scholarly journals Microbial Fuel Cells: An Alternate Approach for Bioelectricity Generation and Waste Management

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chennappa Gurikar ◽  
H.B. Vandana ◽  
B.P. Netravati ◽  
B.P. Chaitra Kumari ◽  
N.A. Nanje Gowda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Electrical Current ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Development And Utilization

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are the device that involves bacteria and organic matter, to generate electrical current via bacterial metabolism from a wide range of organic and inorganic substrates. MFCs are novel bioreactors, that convert chemical energy into electrochemical energy through bio-catalysis of various wastes (agriculture, food, households, food processing industries) using microorganisms. MFC is a promising approach that offers direct, clean, green energy generation, ease of waste recyclability, and by-product utilization of different sources. In recent, MFCs research advances related to electrode development and utilization of suitable different rural and urban wastes is a significant interest in the MFC application. Hence in a large-scale application, the MFC concept is one of the effective technologies for the management of different wastes and is simultaneously used for electricity generation to cater to the energy demand in rural or remote areas that are not linked to the electric grid. MFCs help reduce the global energy crisis and reduce the pressure on non-renewable energy resources.

scholarly journals Towards Bio-Hybrid Energy Harvesting in the Real-World: Pushing the Boundaries of Technologies and Strategies Using Bio-Electrochemical and Bio-Mechanical Processes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 2220
Author(s):  
Abanti Shama Afroz ◽  
Donato Romano ◽  
Francesco Inglese ◽  
Cesare Stefanini
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Living Organisms

Sustainable, green energy harvesting has gained a considerable amount of attention over the last few decades and within its vast field of resources, bio-energy harvesters have become promising. These bio-energy harvesters appear in a wide variety and function either by directly generating energy with mechanisms similar to living organisms or indirectly by extracting energy from living organisms. Presently this new generation of energy harvesters is fueling various low-power electronic devices while being extensively researched for large-scale applications. In this review we concentrate on recent progresses of the three promising bio-energy harvesters: microbial fuel cells, enzyme-based fuel cells and biomechanical energy harvesters. All three of these technologies are already extensively being used in small-scale applications. While microbial fuel cells hold immense potential in industrial-scale energy production, both enzyme-based fuel cells and biomechanical energy harvesters show promises of becoming independent and natural power sources for wearable and implantable devices for many living organisms including humans. Herein, we summarize the basic principles of these bio-energy harvesting technologies, outline their recent advancements and estimate the near future research trends.

scholarly journals Biocomputational Architecture Based on Particle Physics

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farahbod Heidari ◽  
Mohammadjavad Mahdavinejad ◽  
Liss C. Werner ◽  
Maryam Roohabadi ◽  
Hanieh Sarmadi
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Particle Physics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fluid Simulation ◽  
Material Behavior ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Household Chores ◽  
Wide Range

Domestic greywater produced via household chores has a major contribution to environmental pollution and is also the best-untapped energy source. Since the past decade, in the different fields, enormous efforts have been made to reach the bio-energy from bio-waste. These efforts consist of a wide range of thermochemical, bio-chemical, and microbial fuel cells; etc. however, all these efforts are in their infancy. They have high cost and are efficient on a large-scale; furthermore, these efforts used a non-intelligent process that has led to lack of development in this type of review. This ongoing research presents the smart design process that leads to hybrid energy via the intersection of computation, wastewater, and microorganisms and aims to introduce the novel bio-computational machine based on particle Physics. Therefore, we will investigate the mixture of the microbial fuel cells, specifically “Spirulina” micro-algae, and household chores greywater. In the computational framework, we propose high-precise fluid simulation with the advantage of particle position and dynamic physics for the conversion of the mixture of “Spirulina medium,” and household chore greywater makes energy control possible through flow, and management of the type of solution mix, by transferring data from the modules to the digital environment. Finally, these datasets simulate behavior based on the physical properties of each particle. The procedure works in a parametric computer-aided design (CAD) environment and through Grasshopper within Rhinoceros Software by syncing bio-computational machine to the digital environment. The solenoid valve and fluid flow controller applied between the nutritious tank and energy conversion tank measure nutritional consumption and sends it to the digital environment numerically with an Arduino-Uno board kit. These batch numerical signals are stored in our local database then are combined with the particle physics engine and simulate the material behavior; also, they provide the ability to control our bio-computational machine digitally.

scholarly journals A Compact Versatile Microbial Fuel Cell From Paper

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke T. Wagner ◽  
Niloofar Hashemi ◽  
Nastaran Hashemi
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Syringe Pump ◽  
Special Equipment ◽  
Specific Flow ◽  
Waste Container

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been a potential green energy source for a long time but one of the problems is that either the technology must be used on a large scale or special equipment have been necessary to keep the fuel cells running such as syringe pumps. Paper-based microbial fuel cells do not need to have a syringe pump to run and can run entirely by themselves when placed in contact with the fluids that are necessary for it to run. Paper-based microbial fuel cells are also more compact than traditional MFCs since the device doesn’t need any external equipment to run. The goal of this paper is to develop a microbial fuel cell that does not require a syringe pump to function. This is done by layering chromatography paper with wax design printed onto it. This restricts the fluids to a specific flow path allowing it to act like the tubes in a typical microbial fuel cell device by delivering the fluids to the chamber. The fluids are picked up by tabs that sit in the fluid and use capillary attraction to flow up the tab and into the device. The fluids are directed to the chambers where the chemical and biological processes take place. These flows are then directed out of the device so that they are taken to a waste container and out of the system. Our microliter scale paper-based microbial fuel cell creates a significant current that is sustained for a period of time and can be repeated. A paper-based microbial fuel cell also has a fast response time. These results mean that it could be possible for a set of paper-based microbial fuel cells to create a power density capable of powering small, low power circuits when used in series or parallel. In this paper, we discuss the fabrication and experimental results of our paper-based microbial fuel cell. Also there will be a discussion of how paper-based microbial fuels cells compare to the traditional microbial fuel cells and how they could be used in the future.

BIOACTIVE DEVICES AS SELF-SUFFICIENT SYSTEMS FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION IN ARCHITECTURE

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-22
Author(s):  
Yomna K. Abdallah ◽  
Alberto T. Estevez
Keyword(s):  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Design Theory ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Waste Treatment ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Efficiency Cost

ABSTRACT Using bioenergy systems in architecture provides energy by means of negative emissions technologies (NETs). It plays an important role in stabilizing CO2 emissions at low levels. This depends on options of low life cycle emissions (for instance, a sustainable use of biomass residues), and on outcomes that are site-specific and rely on efficient integrated systems that convert biomass into bioenergy. The objective of this study is to develop self-sufficient systems that generate bioelectricity and offer safety, electricity generation efficiency, cost-effectiveness, waste treatment, integration in domestic use, ease of use, reproducibility and availability. The study also intends to elaborate a general design method of embedding and utilizing microorganisms into architectural elements to achieve design ecology, introducing a multidisciplinary research application through a design theory aspect. The study is based on previous experimental work conducted by the authors. Microbial fuel cell technology was applied to exploit the natural potential of a fungal strain that was identified and optimized to be implemented in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to generate electricity. The outcomes were included in the self-sufficient cluster design that meets the aforementioned conditions. The novelty of this study is the direct use of a bioreactor of MFCs in a design application for bioelectricity production. It aims to reduce the currently high global CO2 emissions that come from the energy supply sector (47%) and from the building sector (3%), as well as to eliminate the need for large-scale infrastructure intervention. This self-sufficient bio-electricity cluster therefore outweighs other abiotic renewable energy resources such as solar energy or wind power.

Sustainable approach for wastewater treatment using microbial fuel cells and green energy generation - A comprehensive review

2021 ◽  
pp. 117795
Author(s):  
Shahjalal Khandaker ◽  
Sudipto Das ◽  
Md. Tofazzal Hossain ◽  
Aminul Islam ◽  
Mohammad Raza Miah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Comprehensive Review

scholarly journals A Thin Layer of Activated Carbon Deposited on Polyurethane Cube Leads to New Conductive Bioanode for (Plant) Microbial Fuel Cell

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 574
Author(s):  
Emilius Sudirjo ◽  
Paola Y. Constantino Diaz ◽  
Matteo Cociancich ◽  
Rens Lisman ◽  
Christian Snik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Activated Carbon ◽  
Field Test ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Electrode Materials ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Polyurethane Foams ◽  
Electrochemically Active

Large-scale implementation of (plant) microbial fuel cells is greatly limited by high electrode costs. In this work, the potential of exploiting electrochemically active self-assembled biofilms in fabricating three-dimensional bioelectrodes for (plant) microbial fuel cells with minimum use of electrode materials was studied. Three-dimensional robust bioanodes were successfully developed with inexpensive polyurethane foams (PU) and activated carbon (AC). The PU/AC electrode bases were fabricated via a water-based sorption of AC particles on the surface of the PU cubes. The electrical current was enhanced by growth of bacteria on the PU/AC bioanode while sole current collectors produced minor current. Growth and electrochemical activity of the biofilm were shown with SEM imaging and DNA sequencing of the microbial community. The electric conductivity of the PU/AC electrode enhanced over time during bioanode development. The maximum current and power density of an acetate fed MFC reached 3 mA·m−2 projected surface area of anode compartment and 22 mW·m−3 anode compartment. The field test of the Plant-MFC reached a maximum performance of 0.9 mW·m−2 plant growth area (PGA) at a current density of 5.6 mA·m−2 PGA. A paddy field test showed that the PU/AC electrode was suitable as an anode material in combination with a graphite felt cathode. Finally, this study offers insights on the role of electrochemically active biofilms as natural enhancers of the conductivity of electrodes and as transformers of inert low-cost electrode materials into living electron acceptors.

scholarly journals Legal and Policy Framework for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Development in Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-47
Author(s):  
Tran Viet Dung
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Renewable Energies ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Economic Sectors

AbstractVietnam has experienced an economic growth accompanied by increasing energy demand and inadequate supplies. Like most developing countries, the increased inefficient use of energy in Vietnam leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions and high energy costs for consumers. Also, the traditional sources of energy are not sufficient to satisfy the demand of the economic sectors.With the negative impact of climate change on water resources and the depletion of coal, oil and gas reserves, Vietnam must diversify and integrate other forms of renewable energies into its energy mix. The efficient use of renewable energy resources can boost economic development. Thus, the policies for endorsing renewable energies and energy efficiency are playing a vital role in ensuring the sustainable development for Vietnam’s future. This paper examines the legal and policy framework influencing the deployment of renewable energies and energy efficiency in Vietnam. The paper also attempts to identify major barriers to a large scale deployment of renewable energies and energy efficiency technologies and offers some possible solutions.

Green Energy Generation from Microbial Fuel Cells

2019 ◽  
pp. 1207-1220
Author(s):  
Leena Hublikar ◽  
Sharanabasava V. Ganachari ◽  
Jayachandra S. Yaradoddi
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
Green Energy

Hydrogen Fuel Cells as Green Energy

2021 ◽  
pp. 769-795
Author(s):  
Padmavathi Rajangam
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Hydrogen Fuel Cells ◽  
Hydrogen Fuel ◽  
Electro Deposition ◽  
Power Generators ◽  
Clean Energy Technology

To reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase demands for clean energy technology worldwide, there is currently a growing interest in the use of fuel cells as energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly power generators. With this inevitable depletion, fossil fuels will not be able to respond to energy demand for future. Among all major types of fuel cells, hydrogen fuel cells (HFCs) are in the forefront stage and have gained substantial attention for vehicle and portable applications, which is composed of a cathode, an anode, and a PEM. The heart of the fuel cells is membrane electrode assembly (MEA). An electro-deposition technique for preparing the nano-catalyst layer in PEMFCs has been designed, which may enable an increase in the level of Pt utilization currently achieved in these systems. Functionalization process has been done using a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid in refluxing condition. The hydrocarbon-based polymer membrane has been used as electrolyte part.

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