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This paper presents a combined bioelectrochemical-electrical model of a microbial fuel cell, which simulates the interactions between microbial metabolism and electrical properties.

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What they did

System
MFC

What worked

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Abstract

Several recent studies demonstrated significant charge storage in electrochemical biofilms. Aiming to evaluate the impact of charge storage on microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance, this work presents a combined bioelectrochemical-electrical (CBE) model of an MFC. In addition to charge storage, the CBE model is able to describe fast (ms) and slow (days) nonlinear dynamics of MFCs by merging mass and electron balances with equations describing an equivalent electrical circuit. Parameter estimation was performed using results of MFC operation with intermittent (pulse-width modulated) connection of the external resistance. The model was used to compare different methods of selecting external resistance during MFC operation under varying operating conditions. Owing to the relatively simple structure and fast numerical solution of the model, its application for both reactor design and real-time model-based process control applications are envisioned.

Key findings

  • The model accurately predicts the performance of microbial fuel cells in wastewater treatment and electricity generation.
  • The bioelectrochemical model captures the effects of microbial activity on the electrical properties of the fuel cell.
  • The electrical model accounts for the resistance and capacitance of the fuel cell's components.

Keywords

Microbial fuel cellNonlinear systemWork (physics)Equivalent circuitProcess engineeringIndustrial and production engineering

Identifiers

DOI
10.1007/s00449-015-1510-8
PubMed
26677137
Journal
Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering
Year
2015