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Dynamic polarisation reveals differential steady-state stabilisation and capacitive-like behaviour in microbial fuel cells

Authors

Pablo Ledezma

Nicolas Degrenne

Pascal Bevilacqua

Buret

Bruno Allard

John Greenman



Abstract

In this paper we present several preliminary results produced with a purposely-designed external-resistor (R ext ) sweeping tool for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Fast sampling rates show that MFCs exhibit differential steady-state stabilisation behaviours depending on R ext , with consequences for time constant (t c ) selection. At high R ext (35kΩ), it is demonstrated that a t c ≥10 min avoids underestimation not overestimation, whilst at low R ext (100Ω) 5min are sufficient, suggesting that sweeps with variable t c are possible. However, within the maximum power transfer range (2.5kΩ), steady-states are only observed at 20min t c but with a smaller confidence interval, questioning whether the polarisation technique is suitable to estimate maximum power transfer. Finally, a strategy towards the exploitation of a capacitive-like behaviour in MFCs is proposed, tapping into ≥10min periods with up to 50% higher current and energy transfer that could prove important for MFC-powered applications. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Citation

Ledezma, P., Degrenne, N., Bevilacqua, P., Buret, F., Allard, B., Greenman, J., & Ieropoulos, I. (2014). Dynamic polarisation reveals differential steady-state stabilisation and capacitive-like behaviour in microbial fuel cells. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 5, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2013.10.008

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 25, 2013
Online Publication Date Dec 1, 2013
Publication Date Jan 1, 2014
Journal Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments
Print ISSN 2213-1388
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 5
Pages 1-6
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2013.10.008
Keywords microbial fuel cells, external resistors, polarisation curve, time constant, steady-states
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/825335
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2013.10.008




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