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Andrew Huizenga Lindsay Arnold Diane Esquivel Jeff Christians. Team 1: BIOVOLT. Presentation Outline. Project Description Project Background Projected Market Design Norms Design Challenges Status Questions. References: microbialfuelcell.org geobacter.org
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Andrew Huizenga Lindsay Arnold Diane Esquivel Jeff Christians Team 1: BIOVOLT
Presentation Outline • Project Description • Project Background • Projected Market • Design Norms • Design Challenges • Status • Questions • References: • microbialfuelcell.org • geobacter.org • MFC Research papers by Bruce Logan • engr.psu.edu/ce/enve/logan/
Project Description • Develop a fully functional microbial fuel cell • Improve upon existing designs • Increase maximum output • Decrease size • Decrease cost
Air Cathode MFC Sedimentary MFC Proton-Exchange MFC Wastewater MFC
Project Background • 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
Projected Market • Depends largely on type of design • Areas with little access to traditional means of producing electricity • Marine sensors • Wastewater treatment systems • Preliminary designs for future technology
Design Norms • Integrity • MFC must be simple and easy to use/maintain • 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
Current Status • Research! • What type of cell to develop • Best species of bacteria • What feedstock to use