Analysis of the dynamic performance of a microbial fuel cell using a system identification approach

Giuliano Premier, Jung Rae Kim, Alan Guwy, Richard Dinsdale, Hitesh C. Boghani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bioelectrochemical devices which use micro-organisms as catalyst for electrogenesis at the anode; oxidizing biodegradable substrate to produce electrical current. MFC power output is a function of many factors; including pH, temperature, loading rate, flow rate and electrical load. The study presents a system identification approach to determine a set of linear dynamic black box models able to quantify and represent specific nonlinear characteristics of a MFC. A sandwich-type MFC was subjected to varying electrical loads of various pseudo-random and step inputs, while observing the MFC voltage. Nonlinear behaviour was inferred from assumed piecewise linearised first order dynamic responses, at different operating points. The time constants increased from 0.5 s with PRBS loading of 100–150 Ω, to 6.2 s at 950–1 kΩ; although steady state gain varied little, (0.12–0.20 mV Ω−1). This suggests that the MFC's non-linear behaviour, dependent on operating conditions, may be adequately represented by a series of linear models. System identification suggested that linear 4th order ARX models produce the best fit. However, reasonable prediction was observed using piecewise linearised first order models. The models could be used to design and optimize controllers to regulate power and/or voltage generation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)218 - 226
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume238
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Sep 2013

Keywords

  • microbial fuel cell (mfc)
  • bioelectrochemical system (bes)
  • system identification
  • nonlinear system
  • piece-wise linearisation
  • parametric modelling

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Analysis of the dynamic performance of a microbial fuel cell using a system identification approach'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this