city driving delivering extremely low emissions of pollutants as well as CO2, and a diesel interstate and rural areas driving delivering still relatively low emissions of pollutants as well as CO2.

Baochao Ge, Kexun Li

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2016

Commercial Co 3 O 4 and ortho-hexagon spinel nano-Co 3 O 4 (OHSNC) were doped in the AC at a different percentage (5%, 10% and 15%) respectively to enhance the performance of microbial fuel cell (MFC). The maximum power density of MFC with 10% OHSNC doped cathode was 1500 ± 14 mW m -2 , which was 97.36% and 41.24% higher than the bare AC air cathode and commercial Co3O4 respectively. The electrocatalytic behavior for their better performance was discussed in detail with the help of various structural and electrochemical techniques. The OHSNC was characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the improved performance owed to both the enhancement of kinetics activity and the number of electron transfer in the ORR, and the internal resistance was largely reduced. Therefore, OHSNC was proved to be an excellent cathodic catalyst in AC air cathode MFC.

Mahmoud A. Mossa, Hamdi Echeikh, Nguyen Vu Quynh et al.

IET Renewable Power Generation • 2022

Abstract The present study is concerned with improving the dynamics of a hybrid generation system utilized for feeding an isolated load. The system under study consists of a wind‐driven synchronous generator with permanent magnet type, a fuel cell stack and a storage battery layout used to enhance the system reliability. A detailed design for all system parts is introduced. A new formulated predictive controller is utilized to enhance the performance of synchronous generator in comparison with traditional controllers. The wind turbine power system is designed and adopted a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) strategy to optimally exploit the captured wind energy. An energy management procedure is also considered to balance the power‐sharing between different system units. Extensive performance evaluation analysis is introduced in order to validate the capability of the designed controllers of the generator and fuel cell and check the feasibility of the energy management strategy (EMS) as well. The obtained results approve the capability of the proposed controller with the synchronous generator in achieving better dynamics compared with traditional schemes and confirm the validity of the fuel cell control system in managing the stack power. The results also approve the effectiveness of the designed EMS in preserving a balanced power flow.