04-04-2012, 03:56 PM
Some Basic Concepts Related to Fuel Cells with a Focuson Microbial and EnzymaticFuel Cells
fuelcells.ppt (Size: 1.46 MB / Downloads: 109)
The PURPOSES of this investigation were to
examine and evaluate variables associated with increasing the efficiency of a microbial fuel cell .
propose and construct a prototype enzymatic fuel cell based on the previous findings.
describe in an educational science journal an inexpensive fuel cell which could be easily constructed and used in a classroom. The operation of such a cell would have diverse applications in many sciences and would integrate mathematical principles from calculus, statistics, algebra and geometry.
Advantages of Fuel Cellsvs.Internal Combustion Engines
Unlimited supply of fuel
No reliance on foreign oil
Little or no pollutants
Much higher energy conversion %
No moving parts
No noise
Procedures
A prototype microbial fuel cell was designed and built. (next slide)
Factors affecting microbial fuel cell efficiency were measured and evaluated.
Surface area of electrodes
Bacterial conc. on anode/in solution
Aerobic vs anaerobic conditions
Supplemental O2 sources
Single and mixtures of enzymes were tested in the prototype cell to compare power output.
Significant Factors AffectingMicrobial Fuel Cell Operation
Type of electrodes
Surface area of electrodes
Use of catalysts on electrodes and PEM
Conc. of hydrocarbon in anode chamber
Agitation of hydrocarbon molecules
Rate of replacement of hydrocarbons
Types of microbes/enzymes
Conc. of microbes/enzymes
[b]Significant Factors AffectingMicrobial Fuel Cell Operation[/b]
Types of mediators
Conc. of mediators
Distance between electrode and PEM
Type of proton exchange membrane(PEM)
Surface area of PEM
Source of oxygen
Temperature effects
Proposed Advantages of Enzyme Use
1. Immediate contact with substrate
2. Elimination of metabolism of
substrate by bacteria
3. Elimination of possible mixing of
hazardous bacterial types
4. If immobilized on electrodes, no
mediators are required.
Partial Composition of PEB Enzyme Solution
Lipase
Protease
Amylase
Hydrolase
Likely-dehydrogenases, lactase, decarboxylase, invertase
Supplied by Enzyme Solutions, Inc