AN ANALYSIS OF TWIN-CHAMBERED MICROBIAL FUEL CELL FOR ENERGY HARVESTING USING COW DUNG AS A SUBSTRATE

An investigation is carried out for the evaluation of the performance of Microbial Fuel Cell, which is designed and operated under specific parameters. The experimental study has been extended about 45 days cycle and brought out four essential findings. Firstly, cow dung slurry ratio 1:10 is found to be suitable for harnessing sustained power generation; Second, MFC produced a maximum voltage of 1.4V within 18 days in a 45days cycle and maintained 1.0V and above for 14 days. Electricity generation continued until the end of the period. Current density and power density showed a similar trend. Thirdly, pH in anolyte decreased from 10.5- 8.5pH and catholyte increased from 3.5-4.5pH where a higher voltage recorded at pH 4.5 and pH 9 in anolyte and catholyte. Finally, during the 45-days cycle, either anolyte or catholyte was not recharged which indicates the suitability of the components selected for the MFC. All these findings are compared with previous reports and found that this is first of its kind regarding electrolytes used and generated electricity. Further studies on optimization of major parameters are required to evolve a prototype for cow dung-fed magic reactor as a potential substitute for dairy farms electricity requirement.