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Artificial gills for robots: MFC behaviour in water.

Ioannis Ieropoulos¹, Chris Melhuish, John Greenman

¹Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of Bristol and University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. Ioannis.Ieropoulos@brl.ac.uk

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Summary

This study developed underwater microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that use dissolved oxygen, functioning like artificial gills. Power output increased with water flow, temperature, and salinity, showing promise for autonomous underwater robots.

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Area of Science:

Electrochemistry
Marine Engineering
Biotechnology

Background:

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a sustainable power source.
Underwater applications for MFCs are emerging.
Autonomous underwater robots require reliable, long-term power.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and characterize underwater microbial fuel cells (MFCs) utilizing dissolved oxygen.
To assess the performance of MFCs under varying environmental conditions relevant to underwater operation.
To evaluate the potential of MFCs as power sources for autonomous underwater robots.

Main Methods:

Experimental setup of MFCs designed for underwater operation.
Testing MFC performance under controlled variations in water flow rate, temperature, and salinity.
Comparison of MFC output under different turbulence levels.

Main Results:

MFC power output increased proportionally with water flow rate, temperature, and salinity.
A temperature increase of 52°C resulted in a 200% increase in current output.
Increased water flow rates led to 135%-150% increases in MFC output.
Artificial seawater enhanced MFC current output by over 100%.
MFC performance differed significantly between low and high turbulent flow conditions.

Conclusions:

Underwater MFCs utilizing dissolved oxygen demonstrate significant power generation capabilities.
Environmental factors like flow rate, temperature, and salinity critically influence MFC performance.
These findings support the development of MFCs as a viable power solution for autonomous underwater robots.