Modeling and Simulation of a Photosynthetic Solar Cell

Abstract

Abstract. Solar energy’s potential as a clean, abundant, and economical energy source can be effectively exploited if it is converted to electricity. Photosynthetic solar cells (PSCs) convert sunlight to electricity by using plant cells via photosynthesis and respiration. These processes can be interrupted to provide a path of lesser resistance for the transfer of protons and electrons in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell system. PSCs require no organic fuel, no active feeding system, and produce carbon-neutral power both day and night. In this article, the mechanisms of photosynthesis that generate electrons and protons in the anode chamber are described and modeled. In addition, the concentrations of various species in the anode and cathode chambers, including plant cells, sugars, reducing agents, and catalysts, are modeled as a function of time and used to simulate the electric potential across the fuel cell. The resulting flow of electrons through the external circuit is described. The influence of non-ideal effects is described and modeled, such as the resistance to the motion of protons, reactants, and products through the electrolyte, which contributes to a voltage drop across the cell. The activation energy required for the chemical reactions also contributes to voltage drop. These dynamics are modeled using differential equations for each species. This model can be used to predict the dynamics of a PSC system under various conditions. Keywords: Cell power, Cell voltage, Microbial fuel cell, Modeling, Photosynthetic solar cell, Solar energy.