Microbial Power Generation Device with Acid Gas pH Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microbial power generation devices have low power generation efficiency, typically producing 50 to 150 W/m3, and there is a need for improvements in this efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Introducing an acid gas, such as carbon dioxide, into the oxygen-containing gas supplied to the positive electrode chamber of a microbial power generation device, which promotes the movement of Na+ and K+ ions through an ion-permeable non-conductive membrane, enhancing power generation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional microbial power generation devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the power generation efficiency is low (50 to 150 W/m3)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acid gas (such as CO2) into the oxygen-containing gas supplied to the positive electrode chamber, changing the chemical composition parameter of the gas mixture. This parameter change facilitates ion movement through the membrane and improves power generation efficiency without requiring complex structural modifications to the device
Solution Approach 2:
The acid gas acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the oxygen-containing gas and the ion-permeable membrane. By introducing this intermediate agent, the patent enhances ion transport efficiency and power generation performance without directly modifying the membrane or electrode structures
2Productivity
If ion movement through the membrane is enhanced, then power generation efficiency improves, but pH control becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of pH changes into a beneficial mechanism for enhancing ion movement. By introducing acid gas, the pH variation that would normally be problematic is instead utilized to create favorable conditions for ion transport through the membrane, thereby improving power generation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent deliberately changes the pH parameter by introducing acid gas into the system. This parameter change is controlled to optimize ion movement through the membrane while maintaining overall system stability and reliability
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
This approach improves power generation efficiency by neutralizing pH and facilitating ion movement, resulting in increased electrical energy production, with carbon dioxide being a cost-effective and safe choice for the acid gas.
Implementation Method 1
an acid gas is introduced into the oxygen-containing gas to be supplied to the positive electrode chamber... promotes the movement of Na+ and K+ ions through an ion-permeable non-conductive membrane... by neutralizing pH
Implementation Method 2
the positive electrode chamber separated from the negative electrode chamber by an ion-permeable non-conductive membrane... promotes the movement of Na+ and K+ ions through an ion-permeable non-conductive membrane
Implementation Method 3
the reducing power obtained when organic substances are subjected to oxidative decomposition by microbes is taken out as electrical energy... when the microbes oxidize the organic substances
Implementation Method 4
The electron mediator enters the bodies of microbes, receives electrons which are generated when the microbes oxidize the organic substances, and passes the electrons to the negative electrode
Implementation Method 5
The negative electrode is electrically connected through an external resistor (load) to a positive electrode. The electrons passed to the negative electrode move through the external resistor (load) to the positive electrode, and are passed to an electron acceptor in contact with the positive electrode. As a result of the movement of electrons, a current flows between the positive electrode and the negative electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Power generation efficiency of a microbial power generation device is improved by a simple and inexpensive means. Two plate-shaped cation-exchange membranes 31 are disposed parallel to each other in a tank body 30, whereby a negative electrode chamber 32 is formed between the cation-exchange membranes 31. Two positive electrode chambers 33 are each formed so as to be separated from the negative electrode chamber 32 by the corresponding cation-exchange membrane 31. An oxygen-containing gas is passed through the positive electrode chamber 33, a negative electrode solution L is supplied to the negative electrode chamber, and preferably the negative electrode solution is circulated. An acid gas (carbon dioxide gas) is introduced into the oxygen-containing gas to be supplied to the positive electrode chamber 33. Movement of Na+ and K+ ions is promoted by the pH neutralization effect produced by the acid gas, and thereby power generation efficiency can be improved.