Plant-based biobattery system and method for energy generation and storage

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method that converts chemical energy from organic compounds generated by plants into electrical energy through the action of electroactive microorganisms present in the soil. The microorganisms decompose the organic compounds, releasing electrons that flow through electrodes and a conductive medium, thereby generating an electrical current that can be used or stored. The process not only makes use of the biologically generated renewable energy, but also promotes a sustainable cycle in which the plant and the microorganisms benefit from each other, contributing to the regeneration of the system.

Description

[0001] PLANT-BASED BIOLOGICAL BATTERY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENERGY GENERATION AND STORAGE

[0002] > SCOPE OF APPLICATION

[0003] The present invention relates to a biological battery system and method for generating and storing energy, specifically to a renewable energy system that utilizes plant roots and electroactive microorganisms present in the soil and natural electrochemical principles to generate, store, and use electricity in various electronic devices.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Currently, there are various sources of renewable energy, such as solar, wind and hydroelectric, but energy generation systems based on biological processes are still little exploited at a commercial level.

[0006] Some previous attempts have shown the potential of using microorganisms to generate electrical current in systems known as microbial fuel cells.

[0007] However, a system that efficiently integrates plant roots with soil microorganisms to generate electricity through a biological battery is lacking. The plant-based biological battery is an innovative solution that harnesses the ability of plants to produce electrons through microbial activity in their roots, creating a renewable energy source.

[0008] However, the integration of this process into an efficient battery system that is easy to apply in everyday devices has not yet been fully developed.

[0009] > PROPOSED SOLUTION

[0010] The invention proposes a biological battery system and method that includes a graphite anode and cathode, which take advantage of the electrons generated by microorganisms in the soil, in contact with the roots of a plant.

[0011] It uses plant roots, interaction with electroactive microorganisms present in the soil, and graphite electrodes to generate electrical energy, store it, and supply it to electronic devices.

[0012] Graphite has high electrical conductivity. It is a conductive material for both electricity and heat due to the presence of free electrons in its carbon atoms. The electrical conductivity of graphite ranges from 10² to 10⁴ Siemens per meter (S / m). Its molecular structure allows electrons to move freely through it.

[0013] Microorganisms break down organic compounds released by the roots, generating electrons that are captured by the anode. These electrons flow through an electrical conductor to the cathode, completing the circuit and generating electricity.

[0014] The electricity generated is stored in a biological battery, which can power connected electronic devices, such as LED lights or sensors.

[0015] > BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] This presentation is accompanied by figures that allow for a better understanding of the form, structure, and operation of this invention.

[0017] • Figure 1: Schematic of the biological electrical accumulator system, showing the arrangement of the graphite electrodes in contact with the plant roots and the electrically conductive medium.

[0018] > BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The invention proposes a biological electrical storage system that uses plant roots in contact with soil microorganisms to generate and store electrical energy. The system comprises:

[0020] 1. Biological battery: A set of graphite electrodes placed in contact with plant roots. These electrodes are in contact with microorganisms present in the soil, which facilitate the flow of electrons through the plant roots, generating an electric current. 2. Electrical conductor: A metal wire that connects the electrodes and allows the electrons generated by the biological process to flow to an external circuit, enabling energy storage.

[0021] 3. Electro-active microorganisms: Microorganisms present in the soil play a key role in the generation of electricity, as they are able to transfer electrons from the roots of plants to the electrodes, thus generating an electric current.

[0022] The system of the invention allows the generation of renewable energy from biological sources and is an ecological and sustainable alternative for the generation of electricity.

[0023] > ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0024] • Renewable energy: It uses a biological process to generate electricity, which contributes to sustainability and reduces dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

[0025] • Low environmental impact: The system does not require fossil fuels or large infrastructures, making it an environmentally friendly option.

[0026] • Multiple applications: It can be used to power low-power devices, such as sensors in agricultural environments, remote monitoring systems, or even small weather stations.

[0027] > LIST OF COMPONENTS INVOLVED IN THE SYSTEM

[0028] S: Biological battery system.

[0029] Your: Floor.

[0030] • One plant (1).

[0031] • Roots (2) of said plant (1).

[0032] • Graphite anode (3) (negative electrode).

[0033] • Graphene wiring circuit (4) (GO). • Graphite cathode (5) (positive electrode).

[0034] • Energy storage equipment (6) (biological battery).

[0035] • Electro-active microorganisms (7).

[0036] • Nutrients (8).

[0037] • Connected electronic devices (9), such as LED lights or sensors.

[0038] > DEFINITIONS AND DETAILS

[0039] ■ Plant (1): Natural energy source that is able to interact with the environment to promote the transfer of electrons.

[0040] ■ Roots (2): They act as the main point of contact for electrochemical transfer with the soil.

[0041] ■ Graphite anode (3): Negative electrode of the system, connected through an electrical circuit to the cathode.

[0042] ■ Graphene wiring circuit (4): Increases current conduction efficiency through exceptional high conductivity properties.

[0043] ■ Graphite cathode (5): Complementary positive electrode to the system.

[0044] ■ Energy storage system (6): Biological battery to retain the generated energy.

[0045] ■ Electroactive microorganisms (7): They act as biological catalysts, capable of transferring electrons naturally during metabolism.

[0046] ■ Nutrients (8): Provide biological support for the metabolism of microorganisms.

[0047] ■ Connected electronic devices (9): e.g., LED lights, sensors, IoT devices, low-power equipment. > PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

[0048] The system includes a biological battery (electric accumulator) associated with a set of graphite electrodes placed in contact with the roots of plants that are in contact with microorganisms present in a soil and at least one electrically conductive medium that connects the electrodes to allow the flow of electrons.

[0049] Sustainability: Unlike conventional batteries, this system does not require toxic or finite materials, as it uses renewable natural resources and living ecosystems to generate electricity.

[0050] The system works like a microbial fuel cell (MFC), where the interaction between plant roots, electro-active microorganisms present in the soil, and electrodes generates a flow of electrons, producing an electric current.

[0051] • INTERACTION WITH PLANT ROOTS

[0052] Plant roots have a metabolic activity that generates organic compounds such as sugars and organic acids in their immediate environment. These compounds serve as an energy source for microorganisms present in the soil.

[0053] • ELECTRO-ACTIVE MICRO-ORGANISMS

[0054] Microorganisms in the soil, such as certain species of electroactive bacteria, have the ability to transfer electrons. These microorganisms break down organic compounds from the roots, releasing electrons during this process. Some of these electrons are transferred to graphite electrodes placed in contact with the roots.

[0055] • GENERATION OF ELECTRIC CURRENT

[0056] The graphite electrodes act as an interface between the microorganisms and the electrically conductive medium. As the microorganisms transfer electrons to the electrodes, these electrons accumulate in the conductive material (graphite). Subsequently, the electrons flow from the electrodes through the conductive medium to an external circuit. This generates an electric current.

[0057] • CONDUCTION AND STORAGE OF ENERGY

[0058] The flow of electrons generated between the electrodes and the conductive medium allows energy to be transported through an electrical circuit. The electricity produced can be used to power low-consumption electronic devices or stored in a storage device (such as a battery) for later use.

[0059] • BIOLOGICAL AND ELECTRICAL CYCLE

[0060] As the system continues to operate, the roots release organic compounds that feed the microorganisms, while these microorganisms generate electrons that are captured by the electrodes, keeping the biological and electrical cycle running. The method for generating energy using the system comprises the following stages:

[0061] • Provide a system with a plant (1) and its roots (2);

[0062] • Establish an electrochemical contact between the soil (Su), the electroactive microorganisms (7) and the electrodes: anodes and cathodes (3, 5);

[0063] • To capture the electrical current generated by electrochemical exchanges;

[0064] • Store the generated energy in the energy storage system (6); and

[0065] • Power at least one electronic device (9).

[0066] > IMPLEMENTATION EXAMPLE

[0067] Based on previous studies with biological battery systems based on roots and electroactive microorganisms, the following approximate range of parameters can be established:

[0068] Voltage:

[0069] Between 0.1 V and 1.2 V, depending on the activity of the microorganisms, the system design and the environment.

[0070] Current:

[0071] Between 10 pA and 500 pA, with variations depending on the size of the system and the interaction between the biological components and the physical environment. • Storage capacity:

[0072] Between 0.1 mAh and 10 mAh, depending on the size of the biological battery used and the amount of energy generated by the roots and electroactive microorganisms.

[0073] • Energy conversion efficiency

[0074] Between 1% and 10%, depending on the storage circuit design, electrode optimization, and the system's biological activity. Therefore, the description and examples provided fall within the scope of protection of this patent application, which is essentially established by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Biological battery system for energy generation and storage, characterized in that it comprises: A plant (1) with interconnected roots (2), and in turn these roots (2) are in contact with nutrients (8) and electro-active microorganisms (7) present in a soil (Su) generate electrons from the decomposition of organic compounds; At least one graphite anode (3) placed in contact with said roots (2) of the plant (1); At least one graphite cathode (5) located on the ground (Su) and at a distance from the graphite anode (5), A graphene (GO) wiring circuit (4) connecting said at least one graphite anode (3) to said at least one graphite cathode (5), allowing the flow of electrons between them; An energy accumulator (6) for storing the electricity generated by the flow of electrons, and At least one electronic device (9) powered by said energy accumulator (6).

2. Biological battery system for energy generation and storage, according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one electronic device (9) is selected from devices such as LED lamps, sensors, portable electronic devices or other electronic equipment.

3. Biological battery system for energy generation and storage, according to claim 1, characterized in that said wiring circuit (4) consists of high-efficiency conductive wires to allow the flow of electrons between the anode and the cathode 4. A method for generating energy using the system of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) Providing a system with a plant (1) and its roots (2); b) Establishing an electrochemical contact between the soil (Su), the electroactive microorganisms (7) and the electrodes: anodes and cathodes (3, 5); c) Capture the electric current generated by electrochemical exchanges; d) Store the generated energy in the energy storage system (6); e) Power at least one electronic device (9).

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