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michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:cardiff5 [2016-09-21 09:10] – michkamichka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:cardiff5 [2016-09-21 09:56] (current) – michka
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 =====MFCitizen @Cardiff===== =====MFCitizen @Cardiff=====
  
-**September 7th-9th, 2016** +**[[http://www.zprod.org|Paul Granjon]] & [[http://michkamelo.wordpress.com|Michka Mélo]], September 7th-9th, 2016** 
-**[[http://www.zprod.org|Paul Granjon]] & [[http://michkamelo.wordpress.com|Michka Mélo]]**+ 
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160909_184144.jpg?500|}}
  
 ====Abstract==== ====Abstract====
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 We decided to focus this second session on the topic of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), a renewable electricity production device in which electrogenic bacteria digest organic matter in an anaerobic environment. We decided to focus this second session on the topic of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), a renewable electricity production device in which electrogenic bacteria digest organic matter in an anaerobic environment.
  
-Even though the MFCs power output are very low (typically [[100 W/m3|http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.469.1949&rep=rep1&type=pdf]], or [[http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Microbial-Fuel-Cell-MFC-Using-Mud/?ALLSTEPS]|50-100 microwatts]] for the 0.5L container of the Mudwatt kit, they are very interesting because: +Even though the MFCs power output are very low (typically [[http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.469.1949&rep=rep1&type=pdf|100 W/m3]], or [[http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Microbial-Fuel-Cell-MFC-Using-Mud/?ALLSTEPS]|50-100 microwatts]] for the 0.5L container of the Mudwatt kit, they are very interesting because: 
    * they may be made 100 % from municipal solid waste and renewable resources (mud, organic waste) which can be found everywhere ;    * they may be made 100 % from municipal solid waste and renewable resources (mud, organic waste) which can be found everywhere ;
    * their operation can be quite continuous, compared to other renewables.    * their operation can be quite continuous, compared to other renewables.
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 We decided to focus this second session on the topic of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), a renewable electricity production device in which electrogenic bacteria digest organic matter in an anaerobic environment. We decided to focus this second session on the topic of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), a renewable electricity production device in which electrogenic bacteria digest organic matter in an anaerobic environment.
  
-Even though the MFCs power output are very low (typically [[100 W/m3|http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.469.1949&rep=rep1&type=pdf]], or [[http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Microbial-Fuel-Cell-MFC-Using-Mud/?ALLSTEPS]|50-100 microwatts]] for the 0.5L container of the Mudwatt kit, they are very interesting because: +Even though the MFCs power output are very low (typically [[http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.469.1949&rep=rep1&type=pdf|100 W/m3]], or [[http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Microbial-Fuel-Cell-MFC-Using-Mud/?ALLSTEPS]|50-100 microwatts]] for the 0.5L container of the Mudwatt kit, they are very interesting because: 
    * they may be made 100 % from municipal solid waste and renewable resources (mud, organic waste) which can be found everywhere ;    * they may be made 100 % from municipal solid waste and renewable resources (mud, organic waste) which can be found everywhere ;
    * their operation can be quite continuous, compared to other renewables.    * their operation can be quite continuous, compared to other renewables.
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 ===1.1 Getting mud for the Mudwatt=== ===1.1 Getting mud for the Mudwatt===
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160907_090610.jpg?500|}}
  
 We started the working session by walk to the seaside in Barry (Wales, UK), to collect: We started the working session by walk to the seaside in Barry (Wales, UK), to collect:
    * a kind of clay slush    * a kind of clay slush
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8150.jpg?300|}}
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8151.jpg?300|}}
    * a more sandy slush    * a more sandy slush
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8153.jpg?300|}}
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8154.jpg?300|}}
 +
 … to feed the Mudwatts that Paul got previously. … to feed the Mudwatts that Paul got previously.
  
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 We filled the Mudwatts first thing when we arrived at the workshop, following [[https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.teachersource.com/downloads/lesson_pdf/MudWatt_Educational_and_Instructional_Booklet.pdf|Mudwatt’s manual]]. We filled the Mudwatts first thing when we arrived at the workshop, following [[https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.teachersource.com/downloads/lesson_pdf/MudWatt_Educational_and_Instructional_Booklet.pdf|Mudwatt’s manual]].
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8156.jpg?300|}}
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8155.jpg?300|}}
  
 We labeled them as follows: We labeled them as follows:
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    * the sand-slush one was called **S** (for **“Sable”**)    * the sand-slush one was called **S** (for **“Sable”**)
    * the garden soil one was called **J** (for **“Jardin”**)    * the garden soil one was called **J** (for **“Jardin”**)
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160907_104135.jpg?500|}}
  
 ===1.3 First performance measurements=== ===1.3 First performance measurements===
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 We decided to use our freshly prototyped PTS (the INA219 current sensor on an Arduino Uno, see section 3 for details) on the B Mudwatt to see how much power was coming from out there. We decided to use our freshly prototyped PTS (the INA219 current sensor on an Arduino Uno, see section 3 for details) on the B Mudwatt to see how much power was coming from out there.
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160909_100612.jpg?500|}}
  
 Right after connexion, the load voltage was 1.03 V, and the current measured was around 10 mA, but decreasing very quickly. Right after connexion, the load voltage was 1.03 V, and the current measured was around 10 mA, but decreasing very quickly.
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 Mudwatt’s PHS - also known as its Hackerboard - is super simple: it consists of a single five-leads chip, connected to one or two small capacitor, and the load, which can be an LED or a clock. Mudwatt’s PHS - also known as its Hackerboard - is super simple: it consists of a single five-leads chip, connected to one or two small capacitor, and the load, which can be an LED or a clock.
  
-Info on the five-leads chip was hard to get. An old version of [[https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.teachersource.com/downloads/lesson_pdf/MudWatt_Educational_and_Instructional_Booklet.pdf|Mudwatt’s manual]] was refering to [[keegotech.com/forum.|a now dead forum of Keegotech]]. +Info on the five-leads chip was hard to get. An old version of [[https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.teachersource.com/downloads/lesson_pdf/MudWatt_Educational_and_Instructional_Booklet.pdf|Mudwatt’s manual]] was refering to [[http://keegotech.com/forum|a now dead forum of Keegotech]]. 
  
 Nowhere in the manual, nor in the old forum thread scavenged [[https://disqus.com/home/discussion/keegotechnologies/keegotech_forum_73/|from Discs archives]] could we find the reference of the component. There was just a reference to a “charge-pumping” activity. Nowhere in the manual, nor in the old forum thread scavenged [[https://disqus.com/home/discussion/keegotechnologies/keegotech_forum_73/|from Discs archives]] could we find the reference of the component. There was just a reference to a “charge-pumping” activity.
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      * sometimes, templates come up in large .zip files with components from a manufacturer, such as a Linear-Technology.zip. Then, you have to check if your component is in it.      * sometimes, templates come up in large .zip files with components from a manufacturer, such as a Linear-Technology.zip. Then, you have to check if your component is in it.
    * open the template in Eagle, and check that it is the right one.    * open the template in Eagle, and check that it is the right one.
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160907_122902.jpg?500|}}
      * if you are using, as we did, a fiber-glass support with a copper layer on top, keep in mind that were you cut, you are removing the copper, and therefore the electrical connexion.      * if you are using, as we did, a fiber-glass support with a copper layer on top, keep in mind that were you cut, you are removing the copper, and therefore the electrical connexion.
    * export the G-code to Eagle’s plug-in connecting it to the CNC    * export the G-code to Eagle’s plug-in connecting it to the CNC
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160907_122918.jpg?500|}}
      * beware that the G-code is defined in the right unit - metric or imperial system.      * beware that the G-code is defined in the right unit - metric or imperial system.
    * make the CNC run    * make the CNC run
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8160.jpg?500|}}
      * this part of the process is quite technical, as the dimensions there are challenging Paul’s CNC sensitivity. Paul had to try out several times, and play with :      * this part of the process is quite technical, as the dimensions there are challenging Paul’s CNC sensitivity. Paul had to try out several times, and play with :
        * the number of passes of the CNC on each cut        * the number of passes of the CNC on each cut
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 ===2.4 Building Shantaram et al.’s PHS=== ===2.4 Building Shantaram et al.’s PHS===
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8174.jpg?500|}}
  
 This was basically the same process as stated above, with a digression in updating Eagle to read the library files for the Maxim1797 layout, and getting compatibility issues with the CNC plug-in. This was basically the same process as stated above, with a digression in updating Eagle to read the library files for the Maxim1797 layout, and getting compatibility issues with the CNC plug-in.
  
 Last but not least, soldering the small surface-mount Maxim1797 and its tiny leads to the chip was quite a challenge, which Paul has adressed with years of hand-made-machines crafting experience. He drops a spot of superglue below the chip to paste it to the PCB, and then solders each lead with a tiny soldering iron tip. Last but not least, soldering the small surface-mount Maxim1797 and its tiny leads to the chip was quite a challenge, which Paul has adressed with years of hand-made-machines crafting experience. He drops a spot of superglue below the chip to paste it to the PCB, and then solders each lead with a tiny soldering iron tip.
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160909_134347.jpg?300|}}
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160909_162801.jpg?300|}}
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160909_162823.jpg?300|}}
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8175.jpg?300|}}
  
 This being said, god bless through holes components ! This being said, god bless through holes components !
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 ===2.5 Beam robotics “Solar engine” PHS=== ===2.5 Beam robotics “Solar engine” PHS===
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8163.jpg?500|}}
  
 When discussing about a lower-tech charge pump circuit, Paul mentionned the Beam robotics circuits, which are often made of basic through-hole off-the-shelf components, and are powered by renewables. When discussing about a lower-tech charge pump circuit, Paul mentionned the Beam robotics circuits, which are often made of basic through-hole off-the-shelf components, and are powered by renewables.
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 Anyway, we prototyped and tested the circuit (replacing the motor by a LED), and it worked perfectly well. A 2200 uF proved to be way to small to really see the circuit effect on a LED. We replaced it by a 10 F supercapacitor, and it worked great, lighting the LED for several minutes after cutting having charged the supercapacitor and shut down the power supply. Anyway, we prototyped and tested the circuit (replacing the motor by a LED), and it worked perfectly well. A 2200 uF proved to be way to small to really see the circuit effect on a LED. We replaced it by a 10 F supercapacitor, and it worked great, lighting the LED for several minutes after cutting having charged the supercapacitor and shut down the power supply.
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8162.jpg?500|}}
  
 ===2.6 Through-hole-components-based charge pump=== ===2.6 Through-hole-components-based charge pump===
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 ====2.7 Joule Thief PHS==== ====2.7 Joule Thief PHS====
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8171.jpg?500|}}
  
 ===2.7.1 Literature review=== ===2.7.1 Literature review===
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 ==2.7.2 First prototype and next steps== ==2.7.2 First prototype and next steps==
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8168.jpg?500|}}
  
 While searching all the information mentionned above, we wanted to do a quick test with a basic JT design. While searching all the information mentionned above, we wanted to do a quick test with a basic JT design.
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 ====3. Performance Tracking System==== ====3. Performance Tracking System====
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160909_100612.jpg?500|}}
  
 ===3.1 Why INA219 current sensor ?=== ===3.1 Why INA219 current sensor ?===
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 ===4.1 Graphite electrode=== ===4.1 Graphite electrode===
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8165.jpg?500|}}
  
 Paul built a graphite electrode of out graphite rods we bought at The Works, an Arts & Crafts shop. Paul built a graphite electrode of out graphite rods we bought at The Works, an Arts & Crafts shop.
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160908_182623.jpg?500|}}
  
 He cut down the rods in smaller chunks, drilled them, and used an old bicycle stainless steel cable to assemble them like a collar. He cut down the rods in smaller chunks, drilled them, and used an old bicycle stainless steel cable to assemble them like a collar.
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160908_182640.jpg?300|}}
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:20160908_182710.jpg?300|}}
  
 Then, he tightened them up with a second bit of bicycle staineless steel cable (a choice of material advised by Johann, from the Flower Power pot project). Then, he tightened them up with a second bit of bicycle staineless steel cable (a choice of material advised by Johann, from the Flower Power pot project).
 +
 +{{:michka:research:microbial_fuel_cells:dscf8164.jpg?500|}}
  
 A quick multimeter test showed that the overal resistance of the assembly was about 3 ohms. A quick multimeter test showed that the overal resistance of the assembly was about 3 ohms.
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