A fluid dynamics perspective on the flow dependent performance of honey comb microbial fuel cells. (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sangeetha, Thangavel; Li, I-Ting; Lan, Tzu-Hsuan; Wang, Chin-Tsan; Yan, Wei-Mon
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 214(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: Honey comb microbial fuel cells -- Flow straighteners -- Channel diameters -- Numerical simulation -- Flow velocity -- Anode biofilm thickness; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.118928
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Power crisis, global warming and various environmental issues have constantly emphasized researchers to discover sustainable and environmental-friendly alternative energy resources. Bio-electrochemical systems, significantly microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can harvest bioenergy from organic wastes and treat them simultaneously. Flow parameter investigation has been conducted in innovative flow straightener implemented honey comb MFCs (HCMFCs) in the current research study. The impacts of flow channel diameter on the performance of the HCMFCs operated in recirculation batch mode have been estimated in the current study. Three different diameters like 0.4 cm, 0.7 cm and 1 cm are used in three reactors as HCMFC1, HCMFC 2 and HCMFC 3 respectively along with a control reactor devoid of flow straighteners. Numerical simulation models are presented for reactor performance portrayal. The power performance is analyzed by Nyquist plots, polarization curves, power density curves and equivalent circuits. Result justification is accomplished by anode biofilm thickness analysis using scanning electron microscope. HCMFC 2 showcased the best performance by achieving a voltage generation of 0.55 V, current density of 5300 mA/m 2, power density of 430 mW/m 2, organic content removal of 97.6%, reduced internal resistance and with the thickest anode biofilm. These innovative reactors will effectively enhance research and provide great prospects for future applications. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Novel honey comb microbial fuel cells were designed and operated. The effects of honey comb channel diameter on reactor performance was investigated. Reactor with 0.7 cm channel diameter had maximum power production and organic removal. Numerical simulation, Nyquist plots, biofilm thickness analysis supported the results.