Microbial Fuel Cell Potential in Augmenting Nigerias’ Energy Mix

Abstract

Nigeria generates less than 10000MW of electricity. There is a pressing demand for the increase in power generation for domestic and industrial application. Energy mix is a solution to generate more power. Different technologies harness different energy stored in different element. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) harnesses the energy from organic matter. In this study, three single chamber MFCs and an organic battery was built and organic waste matter used as an energy source to power multiple LED indicator bulbs functioning as road traffic lights. The average power generated by the MFCs and microbial fuel battery (MFB) during the period under investigation was 3.27V and 8.15V daily. Materials selected for the electrodes were cylindrical graphite rods and aluminium plates, while the organic matter used as electrolyte was a mixture of cow dung and water in the ration of 4:1 by weight. Tests and experiments indicated the MFC can be used in a redesigned road traffic light and safety signs to function from power generated from the MFC. Results indicated the use of organic waste matter in the MFC can serve to augment Nigeria’s energy mix while simultaneously managing organic waste matter generated and improving the state of the economy.

Keywords

• Microbial Fuel Cell,Mediatorless,Organic Matter,Power,Voltage,Current,LED bulbs,Energy Mix

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