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Simulation and resolution of voltage reversal in microbial fuel cell stack


 
 
Contact   Fischer Fabian
 
Title   Simulation and resolution of voltage reversal in microbial fuel cell stack
 
Author(s)   Marc Sugnaux, Cyrille Savy, Christian Pierre Cachelin, Gérald Hugenin, Fabian Fischer
 
References   Bioresource Technology 238 (2017) 519–527
 
Url   http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2017.04.072
 
Abstract   To understand the biotic and non-biotic contributions of voltage reversals in microbial fuel cell stacks (MFC) they were simulated with an electronic MFC-Stack mimic. The simulation was then compared with results from a real 3 L triple MFC-Stack with shared anolyte. It showed that voltage reversals originate from the variability of biofilms, but also the external load plays a role. When similar biofilm properties were created on all anodes the likelihood of voltage reversals was largely reduced. Homogenous biofilms on all anodes were created by electrical circuit alternation and electrostimulation. Conversely, anolyte recirculation, or increased nutriment supply, postponed reversals and unfavourable voltage asymmetries on anodes persisted. In conclusion, voltage reversals are often a negative event but occur also in close to best MFC-Stack performance. They were manageable and this with a simplified MFC architecture in which multiple anodes share the same anolyte.
 
 
 
 
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