High Power Density Sediment Microbial Fuel Cell for Powering Seafloor Sensors

Sediment microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are ideal for powering devices such as sensors that are designed to be operated marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. However, low power densities and difficulties with building reliable multi-cell MFC systems have limited their use. To reach the Navy’s target power density for sedimentary fuel cells a dramatic improvement in microbial fuel cell electrode current density must be achieved. Current MFC designs suffer from poor electrode kinetics, are subject to biofouling, and take weeks to start up. Additionally, the issue of power conditioning, storage, and management has not been adequately addressed. Lynntech, in collaboration with Texas A&M University, proposes to solve these problems utilizing novel materials and unique biomimetic electrode designs to greatly enhance reaction kinetics at both the anode and the cathode. Additionally, Lynntech proposes a unique multi-cell architecture that will allow the effective utilization of energy from the seafloor and provide useful power to sea floor instuments.