Journal of Thermodynamics & Catalysis
Open Access

Abstract

Microbial Fuel Cells: Influence of External Resistors on Power, Current and Power Density

Kamau JM, Mbui DN, Mwaniki JM, Mwaura FB and Kamau GN

The effect of external resistance on voltage, current, power, power density and current density is investigated in a microbial fuel cells using cowdung is investigated. This involves use of varying resistance resistors. The fuel cells were operated under anaerobic condition for 9 days. PVC pipe was used to make a salt bridge using lamp wicks and potassium chloride. The obtained results indicated that the maximum voltage was on day 7 with 0.153 V across 33 kΩ resistor. The power was in the range of 0.000001 to 0.01 mW, current density was in the 0.1 to 23.29 mA/m2 range while the power density was in 7.5 × 10-7 to 3.1036 mW/m2 range.