Bolt-Fastened Biofuel Cell Assembly Using Photosynthetic Microorganisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biofuel cells are complex and economically inefficient, relying on complex molecules for hydrogen ion reduction and lacking in efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bio-electrochemical fuel cell utilizing a hexagonal planar structure with a cylindrical reaction chamber, incorporating photosynthetic microorganisms and enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase, which generates electricity through photo-current induction by light application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional biofuel cells use complex molecules for hydrogen ion reduction, then the electrochemical reaction can proceed, but the device complexity and economic efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex molecules from the traditional biofuel cell system. Instead of using complex organic molecules for hydrogen ion reduction, the invention employs a simplified system using photosynthetic microorganisms that naturally perform water splitting and hydrogen production, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining electrochemical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a more economically efficient approach by using photosynthetic microorganisms (such as cyanobacteria or algae) that can be cultivated cheaply and renewed continuously. These microorganisms replace expensive and complex catalysts, providing a sustainable, low-cost solution that improves economic efficiency
2Power
If traditional biofuel cells are designed for power generation, then electricity can be produced, but the structural complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functions into a single integrated system: photosynthetic biomass production and electricity generation. The photosynthetic microorganisms simultaneously produce biomass and generate electrons through photosynthesis, which are directly converted to electrical energy at the electrode, eliminating the need for separate complex subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The photosynthetic microorganisms serve multiple functions: they act as catalysts for water splitting, produce hydrogen ions and electrons for electrochemical reactions, generate oxygen for the cathode reaction, and simultaneously produce biomass. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall device structure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The fuel cell achieves efficient and continuous electricity production, suitable for wearable devices and light-emitting diodes, with enhanced stability and reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Application of light to the fuel cell assembly causes the photosynthetic microorganisms to release oxygen at the anode and induces a photo-current in the anode
Implementation Method 2
A biofuel cell is an electrochemical device in which energy derived from chemical reactions is converted to electrical energy by means of catalytic activities of living cells or by corresponding enzymes
Implementation Method 3
A bioanode is the electrode of the biofuel cell where electrons are released upon the oxidation of a fuel
Implementation Method 4
Rather than using metals as catalysts, biofuel cells use biological molecules such as enzymes to carry out the electrochemical reaction
Implementation Method 5
a biocathode is the electrode where electrons and protons from the anode are used by the catalyst to reduce oxygen to water
Data Source
AI summary
A bio-electrochemical fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell includes an anode placed between a second endplate and a supporting plate, a cathode placed between a first endplate and the supporting plate, a separator plate provided between the first endplate and the cathode, a separator plate provided between the second endplate and the anode, and at least one separator plate provided on each side of the supporting plate. The anode has a first layer and a biofilm including photosynthetic microorganisms is present on a surface of the first layer. A central aperture of the first endplate receives a flow of water containing the photosynthetic microorganisms and a central aperture of the second endplate discharges the flow of water. Application of light to the fuel cell assembly causes the photosynthetic microorganisms to release oxygen at the anode and induces a photo-current in the anode.