Transcript Andrew Huizenga Lindsay Arnold Diane Esquivel Jeff Christians

Andrew Huizenga
Lindsay Arnold
Diane Esquivel
Jeff Christians
Presentation Outline
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Project Description
Project Background
Projected Market
Design Norms
Design Challenges
Status
Questions
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References:
 microbialfuelcell.org
 geobacter.org
 MFC Research papers
by Bruce Logan
○ engr.psu.edu/ce/env
e/logan/
Project Description
Develop a fully functional
microbial fuel cell
 Improve upon existing
designs
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 Increase maximum output
 Decrease size
 Decrease cost
Air Cathode MFC
Sedimentary MFC
Wastewater MFC
Proton-Exchange MFC
Project Background
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Metabolism and respiration
 Electron transport (ET)
Facilitate ET by providing anode where
electrons can be deposited
 Proton exchange membrane
 Oxygen is reduced at cathode
 Some bacteria are “better” at this than
others
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Project Background
Projected Market
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Depends largely on type of design
 Areas with little access to traditional means
of producing electricity
 Marine sensors
 Wastewater treatment systems
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Preliminary designs for future
technology
Design Norms
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Integrity
 MFC must be simple and easy to
use/maintain
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Stewardship
 MFC must be cost effective
○ i.e. no precious metal catalysts
 MFC must be eco-friendly
○ No harmful/toxic byproducts
Design Challenges
Low voltage output
 Typically quite large
 Need for constant feedstock intake
 Alternatives to precious metal catalysts
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Current Status
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Research!
 What type of cell to develop
 Best species of bacteria
 What feedstock to use
Questions?