System and method for improving power production in linear array benthic microbial fuel cells

US10374235B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America, as represented by Secretary of the Navy · US

Inventors

• David B. Chadwick · San Diego, US
• Yolanda Meriah Arias-Thode · San Diego, US
• Andrew Higier · San Diego, US
• Lewis Hsu · Honolulu, US
• Kenneth E. Richter · San Diego, US
• Alex G. Phipps · San Diego, US
• Gregory W. Anderson · San Diego, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 26, 2017
• Grant date: Aug 6, 2019
• Expiry date: Nov 18, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E60/50
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method for improving power production comprising the steps of providing an existing linear array benthic microbial fuel cell system having an anode and a plurality of cathodes, wherein the anode is an insulated underwater cable buried beneath seafloor sediment, and wherein the plurality of cathodes are configured to be buoyant and to rise above the sea floor, wrapping the insulated underwater cable with carbon fiber bundles and a current collector, wherein the carbon fiber is coated with a binder, securing the carbon fiber bundles and current collector with a web of synthetic fiber, fraying the carbon fiber bundles, creating exposed carbon ends on the cable and removing the binder.