18-10-2016, 10:10 AM
1459530497-BIOBATTERYfullreport1biotechnologybiomedicalengineeringseminartopics.pdf (Size: 276.16 KB / Downloads: 5)
ABSTRACT
A biobattery is an energy storing device that is powered by organic compounds, usually
being glucose, such as the glucose in human blood. When enzymes in our bodies break down
glucose, several electrons and protons are released. Therefore, by using enzymes to break
down glucose, biobatteries directly receive energy from glucose. These batteries then store
this energy for later use. This concept is almost identical to how both plants and many
animals obtain energy. Although the batteries are still being tested before being
commercially sold, several research teams and engineers are working to further advance the
development of these batteries.
Carbohydrates (glucose) are broken down to release energy and generate electricity. This
bio battery, which is based on mechanisms used in living organism, is not only friendly to the
environment but also has great potential for use as an energy source. This prototype bio
battery has achieved the world’s highest power output of 50 mW*2 when employed for a
passive type*1 system.
INTRODUCTION
Types of Bio Batteries
Sony successfully demonstrated bio battery powered music playback with a memory type
Walkman and passive speakers (which operate on power supplied by the Walkman) by
connecting four bio battery units in series. The case of this bio battery, which is made from
an organic plastic (polylactate), is designed to be reminiscent of a living cell.
Bio Batteries used to power a Walkman
Unlike fossil fuels, carbohydrates (glucose) are carbon neutral and do not contribute to
increases in carbon dioxide.
Plants create both carbohydrates and oxygen by photosynthesis from carbon dioxide and
water. Animals take up those carbohydrates and oxygen and utilize them as an energy
source and release carbon dioxide and water. Then this cycle starts again. Since the carbon
dioxide is recycled in this system, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere does not
increase. If electrical energy could be directly acquired from this cycle, we could obtain more
environmentally friendly energy than that from fossil fuels. Furthermore, renewable energy
sources such as glucose (which is present in plants and therefore abundantly available) have
an extremely high energy density. Therefore, this bio battery, which is based on Energy for
activity, that is the ATP and thermal energy commonly used in the living organism, can be
obtained from the exchange of the electrons and protons through these two enzymatic
reactions.
THE MECHANISM BEHIND BIO BATTERY
Like a conventional fuel cell battery, Bio Battery basically consists of an anode, cathode,
electrolyte and separator. However, Bio Battery has certain specific characteristics. First,
biological enzymes are used as catalysts for the anode and cathode. Second, enzymes and
electronic mediators (which transfer electrons between enzymes, and between enzymes and
electrodes) are fixed on the anode and cathode.
ADVANTAGES
A significant advantage that biobatteries have in comparison to other batteries is their
ability to allow an instant recharge.In other words through a constant supply of sugar, or
glucose, bio batteries are able to continuously keep themselves charged without an external
power supply. Bio batteries are also a source of nonflammable, and nontoxic fuel. This
provides a clean alternative renewable power source.
DISADVANTAGES
Compared to conventional batteries, such as lithium batteries, biobatteries are less likely to
retain most of their energy. This causes a problem when it comes to long term usage and
storage of energy for these batteries. However, researchers are continuing to develop the
battery in order to make it a more practical replacement for current batteries and sources of
energy.