Multi-effects of gravity and geometric flow channel on the performance of continuous microbial fuel cells

作者：Lan Tzu Hsuan; Wang Chin Tsan^*; Yang Yung Chin; Wen Tong Chong

来源：International Journal of Green Energy, 2016, 13(14): 1483-1489.

DOI：10.1080/15435075.2016.1206012

• Eco-power
• effects of gravity
• flow channel
• microbial fuel cells (MFCs)
• numerical simulation
• organic waste matter

Nowadays microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a rapidly evolving field and studied extensively because of their simultaneous dual functions of decomposing organic waste matter and eco-power generation. Now, facing their low power density, multiple effects including various gravity conditions ranging from 0 G to 2 G and three kinds of geometric flow channel (serpentine channel, serpentine tapered channel and bio-mixer channel) in MFCs were studied because of their ability to significantly impact the performance of MFCs. Numerical simulation technology, with its significant lessening of time needed and saving experimental costs required was used in this study. Results show that a better power performance was found at a condition of 0.125 G and Reynolds number Re = 41.3 regardless of flow channel in MFCs. In addition, the bio-mixer channel of the flow channels in MFCs will have a better performance than the other two channels because of its lower pressure drop and higher power generation. These findings will provide useful information on enhancing the performance of MFCs, especially with the application of low gravity conditions in the future.

• 出版日期2016