Modular Microbial Fuel Cell Array for Underwater Sensor Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microbial fuel cells (MFCs) require extensive labor and specialized equipment for deployment and maintenance, necessitating large footprints and complex setups to generate power, limiting their scalability and usability for long-term power supply in underwater environments.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained, scalable microbial fuel cell device featuring a grid-based anode and bottle-brush cathode design, allowing for portable and deployable energy harvesting with minimal personnel and tools, utilizing carbon cloth-covered titanium anode plates and polyvinyl chloride structural members, and integrating a pressure housing for electronics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If MFCs are deployed as a linear array to provide long-term power, then the power output increases, but the deployment complexity and labor requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MFC system is divided into modular units that can be independently deployed and connected. Each module contains its own anode, cathode, and wiring, allowing incremental deployment without requiring complex pre-assembly or specialized equipment. This segmentation enables power scaling while maintaining simple deployment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The MFC modules are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized components that can be used in various configurations and environments. The same basic module design can serve multiple sensing and power generation functions, reducing the need for specialized equipment and trained personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If a linear array MFC system is deployed over large footprints, then the energy capture capacity increases, but the equipment and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy capture capacityVSAvoidequipment quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The MFC components are designed to be nested or compactly stored within minimal space during transport. The modular design allows cables, electrodes, and connectors to be stored in a compact configuration that requires minimal storage equipment, while still enabling large-scale deployment when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If linear array MFCs are stored on spools and deployed from boats, then deployment is possible, but the process requires specialized equipment and time-consuming preparation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedeployabilityVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The MFC modules are pre-assembled with all necessary electrical connections and components in place before deployment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site assembly or specialized spooling equipment, allowing rapid deployment by non-specialized personnel using minimal tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If divers are required to check the sled path for proper burial, then deployment accuracy is ensured, but the operational complexity and time requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The MFC modules incorporate self-aligning features and automatic burial mechanisms that ensure proper deployment without requiring manual verification by divers. The design includes self-correcting elements that automatically position the modules correctly during deployment, maintaining accuracy while eliminating the need for complex inspection procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient energy capture and power generation from 1-100 milliwatts to watts, facilitating easy deployment and reuse in various water environments with reduced servicing needs, suitable for powering underwater sensors and other low-power electronics.

Implementation Method 1

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) capture energy from anaerobic sediments by transferring the electrons released during metabolic processes from the bacteria on the anode to oxygen surrounding the cathode in the water above the anode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrobial fuel cell electrochemical energy conversion: Microbial Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 2

MFCs are devices capable of harnessing electrochemical voltage gradients produced by microbes that then can be extracted as electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical voltage gradient: Fuel Cell

Data Source

PatentUS10637090B2Self-contained and scalable microbial fuel cell array with grid-based anode and bottle brush cathode power sensors underwater

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

A device for capturing energy, with an anode base, a rigid body, a pressure housing, a cathode array, and a wire. The anode base is connected to the rigid body, the pressure housing is connected to the rigid body, and the cathode array is connected to the rigid body. The first wire is electrically connected to the cathode array. The second wire is electrically connected to the anode base.