Energy harvest with mangrove benthic microbial fuel cells

摘要: Benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFCs) are continuous electricity generators using electroactive microorganisms and organic matter from aquatic environment, respectively, as catalysts substrate. In this paper, first a low-cost PVC-made structure is constructed to harvest mangrove environment located in French Guiana. An situ BMFC has given power density of 30 mW/m2 the anodic surface area. This performance been confirmed by experience laboratory where inter-electrode distance electrode area appeared be increasing factors. However, output one not used supply real devices such autonomous sensors. Second, meet expectation, parallel series associations were considered. These made order increase voltage consequently power, reach levels that can small sensors (about 3 V). Finally, improve association avoid reversal phenomenon, balancing circuit was simulated added connections. With method, cell BMFCs equalized, performances improved. allows an optimal energy harvesting better global efficiency set.