Method for microbially generating electricity and microbial power generator

摘要

To increase the power generation efficiency of a microbial power generator by using an easy and inexpensive unit. Two plate-like cation-exchange membranes 31 are disposed in parallel in a tank 30. This arrangement allows an anode chamber 32 to be formed between the cation-exchange membranes 31. Two cathode chambers 33 are separated from the anode chamber 32 by using the respective ion-permeable nonconductive membranes 31. An oxygen-containing gas is made to pass through the cathode chamber 33. An anode solution L is supplied to the anode chamber, and, preferably, the anode solution is made to circulate. A biologically treated exhaust gas is used as the oxygen-containing gas to be supplied to the cathode chamber 33. Carbon dioxide in the biologically treated exhaust gas can promote transport of Na+ and K+ ions, and water vapor can increase the ion permeability, thereby increasing the power generation efficiency.

主权项

1. A microbial power generator, comprising:
an anode chamber having an anode and retaining a solution containing a microorganism and an electron donor, a cathode chamber having a cathode; an ion-permeable nonconductive membrane contacting the cathode, the ion-permeable nonconductive membrane separating the cathode chamber from the anode chamber; a gas inlet connected to the cathode chamber, feeding an oxygen-containing gas to the cathode chamber; an CO2/water vapor feeder feeding carbon dioxide and water vapor to the oxygen-containing gas to be fed to the cathode chamber; a gas outlet having an ejection pipe, connected to the cathode chamber, discharging an exhaust gas from the cathode chamber through the ejection pipe, wherein an inside space of the cathode chamber is vacant.