Microbial fuel cells offer a clean, efficient and reliable alternative to batteries and other environmentally harmful fuels. TIME magazine named the microbial fuel cell one of the “Top 50 Innovations for 2009.”
Recently demonstrated, the microbial fuel cell is an oceanographic mooring that exploits naturally occurring microbes, such as the Geobacter shown in green at the right, as catalysts. These microbes metabolize organic material to generate persistent, conditioned electrical power at a typical density of 0.38W/m2 footprint area. The microbial fuel cell has the ability to convert marine wastes into sustainable, clean energy.
These fuel cells may power remotely deployed Navy sensors, surveillance equipment and other underwater instruments, extending their mission availability by months, if not indefinitely.
In addition to persistence, these fuel cells do not utilize any reactive catalysts or produce hydrogen, thus presenting increased safety as well as being environmentally friendly. They provide sustainable energy as they utilize carbon compounds naturally available in the marine environment as fuel.
Field demonstrations have included microbial fuel cell-powered hydrophones, a meteorological buoy with real-time radio frequently data exfiltration, various acoustic sensors, and a bottom-resting unmanned underwater vehicle. New fuel cell designs will be used to power an acoustic array requiring 1-2W continuous power as well as an underwater acoustic modem (10-20W of pulsed power).