Microbial fuel cell

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of battery, disclose a kind of microbial fuel cell, the cell includes anaerobic membrane biological reaction chamber, cathode chamber, anode, cathode, external circuit, pumping pipeline and water pump;Anode is arranged in anaerobic membrane biological reaction chamber, cathode is arranged in cathode chamber, anode is connected by external circuit, anaerobic membrane biological reaction chamber and cathode chamber are communicated;Anode includes a plurality of capillary filter membranes;Each of the capillary filter membranes has a hollow lumen, the inlet of pumping pipeline is communicated with the hollow lumen of each capillary filter membrane, and the water pump is arranged on the pumping pipeline.Thereby, the liquid in the anaerobic membrane biological reaction chamber is penetrated from the capillary filter membrane to the hollow lumen, the organic matter and microorganism in the liquid are intercepted outside the membrane, to promote the enrichment of organic matter and microorganism in the anode.Therefore, the electrons generated by the reaction of organic matter and microorganism are more easily conducted to the anode, and the power generation efficiency of the microbial fuel cell can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically to a microbial fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a technology that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. The principle is that microorganisms degrade organic matter in water or sludge, converting the electrons generated during the metabolism of these organic compounds into electrical energy. Therefore, microbial fuel cells can not only generate electricity but also purify the environment. Consequently, they have broad application prospects in wastewater treatment and new energy development.

[0003] However, in practical applications, during the operation of microbial fuel cells, organic matter and microorganisms are difficult to accumulate at the anode, making it difficult for the generated electrons to be conducted to the anode, resulting in low power generation efficiency of microbial fuel cells. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problem in the prior art that organic matter and microorganisms are difficult to accumulate near the anode, making it difficult for the generated electrons to be conducted to the anode, thus resulting in low power generation efficiency of microbial fuel cells, and to provide a microbial fuel cell.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a microbial fuel cell, the battery comprising an anaerobic membrane bioreactor, a cathode chamber, an anode, a cathode, an external circuit, a water pumping pipeline, and a water pump;

[0006] The anode is disposed in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber, the cathode is disposed in the cathode chamber, the anode and the cathode are connected through the external circuit, and the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber is connected to the cathode chamber;

[0007] The anode includes multiple capillary filter membranes; each capillary filter membrane has a hollow inner cavity, the inlet of the water pumping pipeline is connected to the hollow inner cavity of each capillary filter membrane, and the water pump is installed on the water pumping pipeline.

[0008] In this embodiment of the application, the anaerobic membrane bioreactor further includes a gas chamber, and the battery further includes a first aerator, a first gas delivery pipeline, a first circulation pump, and a compressor;

[0009] The air chamber is located above the liquid surface in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber, and the first aerator is located at the bottom of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber.

[0010] The inlet of the first air supply pipeline is connected to the air chamber, the outlet of the first air supply pipeline is connected to the inlet of the first aerator, and the first circulating pump and the compressor are installed on the first air supply pipeline.

[0011] In this embodiment, the battery further includes a second aerator, a second air supply pipeline, and a blower; the second aerator is located at the bottom of the cathode chamber;

[0012] The outlet of the second air supply pipeline is connected to the inlet of the second aerator, and the inlet of the second air supply pipeline is connected to the outlet of the blower.

[0013] In this embodiment of the application, the cathode includes a plurality of cathode plates, which are parallel to each other, and there is a gap between any two adjacent cathode plates;

[0014] Each of the cathode plates has a first end and a second end. The first end of each cathode plate is located below the liquid surface of the liquid in the cathode chamber, and the second end of each cathode plate is located above the liquid surface of the liquid in the cathode chamber. The second end of each cathode plate is connected to the external circuit.

[0015] In this embodiment, each of the cathode plates is inserted at an angle into the liquid inside the cathode chamber.

[0016] In the embodiments of this application, the angle between each cathode plate and the liquid surface of the liquid in the cathode chamber is 30° to 70°.

[0017] In this embodiment, the external circuit includes a resistor and a voltage acquisition device connected in parallel with the resistor, and the two ends of the resistor are respectively connected to the anode and the cathode.

[0018] In this embodiment of the application, the battery further includes a bottom liquid circulation pipeline and a second circulation pump;

[0019] The inlet of the bottom liquid circulation pipeline is connected to the bottom of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor, and the outlet of the bottom liquid circulation pipeline is connected to the inlet of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor. The second circulation pump is installed on the bottom liquid circulation pipeline.

[0020] In this embodiment of the application, the battery further includes a regulating chamber and a water inlet pump, the outlet of the regulating chamber being connected to the inlet of the water inlet pump, and the outlet of the water inlet pump being connected to the inlet of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber.

[0021] In this embodiment of the application, the battery further includes a heat exchanger, which is disposed at a first position in the bottom liquid circulation pipeline, and the outlet of the water inlet pump is connected to a second position in the bottom liquid circulation pipeline, with the first position being downstream of the second position.

[0022] The aforementioned microbial fuel cell includes an anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber, a cathode chamber, an anode, a cathode, an external circuit, a water pump, and a water pump. The anode is located within the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber, and the cathode is located within the cathode chamber. The anode and cathode are connected via the external circuit, and the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber is connected to the cathode chamber. The anode comprises multiple capillary filter membranes, each with a hollow inner cavity. The inlet of the water pump is connected to the hollow inner cavity of each capillary filter membrane, and the water pump is located on the water pump. This allows liquid in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber to permeate from the outside of the capillary filter membranes into the hollow inner cavity, trapping organic matter and microorganisms outside the membranes and promoting their accumulation at the anode. Consequently, electrons generated by the reaction of organic matter and microorganisms are more easily conducted to the anode, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the microbial fuel cell.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this application and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the embodiments of this application, but do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates a structural schematic of a microbial fuel cell according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0027] 100—Microbial fuel cell; 101—Anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber; 1011—Gas chamber; 102—Cathode chamber; 1021—Injection port; 1022—Emission port; 1023—Overflow port; 1024—Sampling point; 103—Anode; 104—Cathode; 105—Water pumping line; 106—Water pump; 107—Proton exchange membrane; 108—First aerator; 109—First air supply line; 110—First circulation pump; 111—Compressor; 112—Filter; 113—Gas collector; 114—Safety net; 115—Sludge pump; 116—Bottom liquid circulation pipeline; 1161—Sampling port; 117—Second circulation pump; 118—First thermometer; 119—Drain pipe; 120—First level gauge; 121—Regulating chamber; 1211—Inlet; 1212—Dosing port; 122—Inlet pump; 123—Second level gauge; 124—Heat exchanger; 125—Second aerator; 126—Second air supply pipeline; 127—Fan; 128—Resistor; 129—Voltage acquisition device; 130—Computer monitoring equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0030] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0031] As described in the background art, currently, during the operation of microbial fuel cells, organic matter and microorganisms are difficult to accumulate at the anode, making it difficult for the generated electrons to be conducted to the anode, thus resulting in low power generation efficiency of microbial fuel cells.

[0032] In response to this, such as Figure 1As shown, one embodiment of this application provides a microbial fuel cell 100, which includes an anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber 101, a cathode chamber 102, an anode 103, a cathode 104, an external circuit, a water pumping pipe 105, and a water pump 106. The anode 103 is disposed in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber 101, and the cathode 104 is disposed in the cathode chamber 102. The anode 103 and the cathode 104 are connected through the external circuit, and the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber 101 is connected to the cathode chamber 102. The anode 103 includes a plurality of capillary filter membranes. Each capillary filter membrane has a hollow inner cavity. The inlet of the water pumping pipe 105 is connected to the hollow inner cavity of each capillary filter membrane, and the water pump 106 is disposed on the water pumping pipe 105.

[0033] The anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) 101 serves as a container for anaerobic oxidation reactions. Specifically, the anaerobic oxidation reaction is the process by which microorganisms decompose organic matter to generate electrons under anaerobic conditions. When using the microbial fuel cell 100, the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 can contain a liquid containing microorganisms and organic matter to carry out the aforementioned anaerobic oxidation reaction. The anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 can also be referred to as the anode chamber.

[0034] In practical applications, the microorganisms in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 can be obtained through sludge inoculation and propagation. That is, sludge can be added to the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 to inoculate it with microorganisms, which can then further multiply. Specifically, these microorganisms can be anaerobic bacteria. In specific implementations, the sludge can be activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant or an anaerobic digester; furthermore, dewatered sludge can be used, thereby reducing transportation costs.

[0035] The organic matter in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 can be obtained from organic wastewater. That is, organic wastewater can be added to the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 to provide organic matter (i.e., substrate for microbial decomposition). Therefore, the liquid containing microorganisms and organic matter contained in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 can specifically be a mixture of sludge and organic wastewater. To ensure sufficient substrate for microbial decomposition, the organic wastewater added to the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 can be high-concentration organic wastewater.

[0036] The cathode chamber 102 can be used to provide a container for an aerobic reduction reaction. Specifically, the aerobic reduction reaction is a process in which, under aerobic conditions, a reduction reaction occurs at the cathode 104, where the oxygen electron acceptor located at the cathode 104 gains electrons and is reduced. When using the microbial fuel cell 100, the cathode chamber 102 can contain a liquid, which can be water.

[0037] The anode 103 can be used to receive and conduct electrons generated by the anaerobic oxidation reaction, and the cathode 104 can be used to receive electrons. The external circuit is located outside the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 and the cathode chamber 102. The anode 103 and the cathode 104 are connected through the external circuit, so that electrons can be conducted from the anode 103 to the cathode 104.

[0038] In practical applications, the anode 103 is disposed within the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101. Specifically, the anode 103 is located below the liquid surface within the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, thereby receiving and conducting electrons generated by the anaerobic oxidation reaction. The cathode 104 is disposed within the cathode chamber 102. Specifically, at least a portion of the cathode 104 is located below the liquid surface within the cathode chamber 102.

[0039] The anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 is connected to the cathode chamber 102. Specifically, the liquid in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 is connected to the liquid in the cathode chamber 102, thereby allowing proton exchange to occur between the liquids in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 and the cathode chamber 102. Thus, the battery circuit of the microbial fuel cell 100 can be constructed based on the anode 103, the external circuit, the cathode 104, and the liquid connected between the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 and the cathode chamber 102. In a specific implementation, the microbial fuel cell 100 may further include a proton exchange membrane 107, through which the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 and the cathode chamber 102 are connected.

[0040] In this embodiment, each capillary filter membrane has a hollow inner cavity, and the inlet of the water pumping pipe 105 is connected to the hollow inner cavity of each capillary filter membrane. Thus, when the water pump 106 provides power, based on the pressure difference between the outside of the capillary filter membrane and the hollow inner cavity, the liquid in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 permeates radially from the outside of the capillary filter membrane to the hollow inner cavity. After this permeation process, clean water is obtained in the hollow inner cavity and led out through the water pumping pipe 105. Simultaneously, organic matter and microorganisms in the liquid are retained outside the capillary filter membrane, thereby enriching them at the anode 103, and electrons generated by the reaction of organic matter and microorganisms are more easily conducted to the anode 103. The filter membrane can specifically be an ultrafiltration membrane or a microfiltration membrane. Each capillary filter membrane can be fixed in the liquid within the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 by a membrane frame. To facilitate the extraction of clean water, the outlet of the water extraction pipe 105 is located outside the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101.

[0041] In practical applications, to facilitate electron conduction, the anode 103 also includes a conductive material. This conductive material can be disposed on the outer surface of each capillary filter membrane, close to the outer surface, to facilitate electron transfer to the conductive material. The conductive material can also be connected to an external circuit, thereby transferring electrons to the external circuit.

[0042] The conductive material can be disposed on the outer surface of each capillary filter membrane in a manner that includes, but is not limited to, the conductive material being attached to the outer surface, the conductive material being bonded to the outer surface, or the conductive material being woven together with the capillary filter membrane. Specifically, the conductive material may include, but is not limited to, graphite carbon fiber, carbon paper, carbon cloth, carbon foam, and glassy carbon.

[0043] The cathode 104 can be made of a tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin iron-cobalt complex (FECOTMMP) and a conductive material with water-absorbing properties. The conductive material can include, but is not limited to, carbon cloth, carbon felt, carbon fiber, graphite, etc., preferably carbon felt or graphite. The tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin iron-cobalt complex can be used for the reduction reaction, and the conductive material can be used for electron transport. Using a conductive material with water-absorbing properties is more conducive to the construction of the liquid-cooled battery circuit.

[0044] It is understood that the microbial fuel cell 100 provided in this application embodiment includes an anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber 101, a cathode chamber 102, an anode 103, a cathode 104, an external circuit, a water pumping pipe 105, and a water pump 106. The anode 103 is disposed in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber 101, and the cathode 104 is disposed in the cathode chamber 102. The anode 103 and the cathode 104 are connected through the external circuit, and the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber 101 is connected to the cathode chamber 102. The anode 103 includes a plurality of capillary filter membranes. Each capillary filter membrane has a hollow inner cavity. The inlet of the water pumping pipe 105 is connected to the hollow inner cavity of each capillary filter membrane, and the water pump 106 is disposed on the water pumping pipe 105. This allows the liquid in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 to permeate from the outside of the capillary filter membrane into the hollow inner cavity, while organic matter and microorganisms in the liquid are trapped outside the membrane, causing them to accumulate at the anode 103. Consequently, electrons generated by the reaction of organic matter and microorganisms are more easily conducted to the anode 103, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the microbial fuel cell 100.

[0045] To ensure sufficient contact between microorganisms and organic matter in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, thereby further improving power generation efficiency, in one embodiment, the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 further includes a gas chamber 1011, and the microbial fuel cell 100 further includes a first aerator 108, a first air supply pipeline 109, a first circulation pump 110, and a compressor 111; the gas chamber 1011 is located above the liquid surface in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, and the first aerator 108 is located at the bottom of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101; the inlet of the first air supply pipeline 109 is connected to the gas chamber 1011, and the outlet of the first air supply pipeline 109 is connected to the inlet of the first aerator 108; the first circulation pump 110 and the compressor 111 are mounted on the first air supply pipeline 109.

[0046] In the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, the gas produced by the reaction of microorganisms and organic matter in the liquid escapes from the liquid and forms the gas chamber 1011 above the liquid surface. The gas produced by the reaction of microorganisms and organic matter can generally include hydrogen and carbon dioxide, therefore, the gas chamber 1011 contains hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

[0047] The first aerator 108 is located at the bottom of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 and is situated in the liquid, allowing the ejected gas to agitate and stir the liquid. Simultaneously, the gas ejected from the first aerator 108 can also clean the anode 103, thereby preventing the deposition of pollutants after the reaction.

[0048] To avoid clogging the nozzle of the first aerator 108 and to maximize the range of jet agitation and mixing, the first aerator 108 is preferably positioned 100mm to 200mm from the bottom surface of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101.

[0049] The first air supply pipe 109 is located outside the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 and can be used to draw gas from the air chamber 1011 and supply it to the first aerator 108 as a gas source for the first aerator 108. The gas drawn from the air chamber 1011 is then supplied to the first aerator 108 via the compressor 111, which can increase the outlet pressure of the first aerator 108, thereby enhancing the agitation and mixing effect, ensuring thorough mixing of the liquid, and allowing microorganisms and organic matter to come into full contact.

[0050] Furthermore, to protect the compressor 111, the microbial fuel cell 100 may also include a filter 112 disposed on the first gas delivery line 109. The filter 112 can be used to filter the gas before it enters the compressor 111 to remove impurities and moisture from the gas.

[0051] In practical applications, the gases produced by the reaction between microorganisms and organic matter also have certain utilization value. Therefore, the microbial fuel cell 100 may further include a gas collector 113, which is located at the top of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101. The inlet of the gas collector 113 is connected to the gas chamber 1011, and the outlet of the gas collector 113 is connected to an external gas treatment device. This allows the gas in the gas chamber 1011 to be extracted, treated, and recycled, improving resource utilization.

[0052] Considering that the reaction between microorganisms and organic matter will continuously produce gas, which may cause overpressure, the microbial fuel cell 100 may also include a safety valve 114. The safety valve 114 can be located at the top of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 to ensure that there is no overpressure or negative pressure inside the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101. Specifically, the safety valve 114 can be a water-sealed safety valve.

[0053] In order to avoid excessive dead sludge affecting the reaction in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, in one embodiment, the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 further includes a sludge collection pit 1012, which is located at the bottom of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101.

[0054] Dead sludge can be understood as sludge that has been inoculated with microorganisms but contains relatively few active microorganisms. The main components of dead sludge are sediment, inactive microorganisms, organic decomposition products, and other impurities.

[0055] The sludge collection pit 1012 can be used to discharge the dead sludge. In specific implementation, the bottom of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 can be designed as a gentle slope to form a depression, thereby forming the sludge collection pit 1012, which facilitates the rapid discharge of dead sludge.

[0056] The microbial fuel cell 100 may further include a sludge pump 115, which is disposed on an external sludge discharge pipe communicating with the sludge collection pit 1012. Specifically, the sludge pump 115 may be a screw pump.

[0057] To facilitate observation of the operation within the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 is also provided with an observation port 1013, which can be located at the top of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101.

[0058] In practical applications, sludge used for inoculating microorganisms can also be added into the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 through the observation port 1013. The observation port 1013 can also serve as a maintenance access point accessible to personnel. Specifically, the observation port 1013 can be a snap-fit ​​type observation port.

[0059] In order to ensure that the sludge can be dispersed in the liquid inside the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 as soon as possible after it is added to the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, in one embodiment, the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 also has an inlet, and the microbial fuel cell 100 further includes a bottom liquid circulation pipeline 116 and a second circulation pump 117; the inlet of the bottom liquid circulation pipeline 116 is connected to the bottom of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, the outlet of the bottom liquid circulation pipeline 116 is connected to the inlet of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, and the second circulation pump 117 is disposed on the bottom liquid circulation pipeline 116.

[0060] The bottom liquid circulation pipe 116 is used to draw the bottom liquid from the bottom of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 and circulate it back to the inlet of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, where it re-enters. This keeps the liquid in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 in a flowing state, which facilitates sludge dispersion. During the operation of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, the bottom liquid circulation pipe 116 and the second circulation pump 117 can also be activated to keep the liquid in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 in a flowing state, resulting in more uniform liquid mixing and sufficient contact between microorganisms and organic matter.

[0061] The inlet of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 can be set 200mm to 300mm above the normal working liquid level.

[0062] The bottom liquid circulation pipeline 116 may also have a sampling port 1161, which facilitates the detection of the liquid in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101. The second circulation pump 117 may be a large-flow-channel centrifugal pump.

[0063] Considering that microorganisms exhibit higher activity and greater efficiency in decomposing organic matter at temperatures between 34℃ and 36℃, the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 is also equipped with a heating device to heat the liquid within the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 and maintain it at 34℃-36℃. Specifically, it can be heated to 35℃.

[0064] Accordingly, in order to monitor the temperature of the liquid inside the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, the microbial fuel cell 100 also includes a first thermometer 118, which is installed on the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101.

[0065] Furthermore, as the microorganisms in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 multiply, their numbers increase. To provide sufficient substrate for their decomposition, organic wastewater is typically continuously introduced into the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101. To maintain a relatively constant liquid level in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, ensuring stable battery operation and power generation, the microbial fuel cell 100 also includes a drain pipe 119, which is installed on the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101. The drain pipe 119 is used to discharge excess liquid when the liquid level in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 exceeds a set level. The microbial fuel cell 100 may further include a first level gauge 120 for monitoring the liquid level in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101.

[0066] In practical applications, in order to enable organic wastewater to continuously and stably enter the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, the microbial fuel cell 100 may further include a regulating chamber 121 and an inlet pump 122. The outlet of the regulating chamber 121 is connected to the inlet of the inlet pump 122, and the outlet of the inlet pump 122 is connected to the inlet of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101.

[0067] The regulating chamber 121 can be used to temporarily store a certain amount of organic wastewater, thereby ensuring that the organic wastewater can continuously and at a stable flow rate enter the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101. The inlet pump 122 can be a large-channel centrifugal pump.

[0068] Since microorganisms are more active under weakly alkaline conditions, the pH of the liquid in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 can be maintained at a weakly alkaline level, specifically 7.2 to 7.8. Therefore, in this embodiment, the adjustment chamber 121 can also be used to pretreat the organic wastewater temporarily stored therein, which can be pH adjustment. This avoids the need for pH adjustment after the organic wastewater is introduced into the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101, thereby reducing the start-up process of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 and improving power generation efficiency.

[0069] Accordingly, the regulating chamber 121 may have an inlet 1211 and a dosing port 1212. The inlet 1211 is used to introduce organic wastewater, and the dosing port 1212 is used to add a regulating agent to adjust the pH of the organic wastewater in the regulating chamber 121. The regulating agent may include, but is not limited to, acids and alkalis, and can be selected according to the actual pH value of the organic wastewater. The microbial fuel cell 100 may further include a second level gauge 123 to monitor the liquid level in the regulating chamber 121.

[0070] Considering that adding low-temperature organic wastewater to the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 would affect the microorganisms within the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 and thus their activity, in one embodiment, the microbial fuel cell 100 may further include a heat exchanger 124, which is located at a first position of the bottom liquid circulation pipeline 116, and the outlet of the inlet pump 122 is connected to a second position of the bottom liquid circulation pipeline 116, with the first position located downstream of the second position.

[0071] The heat exchanger 124 can be used to preheat the organic wastewater to 34℃-36℃ before it enters the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101.

[0072] In order to provide sufficient oxygen to the cathode 104 to facilitate the reduction reaction, in one embodiment, the microbial fuel cell 100 further includes a second aerator 125, a second air supply line 126, and a blower 127; the second aerator 125 is located at the bottom of the cathode chamber 102, the outlet of the second air supply line 126 is connected to the inlet of the second aerator 125, and the inlet of the second air supply line 126 is connected to the outlet of the blower 127.

[0073] The second aerator 125 is located at the bottom of the cathode chamber 102 and is situated in the liquid within the cathode chamber 102.

[0074] The second air supply line 126 is located outside the cathode chamber 102 and can be used to lead the oxygen supplied by the blower 127 to the second aerator 125. The blower 127 can be a Roots blower and uses frequency conversion control to provide sufficient oxygen.

[0075] To further increase the contact area between oxygen and the cathode and thus improve power generation efficiency, in one embodiment, the cathode 104 may include a plurality of cathode plates, which are parallel to each other and have a gap between any two adjacent cathode plates; each cathode plate has a first end and a second end, the first end of each cathode plate is located below the liquid surface in the cathode chamber 102, the second end of each cathode plate is located above the liquid surface in the cathode chamber 102, and the second end of each cathode plate is connected to the external circuit.

[0076] It is understood that in the above embodiments, by configuring the cathode 104 as multiple cathode plates, the contact area between the cathode 104 and oxygen can be increased. Furthermore, a gap is provided between any two adjacent cathode plates, allowing any cathode plate to contact oxygen. Additionally, by configuring the first end of each cathode plate below the liquid surface and the second end of each cathode plate above the liquid surface, the cathode 104 can be in full contact with oxygen while forming the battery circuit.

[0077] To further ensure sufficient contact between the oxygen supplied by the second aerator 125 and each cathode plate, in the above embodiment, each cathode plate can be inserted at an angle into the liquid within the cathode chamber 102. Therefore, when the oxygen supplied by the second aerator 125 moves from the bottom to the liquid surface, the angled cathode plates can partially obstruct the oxygen, thereby prolonging the contact time between the cathode plates and the oxygen, thus allowing for more thorough contact between the oxygen and each cathode plate.

[0078] In practice, the angle between each cathode plate and the liquid surface in the cathode chamber 102 is 30° to 70°. Setting the tilt angle of each cathode plate to 30° to 70° allows for a longer contact time between each cathode plate and oxygen. In practical applications, the tilt angle of each cathode plate is adjustable, allowing for real-time adjustment based on actual production conditions.

[0079] The cathode chamber 102 may further include a filling port 1021, a drain port 1022, an overflow port 1023, and a sampling point 1024. The filling port 1021 is located at the top of the cathode chamber 102, and the drain port 1022 is located at the bottom of the cathode chamber 102. The filling port 1021 is used to add water to the cathode chamber 102. The drain port 1022 is used to drain the liquid from the cathode chamber 102 for liquid replacement. The overflow port 1023 is used to maintain the liquid level in the cathode chamber 102 to ensure normal battery operation. Sampling from the sampling point 1024 allows for monitoring the pH of the liquid in the cathode chamber 102. To stabilize the pH of the liquid in the cathode chamber 102 at a slightly alkaline level, the filling port 1021 can also be used to add a reagent that can adjust the pH. This reagent may include, but is not limited to, phosphates and nitrates.

[0080] In this embodiment of the application, the external circuit may include a resistor 128 and a voltage acquisition device 129 connected in parallel with the resistor 128. The two ends of the resistor 128 are respectively connected to the anode 103 and the cathode 104 to form a battery circuit.

[0081] The voltage acquisition device 129 can be used to acquire the voltage corresponding to the resistor 128. The external circuit may further include a computer monitoring device 130, which is connected to the voltage acquisition device 129 and can be used to monitor the voltage to determine whether the battery is operating stably.

[0082] In practical applications, the resistance value of resistor 128 is adjustable, with an adjustment range of 100Ω to 3000Ω. By setting the resistance value of resistor 128 to be adjustable, the resistance value corresponding to stable and efficient battery operation can be determined by adjusting the resistance value of resistor 128 and combining it with voltage monitoring, thereby effectively ensuring stable and efficient battery operation.

[0083] In the microbial fuel cell 100 provided in the embodiments of this application, the measured voltage can be absolute voltage, so there is no need to set a reference electrode, thereby further simplifying the structure of the microbial fuel cell 100.

[0084] When constructing the microbial fuel cell 100 provided in this application embodiment, it can be constructed based on materials such as concrete, steel, glass, fiberglass, and plastic, according to actual needs.

[0085] The startup and operation process of the microbial fuel cell 100 provided in this application embodiment can be as follows:

[0086] Start-up: High-concentration organic wastewater is slowly injected into the equalization chamber 121. After remaining in the equalization chamber for 1-2 days, it is heated by the inlet pump 122 and heat exchanger 124 before being sent into the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101. After the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 is filled to approximately 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of its volume, fresh anaerobic sludge is added to the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 through the observation port 1013. The sludge concentration can be controlled at 3% to 5%. Initially, the liquid in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 is stirred using the bottom liquid circulation pipeline 116 and the second circulation pump 117, and the liquid temperature in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 is controlled at around 35°C. When the liquid in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 reaches the set level, the observation port 1013 is closed. The hydrogen and carbon dioxide content in the gas produced in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 is checked, and the compressor 111 is started to supply the gas in the gas chamber 1011 to the first aerator 108.

[0087] Water is added to the cathode chamber 102, and the blower 127 is started to provide the oxygen required for the reaction to the second aerator 125. The voltage of the resistor 128 is collected. The resistance of the resistor 128 is controlled at 1000Ω when it is started. At the same time, the power generation of the battery is monitored. The battery start-up is completed when the voltage output is stable.

[0088] Operation: The influent pump 122 continuously delivers organic wastewater to the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101. Simultaneously, the second circulation pump 117 and heat exchanger 124 are activated to heat the incoming organic wastewater, ensuring the liquid temperature within the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 remains stable at approximately 35°C. As the organic wastewater continues to be input, when the set liquid level is exceeded, some wastewater is discharged through the drain pipe 119 to the cathode chamber 102. The liquid level in the cathode chamber 102 is controlled by the overflow port 1023 to ensure normal battery operation. The cathode chamber 102 is equipped with pH monitoring; pH-adjusting agents are added according to operational conditions to maintain a slightly alkaline pH. The pH of the liquid within the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 is maintained at a slightly alkaline level, typically between 7.2 and 7.8, through routine sampling and measurement. The battery adopts a continuous flow operation mode. Organic wastewater continuously enters the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101. The clean water obtained from the anode 103 in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor 101 is sent out by the water pump 106. The dead sludge at the bottom is collected in the sludge collection pit 1012 and discharged by the sludge discharge pump 115 to ensure the material balance of the battery system.

[0089] Tests showed that, with organic wastewater COD = 8568 mg / L, resistance 2000 Ω, and pH = 7.4, the maximum power density of this microbial fuel cell could reach 2358 mW.m. 2 The power generation effect is good.

[0090] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0091] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A microbial fuel cell, characterized in that, The battery includes an anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber, a cathode chamber, an anode, a cathode, an external circuit, a water pumping pipeline, and a water pump. The anode is disposed in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber, the cathode is disposed in the cathode chamber, the anode and the cathode are connected through the external circuit, and the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber is connected to the cathode chamber; The anode includes multiple capillary filter membranes; each capillary filter membrane has a hollow inner cavity, and the inlet of the water pump is connected to the hollow inner cavity of each capillary filter membrane. The water pump is installed on the water pump so that, when the water pump provides power, the liquid in the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber permeates radially from the outside of the capillary filter membrane to the hollow inner cavity, and is led out through the water pump. As a result, organic matter and microorganisms in the liquid are trapped outside the capillary filter membrane and enriched at the anode. The anaerobic membrane bioreactor also includes a gas chamber, and the battery also includes a first aerator, a first air supply pipeline, a first circulation pump, and a compressor; the gas chamber is located above the liquid surface inside the anaerobic membrane bioreactor, and the first aerator is located at the bottom of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor; the inlet of the first air supply pipeline is connected to the gas chamber, the outlet of the first air supply pipeline is connected to the inlet of the first aerator, and the first circulation pump and the compressor are arranged on the first air supply pipeline; The battery also includes a second aerator, a second air supply pipe, and a blower; the second aerator is located at the bottom of the cathode chamber; the outlet of the second air supply pipe is connected to the inlet of the second aerator, and the inlet of the second air supply pipe is connected to the outlet of the blower. The cathode includes multiple cathode plates that are parallel to each other and have a gap between any two adjacent cathode plates. Each cathode plate has a first end and a second end. The first end of each cathode plate is located below the liquid surface in the cathode chamber, and the second end of each cathode plate is located above the liquid surface in the cathode chamber. The second end of each cathode plate is connected to the external circuit. Each cathode plate is inserted obliquely into the liquid in the cathode chamber, and the angle between each cathode plate and the liquid surface in the cathode chamber is 30° to 70°.

2. The microbial fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external circuit includes a resistor and a voltage acquisition device connected in parallel with the resistor. The two ends of the resistor are respectively connected to the anode and the cathode.

3. The microbial fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery also includes a bottom liquid circulation pipeline and a second circulation pump; The inlet of the bottom liquid circulation pipeline is connected to the bottom of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor, and the outlet of the bottom liquid circulation pipeline is connected to the inlet of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor. The second circulation pump is installed on the bottom liquid circulation pipeline.

4. The microbial fuel cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, The battery also includes a regulating chamber and a water inlet pump. The outlet of the regulating chamber is connected to the inlet of the water inlet pump, and the outlet of the water inlet pump is connected to the inlet of the anaerobic membrane bioreactor chamber.

5. The microbial fuel cell according to claim 4, characterized in that, The battery also includes a heat exchanger, which is located at a first position in the bottom liquid circulation pipeline. The outlet of the water inlet pump is connected to a second position in the bottom liquid circulation pipeline, and the first position is located downstream of the second position.

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