Microbial Fuel Cell Real World Application

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deleted-258051
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2014 3:57 pm
Occupation: Student
Project Question: My science project is to find out what effect salt has on the power output of a microbial fuel cell. I have a question on how to measure the power output of my cell.
Project Due Date: January, 27 of 2014
Project Status: I am conducting my experiment

Microbial Fuel Cell Real World Application

Post by deleted-258051 »

Hello,

For this project what would I write for the real world application people don't realy use this in the world.

My project is adding salt to a microbial fuel cell to see how the power increases.

Also for my results do I just explain my math? Also what information should I include in it as to graphs and charts.
deleted-258051
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2014 3:57 pm
Occupation: Student
Project Question: My science project is to find out what effect salt has on the power output of a microbial fuel cell. I have a question on how to measure the power output of my cell.
Project Due Date: January, 27 of 2014
Project Status: I am conducting my experiment

Re: Microbial Fuel Cell Real World Application

Post by deleted-258051 »

Also people have told me that I should include averages but the avereaga of what? What part of my paper would this go in.

I'd did four trials each one lasted five days I added salt every night. Wha am I supposed to avereaga to make the data clearer?

The power output of each trial? For every resistor?
SciB
Expert
Posts: 2071
Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2013 7:00 am
Occupation: Retired molecular biologist, university researcher and teacher
Project Question: I wish to join Scibuddies to be able to help students achieve the best science project possible and to understand the science behind it.
Project Due Date: n/a
Project Status: Not applicable

Re: Microbial Fuel Cell Real World Application

Post by SciB »

Hi,

I will try to answer all your questions but if you still need help, repost and we’ll try to help you finish up the project.

Real-World Application
This does not have to be a currently used application. Microbial fuel cells are just one of many power-generating technologies that researchers are studying as a way to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Once the optimal conditions for microbial electron production have been found, MFCs may start appearing as a supplemental power source for the home using kitchen waste or urine as nutrients for the bacteria.

Results
There are two major points in generating electricity—how much and for how long. Your data were measurements of power output over time with and without salt. The hypothesis was “Does adding a certain amount of salt to the mud increase the magnitude and duration of the electric output?” What you found is your result.

Presenting Data
Statistical tests on data are necessary to prove or disprove a hypothesis. Your measurements were of the voltage across various resistors and you need to average the data for each reading. Take the averages of the voltages and calculate the corresponding power.

You could plot the data as a bar chart or as points connected by lines. I think the latter would work best but it is up to you. Plot the power on the y-axis vs time on the x-axis for the MFC without salt and the MFC with salt. If you have at least three readings for each point you can calculate the standard deviation and put that on the graph to show statistical significance. You would need to do this to prove that the difference between the plus and minus salt curves is real.

If you have further questions let us know.

Good luck!

Sybee
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