Development and Simulation of a Dynamic Dual-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell Model for Bioelectrochemical Energy Generation

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) are an emerging technology that degrade organic wastes to harness electric energy through the activity of electrogenic bacteria. This paper presents the development and simulation of a dynamic microbial fuel cell (MFC) model using the Simulink software package. The model aims to provide an accurate simulation of dynamic MFC behavior, enabling easy integration of the simulation platform. With a simple and user-friendly Simulink block icon and Simulink libraries, the model allows for simple analysis and simulation. Through the integration of vital dynamic factors such as substrate concentration, microbial performance, and electrochemical kinetics, the model allows the simulation and optimization of the MFC output voltage and power profiles. Here, microbial growth and metabolism have been modeled using the Monod equation and mass transport of the substrate in the anode using Fick's first law. Further, by calculating the anode and cathode potentials and currents using the Nernst equation and the Buttler-Volmer equation, respectively, the model reproduces the development of anode potential, cathode potential, and consequent output voltage and power profiles with respect to substrate concentration, temperature, and external loading. Validating the models using Simulink proves that the model is able to successfully forecast the dynamic voltage, current, and power curves of the MFC, yielding an effective means to optimize system design, control, and performance evaluation of energy systems based on MFC. This approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of the MFC system and facilitates the design and optimization of MFC-based energy systems.