1-D transient microbial fuel cell simulation considering biofilm growth and temperature variation

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a new bio-reactor which can recover energy contained in the chemical bonds of complex organic materials with simultaneous wastewater treatment. Unfortunately, there are many unsolved challenges on MFCs modelling, one of those challenges is related to temperature effects on MFCs behavior, which there are only a very few numerical studies, where conducted on this issue numerically. This study presents a dynamic, one-dimensional mathematical model for MFCs, with multi-species biofilm in a two-chamber structure, which developed by coupling energy, mass and charge conservation equations. The model parameters are estimated and validated by best-fitting regression method using experimental data obtained from literatures (Maximum relative error is 8%). The model predicts influence of temperature, boundary condition, and substrate concentration variation on MFC performance. The model revealed that the power density can increase 22.5% per 10 degrees C temperature augmentation in maximum point. The proposed model should be helpful for the optimization of the design and operation conditions in MFCs.

Automated summary

The study introduces a dynamic, one-dimensional mathematical model for MFCs with a two-chamber structure and multi-species biofilm, coupling energy, mass, and charge conservation equations. The model's parameters were estimated and validated through experimental data, predicting the influence of temperature, boundary conditions, and substrate concentration variations on MFC performance. The model showed that power density can increase by 22.5% per 10 degrees C temperature increase at the maximum point, providing insights for optimizing design and operational conditions in MFCs.