• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 2013

This study evaluated the effect of fluid flow on the power density in a horizontal-flow microbial fuel cell (MFC). The maximum power densities in four types of flow induced by different channel types in the anode chamber were investigated. The fluid flow at each channel was analyzed using tracer tests. Results of polarization curves showed that the maximum power densities of case 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 95.7, 129.1, 190.9 and 114.2 mW/m2, respectively. Case 3 with a set of guide walls where flow had an S type-like shape showed the highest power density. Based on the Morrill Dispersion Index (MDI) value of case 4, microbial activity would be enhanced since the reactor allows even distribution of substrate but the overflow occurrence would not guarantee stable performance. Therefore, case 3 could be an effective reactor type for MFC because of high electricity generation and stable performance.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.591-596
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• 2011

Surface floating air cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC) having horizontal flow was developed for the application of MFC technology. RVC (Reticulated vitreous carbon) coated with anyline was used as anode electrode and carbon cloth coated with Pt (5.0 g Pt/$m^2$, GDE LT250EW, E-TEK) was used as cathode electrode. As results of continuous operation with changing the flow rate from 4.3 mL/min to 9.5 mL/min, maximum power density of 4.5 W/$m^3$ was acquired at 5.4 mL/min, which was at 0.35 m/hr of flow velocity under anode electrode. When the ratio of cathode surface area to anode surface area($A_c/A_a$) was changed to 1.0, 0.5, and 0.25, the maximum power density of 2.7 W/$m^3$ was shown at the ratio of 1.0. As the ratio decreased from 1.0 to 0.25, the power density also decreased, which is caused by increasing the internal resistance resulted from reducing the surface area to contact with oxygen. Actually, internal resistances of the ratio of 1.0, 0.5, and 0.25 were 63.75${\Omega}$, 142.18${\Omega}$, and 206.12${\Omega}$, respectively.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.109-114
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• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of hydraulic retention time(HRT) on the power density in a horizontal flow microbial fuel cell(MFC) reactor. When HRTs were 15min, 30min, 60min and 180min, maximum power densities were $24.7mW/m^2$, $27.3mW/m^2$, $22.8mW/m^2$ and $17.2mW/m^2$, respectively. The highest power density was obtained at HRT of 30min. It was 59% improvement when compared to the power density at an HRT of 180min. When HRT was increased, COD removal rate increased whereas the coulombic efficiency remained constant. The result shows that the optimal performance of the horizontal flow MFC reactor could be achieved at HRT of 30min.