Preservation of the Canal Walls of Venice using Power from a Modified Microbial Fuel Cell

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Preservation of the Canal Walls of Venice using
Power from a Modified Microbial Fuel Cell

• Christopher M. OMalley 03
• 15 April 2003

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Degrading Canal Walls
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Degrading Canal Walls

• Walls damaged by a number of factors
• Accretion process has been tested in Venice
• Microbial fuel cell used as power source
• Goal is to assist preservation

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Accretion of Matter

• Electrical current passed through salt water
• Ionic interactions result in precipitating solids
• Solids adhere to wire mesh and solidify
• Requires constant electric current

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Modified Microbial Fuel Cell

• Carbon fiber electrodes in sediment
• Microorganisms grow in proximity
• Potential difference between sediment and water
  drives electrical current
• Potentially infinite power source

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Coupled Processes
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Objectives

• Proof of concept
• Determine most effective parameters for both
  processes
• Electrical current requirements
• Scale up calculations for application in Venice

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Experimental Parameters

• Accretion Process
• Anode material
• Anode and cathode surface areas
• pH effects
• Resistance
• Microbial Fuel Cell
• Medium composition and volume
• Electrode surface areas
• Resistance

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Parameter Results

• Rate of accretion increased with greater surface
  area
• Anodes degraded faster at lower pH values
• Electrical resistance increased over time
• Voltage compensation

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Parameter Results

• Combination sediment and sludge provided more
  current
• Larger volume and surface areas produced greater
  current
• Resistance increased over time
• Voltage compensation

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Accretion Rate
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Anode Degradation
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Production of Electricity
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Current Production and Matter Accretion
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Conclusions

• Concept of coupled process works
• Flow system needed to counteract pH effects
• Larger surface area accretes more matter for
  accretion
• Larger carbon fiber surface area produces more
  current in the modified microbial fuel cell
• Sediment and sludge medium produces more current

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Will this really work?

• Time factor
• Desired specifications for repair
• Further study needed
• Application in Venice

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Acknowledgements

• Professors DiBiasio, Miller, and Carrera
• Jack Ferraro and Doug White
• Professor Dan Gibson
• WPI Biology and Biotechnology
• Anne Giblin and Sam Kelsey
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
• Debbie Laverne
• Upper Blackstone Wastewater Remediation
  Facility
• Bill Spellane 03
• Electrical and Computer Engineering

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Questions Comments