Description:BACKGROUND
Field of the invention
[001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an electricity generation system and particularly to an electricity generation system using microbial fuel cells.
Description of Related Art
[002] Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) represent an innovative approach where microorganisms are utilized to generate electricity from organic matters. A concept of using the microorganisms for electricity generation dates back to the early 20th century, but significant advancements to obtain a quantified amount of electricity is not yet introduced.
[003] Historically, early experiments and theories laid the foundation for the understanding of microbial electrogenesis and its potential applications. Researchers recognized the ability of certain microorganisms to participate in electrochemical reactions, leading to the idea of using these microbial activities to produce electrical currents. An initial focus was on demonstrating the feasibility of this concept, and notable progress was made in showcasing the basic principles of microbial fuel cells.
[004] However, to make MFCs a viable and efficient source of electricity, there's a need for substantial advancements. These advancements should encompass enhancements in several crucial aspects of MFC technology, including the selection and optimization of electrode materials, improvement of microbial catalysts, innovative reactor designs, efficient ion transfer mechanisms, and strategies to maximize power output. Systems based on MFCs of the prior art lack in achieving a quantified and reliable electrical output.
[005] There is thus a need for an electricity generation system using microbial fuel cells that overcomes all the drawbacks of the prior existing solutions.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure provide an electricity generation system, utilizing Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) to convert organic matter from wastewater into electricity. The system comprising: an anode chamber housing a first carbon rod and adapted to receive the wastewater containing microorganisms for oxidation reactions. The system further comprising: a cathode chamber housing a second carbon rod and adapted to facilitate reduction reactions. The system further comprising: a salt bridge connecting the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, composed of dissolved agar-agar in distilled water to facilitate ion transfer and maintain ionic connectivity during electrochemical reactions. The system further comprising: a voltage measuring apparatus connected to the anode chamber and the cathode chamber to measure the voltage across the Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) for quantifying the generated electricity.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure further provide a method for generating electricity using Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) using an electricity generation system. The method includes steps of: introducing wastewater containing microorganisms into an anode chamber of the electricity generation system; facilitating oxidation reactions of an organic matter in the wastewater at a first carbon rod within the anode chamber; promoting reduction reactions at a second carbon rod within a cathode chamber; connecting the anode chamber and the cathode chamber through a salt bridge made of dissolved agar-agar in distilled water to facilitate ion transfer; measuring the voltage across the anode chamber and the cathode chamber using a voltage measuring apparatus; and quantifying the generated electricity based on the measured voltage.
[008] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide an electricity generation system, and a method for generating electricity using Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs).
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to wastewater treatment. By harnessing a microbial activity in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) to convert an organic matter into electricity, this technology can contribute to more efficient and cost-effective wastewater treatment processes, minimizing environmental impact.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a scalable and versatile electricity generation solution. A modular design of the electricity generation system allows for scalability to meet various power needs. Additionally, a flexibility in choosing different conductive materials for electrodes enhances adaptability to specific operating conditions and resource availability.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a means to utilize organic waste as a valuable resource. By utilizing organic matter present in wastewater as the fuel source for the microbial fuel cells, this technology not only generates electricity but also addresses waste management concerns by converting organic waste into a usable and sustainable energy resource.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an avenue for decentralized electricity generation. The Microbial fuel cells can be employed in remote or off-grid locations, enabling decentralized power generation without relying on traditional centralized power plants. This can be particularly beneficial in areas with limited access to electricity, promoting energy self-sufficiency and resilience in communities.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an eco-friendly and efficient way to bridge an energy gap in underserved areas.
[0014]
[0015] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0016] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present disclosure and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates an electricity generation system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 1B depicts a graph representing electrical outputs Vs days, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0020] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for generating electricity using Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be clear from this description of the disclosure that the disclosure is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the disclosure also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims.
[0023] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.
[0024] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates an electricity generation system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100), utilizing Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) to convert organic matter from wastewater into electricity. The wastewater may be collected from a water source. The water source may be, but not limited to, industrial wastewater, domestic wastewater, polluted water sources, municipal water supplies, groundwater sources, well water, natural reservoirs, manmade reservoirs, and so forth. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include or otherwise cover any source of the wastewater, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies
[0026] In the context of the present invention, the microbial fuel cells (MFCs) may be utilized to convert the organic matter from the wastewater into the electricity. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise a single MFC. In another embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise multiple MFCs. The Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) may be configured in an array to scale up the electricity production by efficiently converting organic matter from a larger volume of the wastewater, according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the MFCs of the system 100 may comprise an anode chamber 102, a first carbon rod 104, a cathode chamber 106, a second carbon rod 108, a salt bridge 110, and a voltage measuring apparatus 112.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the anode chamber 102 may house the first carbon rod 104. The anode chamber 102 may be adapted to receive the wastewater containing microorganisms for oxidation reactions. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first carbon rod 104 in the anode chamber 102 may be made of a conductive material promoting electron flow during oxidation reactions.
[0028] The conductive material may be, but not limited to, a carbon, a zinc, a nickel, a copper, a graphite, an aluminum, and so forth. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include or otherwise cover any conductive material of the first carbon rod 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cathode chamber 106 may house the second carbon rod 108. The cathode chamber 106 may be adapted to facilitate reduction reactions.
[0030] The second carbon rod 108 in the cathode chamber 106 may be the conductive material for facilitating electron acceptance during the reduction reactions. The conductive material may be, but not limited to, the carbon, the zinc, the nickel, the copper, the graphite, the aluminum, and so forth. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include or otherwise cover any conductive material of the second carbon rod 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the salt bridge 110 may be adapted to connect the anode chamber 102 and the cathode chamber 106. The salt bridge 110 may be composed of dissolved agar-agar in distilled water to facilitate an ion transfer and maintain ionic connectivity during electrochemical reactions. In an embodiment of the present invention, the salt bridge 110 may be made of dissolved 6 grams of agar-agar in 150 milliliters (ml) of distilled water. The dissolved agar-agar may form the salt bridge 110 to provide a solid ionic pathway, enhancing ion transfer between the anode chamber 102 and the cathode chamber 106. An electrical circuit may be formed due to the salt bridge 110 between the first carbon rod 104 and the second carbon rod 108 to harness and utilize the generated electricity.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the voltage measuring apparatus 112 may be connected to the anode chamber 102 and the cathode chamber 106 to measure a voltage across the Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) for quantifying the generated electricity. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the voltage measuring apparatus 112 may be a multimeter DT830D. Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include or otherwise cover any voltage measuring apparatus, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The voltage measuring apparatus 112 may measure a potential difference across the anode chamber 102 and cathode chamber 106 to calculate the electrical power generated.
[0033] FIG. 1B depicts a graph 114 representing electrical outputs Vs days, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the graph 114, a highest electrical output may be obtained on day 4 for aluminum and on day 5 for copper. These findings highlight an efficiency of the system 100 in utilizing different conductive materials and Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) for electricity generation. Referring to a Table-1, the electricity may be generated within the Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) utilizing domestic wastewater. In an embodiment of the present invention, the quantity of the generated electricity may be proportionate to a strength of the wastewater.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, tests were conducted utilizing an aluminum mesh steel as the first carbon rod 104 and the second carbon rod 108. Upon circuit connection, results exhibit an electricity generation of approximately 149mW/m2 at an atmospheric temperature of 27°C. This electrical output is continuously absorbed during specific intervals throughout the day. A removal of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) from the wastewater ranges from 20-50%, as higher COD removal does not exhibit a direct correlation with power generation.
[0035] To enhance oxidation at the anode, an additional oxidation substrate may be introduced into the system 100 at a controlled rate of 0.5 milliliters (ml)/min. At the initial stage, the COD removal rate starts at 78mg/l. Active airflow is maintained at 2.5 l/min. During the preliminary stages, tests for COD removal are conducted each day at a temperature of 30°C. The average COD removal rate, within an Hourly Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) of 1 to 72 hours, ranges around 25±8%. The power production rate experiences a decrease at the onset, followed by a gradual increase. Concurrently, as the oxidation process is stimulated, there may be a slight increment in the flow of electrons within the circuit. The readings stabilize towards the end of each day within the HRT range of 1 to 72 hours. Additionally, the presence of hydrogen in the wastewater may be tested at an early stage of each day, facilitating the promotion of electron flow. These findings illustrate the dynamic interplay of various parameters that may influence electricity generation and wastewater treatment within the system 100.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first carbon rod 104 and the second carbon rod 108 made of carbon fibers may exhibit a remarkable influence on mechanical strength under tensile loads. The first carbon rod 104 and the second carbon rod 108 may potentially be employed to enhance a mechanical resilience of electrical contacts subjected to compressive or tensile forces during various processes. Furthermore, the fibers might have an added benefit of reducing a wear and tear experienced by electrical contacts. Given carbon's electrical conductivity, it may also contribute to minimizing contact resistance while facilitating the conduction of current through the electrical contacts. Electrolytes, in the context of this invention, may play a crucial role in controlling ion passage between the anode and cathode. Their primary function may involve allowing only specific ions to transit while hindering others. At the anode and cathode, these permitted ions may combine, potentially forming water as a byproduct, which subsequently drains from the cell. Consequently, as long as a fuel cell continues to receive a supply of hydrogen and oxygen, it may be capable of consistently generating electricity. The electrical power equation, as expressed, highlights the relationships between power (P), voltage (V), and current (I) for DC systems, with analogous considerations for AC systems involving the power factor (PF) and phase angle (f) between voltage and amperage.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, a substantial quantity of the wastewater may be harnessed for electricity production, offering the potential to seamlessly integrate with subsequent water treatment processes. The implementation of the system 100 may be notably straightforward due to its potential cost-effectiveness, opening avenues for adoption in various directions. The microbial fuel cell's performance, under this methodology, may be evaluated from a microbiological perspective, with the polarization curve method potentially serving as a valuable tool to analyze MFC performance. The optimal operational conditions for the MFC, in one possible scenario, may involve a 20 milliliters (ml) anode working volume, a fuel concentration of 300 mg/l, a fuel feeding rate of 0.5 milliliters (ml)/min, and a temperature of 30°C. Utilizing domestic wastewater as a fuel source may be advantageous due to its rich microbial composition from various sources, making it a viable candidate for further treatment in a wastewater treatment plant.
[0038] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for generating electricity using the Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) using the electricity generation system (100), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] At step 202, the system 100 may enable the introduction of the wastewater containing the microorganisms into the anode chamber (102).
[0040] At step 204, the system 100 may facilitate the oxidation reactions of the organic matter in the wastewater at the first carbon rod 104 within the anode chamber 102.
[0041] At step 206, the system 100 may promote the reduction reactions at the second carbon rod 108 within the cathode chamber 106.
[0042] At step 208, the system 100 may connect the anode chamber 102 and the cathode chamber 106 through the salt bridge 110 made of dissolved agar-agar in the distilled water to facilitate the ion transfer.
[0043] At step 210, the system 100 may measure the voltage across the anode chamber 102 and the cathode chamber 106 using the voltage measuring apparatus 112.
[0044] At step 212, the system 100 may quantify the generated electricity based on the measured voltage.
[0045] While the disclosure has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0046] This written description uses examples to disclose the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined in the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. An electricity generation system (100), utilizing Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) to convert organic matter from wastewater into electricity, characterized by the system (100) comprising:
an anode chamber (102) housing a first carbon rod (104) and adapted to receive the wastewater containing microorganisms for oxidation reactions;
a cathode chamber (106) housing a second carbon rod (108) and adapted to facilitate reduction reactions;
a salt bridge (110) connecting the anode chamber (102) and the cathode chamber (106), composed of dissolved agar-agar in distilled water to facilitate ion transfer and maintain ionic connectivity during electrochemical reactions; and
a voltage measuring apparatus (112) connected to the anode chamber (102) and the cathode chamber (106) to measure the voltage across the Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) for quantifying the generated electricity.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first carbon rod (104) in the anode chamber (102) is a conductive material promoting electron flow during the oxidation reactions.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second carbon rod (108) in the cathode chamber (106) is a conductive material facilitating electron acceptance during the reduction reactions.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an electrical circuit connected to the first carbon rod (104) and the second carbon rod (108) to harness and utilize the generated electricity.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage measuring apparatus (112) measures a potential difference across the anode chamber (102) and cathode chamber (106) to calculate the electrical power generated.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dissolved agar-agar forming the salt bridge (110) provides a solid ionic pathway, enhancing ion transfer between the anode and cathode chambers.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are configured in an array to scale up the electricity production by efficiently converting an organic matter into a larger volume of wastewater.
8. A method for generating electricity using Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) using an electricity generation system (100), characterized by the method comprising steps of:
introducing wastewater containing microorganisms into an anode chamber (102) of the electricity generation system;
facilitating oxidation reactions of the organic matter in the wastewater at a first carbon rod (104) within the anode chamber (102);
promoting reduction reactions at a second carbon rod (108) within a cathode chamber (106);
connecting the anode chamber (102) and the cathode chamber (106) through a salt bridge (110) made of dissolved agar-agar in distilled water to facilitate ion transfer;
measuring the voltage across the anode chamber (102) and the cathode chamber (106) using a voltage measuring apparatus (112); and
quantifying the generated electricity based on the measured voltage.

Date: October 16, 2023
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant