Electrically Isolated Energy Harvesting

Abstract

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are a promising solid-state generation source, ideally suited to the powering of energy efficient sensors in remote locations. Benthic MFCs operate in marine or riverine sediments, utilizing the sea floor as the membrane between anode and cathode environments. Due to its simple design, the benthic MFC is a renewable, low cost, long term means to supplement the energy demands of electronics systems operating on or near the seafloor.We developed a segmented and isolated MFC design electrically coupled to a flyback based energy harvesting with self-starting capability from 350 mV, continuous operation down to 150 mV, and a peak generator to storage efficiency of 82%.This design was demonstrated in open-ocean testing in a 200 meter array. The harvesting circuit covers the full life-cycle of the MFC’s operation without alteration of boost circuitry, ensuring consistent power and resiliency. This final printed circuit board has a footprint of 4 cm x 1 cm, allowing for integration or retrofit into existing circuitry. This self-starting electrically isolated energy harvester for MFC provides for the addition of renewable energy generation into existing systems. This data will be presented at the conference.