Microbial Voltaic Cell With Electron Siphons for Broad-Spectrum Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panel technologies are limited by efficiency, require complex and costly materials, are fragile, susceptible to overheating, and inefficient in varying temperatures and light conditions, with geographical limitations and high fabrication complexity.
Innovation Solution
A voltaic cell utilizing a buffer containing an ionically conductive medium with a microbial electron donor population, separated by an ion permeable and electron impermeable barrier, and electron siphons to conduct electrons to an anode and cathode, harnessing the energy conversion capabilities of photosynthetic microbes across a broad range of light wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wafer-based crystalline silicon cells or thin-film cells are used, then light conversion efficiency is improved, but fabrication complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs photosynthetic microbes that autonomously convert light energy to chemical energy and produce electrons through their natural metabolic processes. The microbes self-replenish and maintain their electron-donating capability without requiring complex external systems, thereby achieving efficient light-to-electricity conversion with simplified fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical systems (wafer-based cells, thin-film structures, protective layers) with a biological system based on photosynthetic microbes. This substitution eliminates the need for fragile semiconductor structures and multiple protective layers, reducing fabrication complexity while maintaining conversion efficiency
2Reliability
If protective layers are added to protect fragile cells, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane that selectively permits ion passage while providing protection. This single thin-film structure replaces multiple rigid protective layers, maintaining cell protection from moisture and environmental damage while reducing overall device complexity and improving flexibility
3Power
If panels are deployed in series or parallel to increase voltage or current, then power output is improved, but susceptibility to overheating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ion-permeable membrane as an intermediary between anode and cathode compartments. This membrane enables ion transport for electrical conduction while providing thermal isolation that prevents heat buildup and overheating, allowing panels to be connected in series or parallel without increasing thermal susceptibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the voltaic cell into separate anode and cathode compartments using the ion-permeable membrane. This segmentation isolates heat-generating regions while maintaining electrical connectivity through ion transport, enabling scalable panel configurations without proportional increases in overheating risk
4Productivity
If arrayed lenses and mirrors are used to focus light, then light conversion efficiency is improved, but fabrication complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs photosynthetic microbes that possess inherent light-harvesting capabilities through their natural photosynthetic apparatus. The microbes autonomously absorb light across various wavelengths and convert it to chemical energy and electrons, eliminating the need for external lenses and mirrors while maintaining high conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the natural spectral absorption characteristics of photosynthetic microbes, which can be tuned by selecting different microbial species or strains. This biological parameter adjustment replaces the need for optical components, achieving wavelength-selective light absorption with simplified fabrication
5Power
If solar cells operate at higher temperatures, then power output may increase initially, but efficiency decreases due to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The ion-permeable membrane acts as a thermal barrier that prevents heat accumulation while allowing ion transport. This intermediary structure enables the system to operate at higher temperatures without the efficiency losses associated with overheating, maintaining conversion efficiency across varying temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs microbes that can be replenished and replaced easily. The biological system tolerates temperature fluctuations better than semiconductor materials, and any thermal damage can be addressed by replenishing the microbial population rather than replacing entire panels, maintaining efficiency over time
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 voltaic cell achieves high light-to-electricity conversion rates with reduced fabrication costs and geographical flexibility, operating efficiently across varying temperatures and light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
harnessing the energy conversion capabilities of photosynthetic microbes across a broad range of light wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
separated by an ion permeable and electron impermeable barrier
Implementation Method 3
electron siphons to conduct electrons to an anode and cathode
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein is a voltaic cell containing light harvesting antennae or other biologically-based electron generating structures optionally in a microbial population, an electron siphon population having electron conductive properties with individual siphons configured to accept electrons from the light harvesting antennae and transport the electrons to a current collector, an optional light directing system (e.g., a mirror), and a regulator having sensing and regulatory feedback properties for the conversion of photobiochemical energy and biochemical energy to electricity. Also presented herein is a voltaic cell having electricity-generating abilities in the absence of light. Also presented herein is the use of the voltaic cell in a solar panel.