Energy Sources For Generation Research Articles

Potential Electrical Power Generation and Installation Cost Analysis of a Biogas Plant Chicken Farm

Poultry waste is a promising renewable energy source for electricity generation. A poultry farm comprising 20000 chickens can generate a maximum of 2000 kg of waste daily, and this waste contains a substantial amount of stored energy. Typically, this waste is disposed of resulting it doesn't become a daily burden. The main objective of this research was to focus on the extraction of electrical energy from waste through the utilization of a biogas plant. For this study, a digester with a diameter of 8.24 m and a height of 3.30 m was designed for the biogas plant, which can produce up to 148 m3 of gas per day. Consequently, a total of 208.45 KWh of energy can be generated by employing a 13-kW generator. Regarding biogas plants, the estimated cost for installation amounted to approximately BDT 1145500. Furthermore, the payback period for this plant was calculated to be 2 years.

Development of a dynamic demand response quantification and control framework for fan-coil air-conditioning systems based on prediction models

The air-conditioning demand response has gradually become an effective approach to reduce peak load of the national grid. However, with the increasing penetration of renewable energy generation sources, static performance evaluation of demand response that only fits one certain scenario cannot meet the demandsofthe times. To address this issue, a novel dynamic demand response quantification and control framework was built based on the secondary development of building energy simulation software and multilayer perceptron algorithm. In this framework, the demand response evaluation method can be used for different global temperature adjustment strategies under different external disturbances and internal loads, and the dynamic demand response control method could be further adopted for load reduction prediction and setpoint adjustment recommendation. The performance prediction model based on artificial neural network can predict the maximum load shedding during demand response period with an average absolute percentage error of 15 %, and the prediction error of load shedding intensity is ± 1 W/m2 for over 80 % of samples. Besides, the setpoint adjustment prediction model achieved an average absolute percentage error of 3 % while its prediction error is ± 0.25 °C for over 99 % of samples. The results prove that this research can provide reasonable suggestions for customers and load aggregators to achieve accurate control of setpoint adjustment in dynamic demand response conditions.

Lipolysis supports bone formation by providing osteoblasts with endogenous fatty acid substrates to maintain bioenergetic status

Bone formation is a highly energy-demanding process that can be impacted by metabolic disorders. Glucose has been considered the principal substrate for osteoblasts, although fatty acids are also important for osteoblast function. Here, we report that osteoblasts can derive energy from endogenous fatty acids stored in lipid droplets via lipolysis and that this process is critical for bone formation. As such, we demonstrate that osteoblasts accumulate lipid droplets that are highly dynamic and provide the molecular mechanism by which they serve as a fuel source for energy generation during osteoblast maturation. Inhibiting cytoplasmic lipolysis leads to both an increase in lipid droplet size in osteoblasts and an impairment in osteoblast function. The fatty acids released by lipolysis from these lipid droplets become critical for cellular energy production as cellular energetics shifts towards oxidative phosphorylation during nutrient-depleted conditions. In vivo, conditional deletion of the ATGL-encoding gene Pnpla2 in osteoblast progenitor cells reduces cortical and trabecular bone parameters and alters skeletal lipid metabolism. Collectively, our data demonstrate that osteoblasts store fatty acids in the form of lipid droplets, which are released via lipolysis to support cellular bioenergetic status when nutrients are limited. Perturbations in this process result in impairment of bone formation, specifically reducing ATP production and overall osteoblast function.

Transition to a new kind of energy: carbon emission capture using nanotechnology

At a time when the consequences of carbon emissions are becoming increasingly apparent, the world is looking for alternative energy sources to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change. One of the most promising frontiers in the search for sustainable energy is hydrogen. Often regarded as the “fuel of the future”, hydrogen is an important solution to both our energy needs and curbing carbon emissions. As we stand at the crossroads of environmental sustainability, this article begins a journey into the world of hydrogen energy. This article examines the transition to new generation energy sources and the potential of this transition to reduce carbon emissions. We explore the wonders of hydrogen as a clean and versatile energy carrier, and methods of carbon capture. In addition, this article will highlight efforts to control carbon emissions and discuss how innovative approaches such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies can be used. This can play an important role in achieving carbon emission reduction targets. In conclusion, this article will help you understand why this significant change in the energy sector is needed, how it is happening, and why it is so important for controlling carbon emissions. It serves as an introduction to our journey to reduce carbon emissions and open the door to a cleaner, more sustainable and greener energy system in the future.

Principles of resource-process modeling of territorial communities combined energy supply in the climate change prevention context

The research is devoted to the theoretical and practical substantiation of the principles of formation of systems of combined energy supply with heterogeneous sources to increase the energy efficiency of territorial communities in the conditions of climate change resistance. New approaches and structural models for the formation of local microenergy systems are proposed, which will encourage territorial communities to a new type of activity related to their own energy generation based on the use of local types of fuels and renewable energy sources. The principles of building such local energy supply systems, in general, consist in the rational distribution of resources (renewable sources, sources of combined energy generation using biofuels, energy from external networks) and coordination of the processes of generation, transmission, accumulation, distribution and consumption of energy within the boundaries of a separate territorial community by creating its own high-tech infrastructure assets. The formation of the energy balance in the medium and long term is proposed to be carried out on the basis of a resource-process analysis of the operation of local networks by finding the optimal use of local types of biofuels and renewable sources in the combined generation of electricity and heat, taking into account their current value. The cost of energy for the end consumer is determined by differentiated tariffs of energy supply companies and the use of several heterogeneous sources that participate in the process of decentralized energy production. Mathematical relations are obtained for calculating the values of the time intervals of the execution of a set of parallel processes that arise during the interaction of competing sources of distributed generation with end consumers and establishing the regularities of the formation of the energy balance a micro energy system. The proposed method can be a tool for finding optimal energy efficiency management scenarios of facilities with local energy supply, using operational redistribution of energy flows in the system of combined energy generation and forecasting current costs for energy supply in calculation periods. Such a concept can be a theoretical basis for the formation of principles of energy independence of territorial communities. Keywords: territorial community, combined-heat-and-power-system, renewable energy sources, biofuel, energy balances.

Potentials of Sawdust and Rice Husk as Source of Energy for Electricity Generation in Ebonyi South, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Aim: The study aims to evaluate experimentally the calorific value and the chemical composition of the sample (sawdust and rice husk).
 Methodology: This study was based on an experimental analysis to determine the potential of sawdust and rice husk (a combined sample) as a source of energy generation. Samples were collected from seven different areas, considering one sawmill and two rice mills in each area. The samples collected were mixed with various mass ratios, dried in an oven, and then sieved to obtain homogeneous sizes. The samples were tested for chemical composition using ultimate and proximate analysis, while the caloric values were tested using a bomb calorimeter.
 Place and duration: Ebonyi South region of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, between October 2022 and June 2023
 Study Design: With respect to potentiality and availability, the quantity of the combined sample generated per year was obtained from mill personnel. The data collected were carefully computed and analyzed to reflect the stated aim.
 Results: The results showed that the combined sample contains 36.20 MJ/kg calorific value, 3.13% carbon, 38.31% hydrogen, 6.65% sulfur, 0.11 carbon monoxide, 45.11% oxygen, and 50.96% fixed carbon. Therefore, at 80% utilization per year, 7949.69 MWh of electricity would be generated using 10334.60 tons of the sample (sawdust and rice husk) on an average scale.
 Conclusion: The study carried out has shown that the Ebonyi South region of Nigeria has the required quantity of sawdust and rice husk that can be used to generate electricity if properly harnessed. There is no doubt that the study has raised awareness about the benefits of the proper harnessing of agricultural waste to reduce the emission of dangerous gases into the environment.

The crowding out of conventional electricity generation by renewable energy sources: implications from Greek, Hungarian, and Romanian electricity markets

To achieve ambitious energy-climate targets, all EU member states have introduced policies to support the market introduction of renewable energy sources (RES) generation. Motivated to close the gap of the merit order effect (MOE) in less mature Central and South East European electricity markets, we empirically confirm economic theory predictions that in the short run, an increase in RES generation reduces electricity prices. The merit order effect is initially econometrically confirmed and quantified. Different econometric model specifications are estimated to differentiate the MOE caused by wind and solar generation and to differentiate the MOE on high-load and low-load days. In addition, we simulate the adjustment of the realised day-ahead electricity prices to the no-RES generation scenario. Modern statistical methods are applied to bridge the gap in the limited public data availability to solve simulation models used in the power system or agent-based simulations. A family of data mining algorithms is applied for the merit order estimation used in the dynamic adaptation of the generation mix to the omitted RES generation. The estimated energy imbalance caused by the excluded RES generation is therefore compensated by the additional conventional generation dispatch according to the estimated power plant merit order. The estimated supply curves for each generation technology assist the reasoning behind the established MOE in econometric models. Based on our findings, policymakers should prioritise policies that facilitate the integration of RES into their electricity markets, which would in turn accelerate energy transition. With increasingly growing shares of renewables in the system, the governments need to rethink the support scheme, where the emphasis should be placed on efficiently integrating renewables in the power system by taking into account temporal and spatial dimensions.

Fuzzy Controlled Power Management and Power Quality Enhancement for Grid Integrated Renewable Energy sources with EV Fed UPQC

Recently, the merging of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) has brought about significant changes in distribution systems. The main goal of this research is to effectively tackle power quality (PQ) concerns such as voltage fluctuations(sags and swells) and total harmonic distortion(THD) in a system connected to the grid .This system combines Solar Photovoltaic(SPV) and Wind Energy Systems(WES) and integrates a Battery Energy Storage System(BESS) and Electrical vehicles(EVs). To accomplish this, a versatile Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC), referred to as U-SWEBEV, is employed. The control of power flow, encompassing the transfer from energy generation sources to consumer loads and among various sources, is efficiently managed through the application of a Fuzzy Interface System (FIS) regulation. This FIS system plays a key role in regulating power distribution. Additionally, a fuzzy Controller is implemented to enhance Maximum power Point Tracking (MPPT) from the SPV system. This combined approach , utilizing both Fuzzy Logic and the Unified power Quality Conditioner (UPQC), significantly contributes to the efficient and effective. utilization of power resources while successfully addressing power quality (PQ) concerns with different load combinations . The proposed method reduces the total harmonic distortion of load current and source voltage at linear nonlinear, nonlinear, Nonlinear and unbalanced linear loads with % THD 1.64 ,0.04,1.20,0.04 and 2.84,2.32 which are lower than the existing methods that are available in literature.

Intention to Pay Higher Taxes Dedicated to Reduction of Coal Energy – A Case of Young Central Eastern Europeans

In an era of increasing efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, black coal creates many problems, primarily because it is a fuel used solely for burning that contaminates the environment. In countries in Central Eastern Europe, a safe and successful transition from energy produced from coal requires societal changes, as well as public and private financing. The aim of this study is to examine and better understand how different psychological factors influence young citizens' intention to engage in activities directed at coal energy reduction financially. In our pilot study, we enlisted respondents from the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia because the analysis of the main sources of energy generation in these countries provided evidence that they are behind in embracing the European Commission's strategy and meeting the renewable energy sources target. Based on a questionnaire survey, we found that Central Eastern European citizens' intention to pay higher taxes to reduce energy use from coal was moderate. Using Ajzen's theory of planned behavior, we also found that only two variables, attitude, and subjective norms, are strong determinants of environmental intentions for young Central Eastern European citizens. In addition, our study is the first to include personal responsibility as a consideration in coal energy reduction. Our extension of the theory of planned behavior with personal responsibility indicates the enormous role of the postulated environmental protection policies and media campaigns in promoting environmental awareness among young citizens.

Electrically Heated High-Temperature Thermal Energy Storage with Dual Operating Modes: From Concept to Validation

The expansion of renewable energy sources and sustainable infrastructures for the generation of electrical and thermal energies and fuels increasingly requires efforts to develop efficient technological solutions and holistically balanced systems to ensure a stable energy supply with high energy utilization. For investigating such systems, a research infrastructure was established within the nationally funded project Energy Lab 2.0 including essential components for generation, conversion and storage of different energy sources. One element includes a thermal energy storage (TES) system based on solid materials, which was supplemented by an electrically heated storage component. Hereby, the overall purpose is to efficiently generate and store high-temperature heat from electrical energy with high specific powers during the charging period and provide thermal energy during the discharging period. Today’s solutions focus on convective electrical heating elements, creating, however, two major challenges for large-scale systems: limited load gradients due to existing systemic inertias and limited operating temperatures of 700 °C in the MW scale. To overcome such restrictions, a novel electrically heated storage component with dual operating modes was developed. The central component of this solution is a ring-shaped honeycomb body based on an SiC ceramic with electrical heating registers on the inside and outside. This configuration allows, in storage operation, instantaneous direct heating of the honeycomb body via thermal radiation. At the end of systemic start-up procedures, an operational change toward a convective heating system takes place, whereby the high-temperature heat previously stored is transferred to downstream components. The simulation studies performed for such a component show, for both operating modes, high operating temperatures of over 800 °C with simultaneous high electrothermal efficiencies of up to 90%. Experimental investigations on a 100 kW scale at the DLR test facility HOTREG in Stuttgart confirmed the feasibility, performance and good agreement with simulation results for a selected honeycomb geometry with a mass of 181 kg. With its successful testing and good scalability, the developed component opens up high use case potentials in future Power-to-Heat-to-Power applications, particularly for Brayton process-based Carnot batteries and adiabatic compressed air energy storage systems.

Radiation-induced dry reforming: A negative emission process

The reaction between the most abundant greenhouse gases (GHG) to produce hydrogen might represent the most powerful and effective decarbonizing opportunity, if a low-carbon energy source is used to drive it. This is the case of methane (CH4) dry reforming (MDR) where its reaction with carbon dioxide (CO2) produces synthesis gas (syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen). This study explores the feasibility of using ionizing radiation to induce the MDR reaction, at low temperatures and/or less energy demanding conditions. Additionally, the ionizing radiation is proposed to be supplied by nuclear power plants (NPPs), which are low-carbon reliable energy generation sources. Thus, the radiolysis of CO2, CH4 and their mixtures, under γ-irradiation was evaluated in the absence and presence of nickel catalysts. The radiation-induced MDR reaction and radiation-induced catalytic promotion were proven to take place at temperatures close to ambient though at low conversion, with yields below 1%. Since irradiation and heat can be provided by a nuclear power plant, this radiation-induced reaction establishes a connection between nuclear energy to renewable resources and enables a pathway for a decarbonized cleaner chemical industry, for producing green chemicals.

Economic and Legal Issues in Challenges of Energy Sector: A Global and India Perspective

Energy occupies a dominant role in the economic development of any country in the world. Energy sources in many countries currently rely heavily on non-renewable energy supplies. Many countries depend on non-renewable energy as a source of energy generation although recently world scientists are no longer involved in looking for ways and means to produce renewable energy. This article is an attempt to examine the legal and economic issues related to the generation, transmission and distribution of energy by comparing other energy policies with India in particular. The research method is normative juridical with statutory, conceptual and comparative approaches. The results of the study show that the global energy sector is a tapestry of diverse challenges, influenced by factors such as energy sources, geopolitical considerations, and economic development levels. India, as one of the world's most populous and rapidly developing nations, faces its unique set of challenges, including the need for energy security, sustainable growth, and environmental stewardship. India ought to begin utilization of feasible energy which neither hampers its monetary development nor impact the climate, and needs to haggle between decreasing its fossil fuel by-product to reanable product. India's journey in this sector is emblematic of the broader global trends, with its unique characteristics adding depth to the narrative. As the world strives for a sustainable energy future, collaborative efforts, innovation, and adaptive legal frameworks will be essential to addressing the myriad challenges that lie ahead.

Corn ethanol production with thin stillage anaerobic digestion for bioenergy recovery: A technical and economic evaluation

The generation of bioenergy from thin stillage in a corn ethanol mill provides a new perspective for the use of by-products in a circular economy concept. Alternative technological routes for the corn ethanol by-products energy and nutrients recovery must be investigated to assess present and future decision-making toward economic and environmental indicators. The theoretical biogas production from an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor in a corn-ethanol mill and the potential thermal and electrical power generation along with the avoided greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were estimated for a large-scale industrial facility. This work aimed to assess the anaerobic digestion (AD) contribution to techno-economic indicators of a corn ethanol mill in three scenarios: 1) Standard corn-to-ethanol mill; 2) AD-CHP - thin stillage AD to produce biogas and its burning in a combined heat and power (CHP) system; 3) AD-BU - biogas purification to obtain and commercialize biomethane. The existent Brazilian market and fuels and biofuel policies place the system without AD in a slightly better position when analyzing financial indicators related to investment return. In contrast, the global energy and mass balances considering thin stillage AD showed that in the AD-CHP scenario, processing 1 ton of thin stillage would produce 10.37 m³ of biogas, which could generate 119.9 MJ of heat and 24.7 kWh of electricity in a CHP system, favoring a greener energy scenario. The energy recovered from biogas returns to the industry, supplying 7.15% of the heat required for steam production and 52.74% of the electricity requirement for industrial processing. As a renewable energy source, biogas would replace fossil sources for energy generation avoiding GHG emissions. Extrapolating the results of the present work to the Brazilian national scale, the biogas yield from the corn-to-ethanol industry would be 179.68 million m³ , the thermal energy generation from biogas could mitigate 125,574.42 ton CO2eq, and the electricity replacement could mitigate 58,193.02 ton CO2eq. Besides the mentioned energy generation and environmental benefits, the financial indicators for the examined scenarios showed that the Brazilian market and public policies related to biogas/biomethane are constraints to overcoming to larger adoption of AD by the corn-to-ethanol industry.

Proposing of a novel PV/T module in series with a ST+TE module to pursue a round-the-clock continuous energy output

As is well known, traditional solar systems can only work under conditions of solar radiation, as solar energy is the sole energy source for photovoltaic generation and heat recovery. Few studies have focused on their continuous operation throughout the day and this research gap needs to be filled. Consequently, to pursue a round-the-clock electrical power generator, in this study, a two-stage system is constructed, consisting of the first-stage photovoltaic/thermal module and the second-stage solar thermal collector with thermoelectric generators in series. Thermoelectric generators ensure that the system runs normally by day, while also utilizing the heated fluid to achieve uninterrupted energy output at night. A numerical model of the system is developed to analyze the performance changes under continuous running. From the results, the second-stage module improves the daytime heat gain, effectively boosting the electrical contribution of thermoelectric generators, whether during the day or night. At the maximum input energy, photovoltaic cells generate the greatest power of 118.37 W with an average efficiency of 14.56%. The average efficiencies of thermoelectric generators in the daytime and nighttime are 0.97% and 0.53%, enhancing the total electrical output. Additionally, the comparative analysis is performed under different parameters, as well as an economic analysis.

Biochar-based bi-functional catalyst derived from rubber seed shell and eggshell for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil

The application of biomass-based sources for energy generation has attracted much interest in recent times due to theirenvironmental benefits. In this study, the potential use of rubber seed shells and eggshells in the synthesis of bi-functional catalysts for biodiesel production has been investigated. The catalyst was produced in a sequence of steps that includedcarbonization, sulfonation, calcination, and impregnation. The catalyst was characterized using Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. The catalysts’ performance was assessed throughthe simultaneous esterification and transesterification of waste cooking oil with a free fatty acid content of 2.9 %. Response surface methodology based on central composite design was employed to model and optimize the process. The factors investigated included methanol/oil ratio (4:1 – 20:1), catalyst concentration (1 – 5 wt%), reaction temperature (50 – 70 °C), and time (1 – 5 h). The catalyst was found to have a specific surface area of 241.0 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.189 cc/g, and a pore size of 1.132 nm. A methanol/oil molar ratio of 14.2:1, catalyst concentration of 2.0 wt%, temperature of 62.5 °C, and reaction time of 2.3 h were the optimum reaction conditions required to achieve an optimum average biodiesel yield of 89.4 % and FFA conversion of 91.8 %. Also, the leaching of the catalysts wasinsignificant, and the catalysts demonstrated good reusability, producing a biodiesel yield of 81.9 % after the fifth cycle. The physicochemical properties of the produced biodiesel fall within the ranges of the recommended ASTM 6751 and EN14214 international standards. The utilization of rubber seeds and eggshells for catalyst synthesis offers a promising, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way to produce biodiesel.

Application of the Electrochemical Impedance Technique for the Study and Evaluation of Corrosion in HSLA X65 Steels in a Simulated Environment of Sour Gas H2S

The main sources for primary energy generation are oil and natural gas, high demand requires the use of pipelines that guarantee transportation in large quantities. Increased use of pipelines, for which it was necessary to develop high-strength steel tubes for long-distance transportation. High-strength, low-alloy steels (HSLA) are a great alternative for transportation, they mechanically resist high pressures and the reduction in manufacturing and maintenance costs is important for large industries. However, in sour gas (H2S) media it may be susceptible to corrosion, therefore studies to assess corrosion resistance are important. The present investigation evaluated the HSLA X65 steel in sour gas media through electrochemical and microstructural characterization techniques, showing its resistance to corrosion in aggressive media and showing that it can be used reliably for the transportation of oil and natural gas.

Reactive Power Management at PCC with DFIG Based Wind Energy System

Reduction in availability of conventional energy sources and their scarcity in the future has led to the research on adoption of renewable energy sources for electricity generation. Wind is recognized as the prominent renewable energy source for electricity generation. Due to the erratic pattern of wind, variable speed generators such as doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) are preferred over fixed speed wind generators which use synchronous generators. Due to the increase in contribution of electricity generation through renewable energy sources, power quality of the system is deteriorating. In the present paper, a new economical and tangible scheme of DFIG is proposed to compensate for the reactive power at PCC, thus improving the power quality of the grid. The effectiveness of the scheme in compensating for the reactive power is evaluated using MATLAB / Simulink environment.

Power-Flow Simulations for Integrating Renewable Distributed Generation from Biogas, Photovoltaic, and Small Wind Sources on an Underground Distribution Feeder

The rapid expansion of distributed generation leads to the integration of an increasing number of energy generation sources. However, integrating these sources into electrical distribution networks presents specific challenges to ensure that the distribution networks can effectively accommodate the associated distributed energy and power. Thus, it is crucial to evaluate the electrical effects of power along the conductors, components, and loads. Power-flow analysis is a well-established numerical methodology for assessing parameters and quantities within power systems during steady-state operation. The University of São Paulo’s Cidade Universitária “Armando de Salles Oliveira” (CUASO) campus in São Paulo, Brazil, features an underground power distribution system. The Institute of Energy and Environment (IEE) leads the integration of several distributed generation (DG) sources, including a biogas plant, photovoltaic installations, and a small wind turbine, into one of the CUASO’s feeders, referred to as “USP-105”. Load-flow simulations were conducted using the PowerWorldTM Simulator v.23, considering the interconnection of these sources. This dataset provides comprehensive information and computational files utilized in the simulations. It serves as a valuable resource for reanalysis, didactic purposes, and the dissemination of technical insights related to DG implementation.

Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Hydropower Generation: A Case Study for Três Marias Power Plant in Brazil

Study region: The Três Marias 396 MW power plant located on the São Francisco River in Brazil. Study focus: Hydropower generation is directly and indirectly affected by climate change. It is also a relevant source of energy for electricity generation in many countries. Thus, methodologies need to be developed to assess the impacts of future climate scenarios. This is essential for effective planning in the energy sector. Energy generation at the Três Marias power plant was estimated using the water balance of the reservoir and the future stream flow projections to the power plant, for three analysis periods: FUT1 (2011–2040); FUT2 (2041–2070); and FUT3 (2071–2100). The MGB-IPH hydrological model was used to assimilate precipitation and other climatic variables from the regional Eta climatic model, via global models HadGEM2-ES and MIROC5 for scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. New hydrological insights for the region: The results show considerable reductions in stream flows and consequently, energy generation simulations for the hydropower plant were also reduced. The average power variations for the Eta-MIROC5 model were the mildest, around 7% and 20%, while minimum variations for the Eta-HadGEM2-ES model were approximately 35%, and almost 65% in the worst-case scenario. These results reinforce the urgent need to consider climate change in strategic Brazilian energy planning.

Electricity production from palm oil mill effluent (POME) through the integration of a microbial fuel cell and bilirubin oxidase-producing bacteria

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a device that harnesses microbial metabolism to convert chemical energy into bio-electrical energy. Extensive research has demonstrated its efficacy in both wastewater treatment and power generation applications. This study focused on the integration of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a biocathode constructed using the oxidoreductase-producing bacterium <em>Bacillus</em> sp. MCO22 and rice straw as a cost-effective substrate. The MFC utilized palm oil mill effluent (POME) as a chemical energy source for electricity generation in the anodic chamber. The ability of the MFC was evaluated by monitoring biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) activity and electrochemical properties. Post-operation, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color removal were measured. The results revealed that the MFC with the BOD-based cathode achieved a maximum current density and power density of 0.58±0.01 A/m<sup>2</sup> and 0.17±0.00 W/m<sup>2</sup>, respectively. Furthermore, it exhibited high COD and color removal rates of 95.10±0.10% and 98.53±0.33%, respectively, without requiring an external power supply. This study presents novel insights into utilizing a BOD-producing bacterium as a whole-cell biocatalyst on the MFC cathodic surface for both electricity generation and agricultural wastewater treatment.