09 Nov 2007
Microbial fuel cells used to power simple oceanographic sensors
Oceanographers at Oregon State University are in the process of developing microbial fuel cells to power sensors which assess certain aspects of the ocean, it has been reported.
The microbial fuel cells to be used have already been harnessed to track green turtles in the wild.
Ocean sensors are traditionally powered by batteries, but this often proves costly and alternatives have been sought.
One option would be to use microbes in sediment found on the sea floor to provide sensors with a constant source of power.
This process involves collecting electrons released by bacteria using electrodes and then diverting them around a circuit to produce power.
They are then introduced to oxygen and hydrogen ions to produce water.
"Sea floor sediment is a microbe-rich anoxic environment that can provide electrons," study participant Mark Nielsen told New Scientist.
Prototype fuel cells are now being tested in ocean environments and have been found to provide sufficient power for simple oceanographic sensors to run effectively.
"We can roughly match batteries now," Mr Neilsen told the same publication.
"If we make more improvements, they will be cheaper by saving money on ships and other costs."
© Adfero Ltd
The microbial fuel cells to be used have already been harnessed to track green turtles in the wild.
Ocean sensors are traditionally powered by batteries, but this often proves costly and alternatives have been sought.
One option would be to use microbes in sediment found on the sea floor to provide sensors with a constant source of power.
This process involves collecting electrons released by bacteria using electrodes and then diverting them around a circuit to produce power.
They are then introduced to oxygen and hydrogen ions to produce water.
"Sea floor sediment is a microbe-rich anoxic environment that can provide electrons," study participant Mark Nielsen told New Scientist.
Prototype fuel cells are now being tested in ocean environments and have been found to provide sufficient power for simple oceanographic sensors to run effectively.
"We can roughly match batteries now," Mr Neilsen told the same publication.
"If we make more improvements, they will be cheaper by saving money on ships and other costs."
© Adfero LtdSource: Adfero