Session: 17-01-01: Research Posters

Paper Number: 150533

150533 - Efficient Hydrogen Production Through High Volatile Fatty Acids Yield 

For years research and experiments have been conducted to create a way to acquire and apply hydrogen to be used as a fuel source, but none have been able to efficiently do so. Doing so will allow for a clean fuel source that is both abundant and inexpensive. The purpose of this study is to investigate insights into hydrogen production through volatile fatty acids (VFAs) using microbial electrolysis. VFAs will be produced and obtained from two different reactors: a commercial bioreactor, the BioFlo 120, and a custom-designed scaled down bioreactor created by graduate students at Tarleton State University. The hydrogen and VFA production from each reactor will be collected and tested to find efficiency and overall yield. An equal amount of the substate, liquid cheese whey, and the inoculate, bacteria, will be added to both reactors where they will be fermented at a regulated temperature and pH level. The created VFAs will be gathered to be tested and then added to two microbial electrolysis cells (MEC). The MECs being used are identical in being composed of a dual-chamber reactor, bioelectrodes, titanium wires, and a cell membrane. The bioelectrodes chosen are the same for both anode and cathode, composed of carbon and will be wrapped in a carbon cloth. These electrodes were selected based upon the high conductivity and surface area; the carbon cloth is chosen as a beneficial non-essential part due to the additive conductivity and surface area. These larger surface areas will theoretically increase biofilm production, yielding greater hydrogen production. Titanium wire is tested as having high conductivity that is also safe in microbial electrolysis and is therefore ideal for the study. A cell membrane that is primarily for hydrogen ionic separation is needed so the Nafion N-117 is selected. Both reactors will be attached to identical power sources applying the exact voltages. Gases created through this electrolysis will be extracted and sent to the local AgriLife center where gas chromatography (GC) will be applied to test the purity of hydrogen and any other possible gases. The results of the GC will be applied in the energy balance formula, as well as other equations to find the efficiency of the experiments. The study's desired results are a high hydrogen yield that is cost-effective and efficient. The results of this study are predicted to have a moderate yield of hydrogen that is marginally efficient and is to then be a baseline study for other studies.  

Presenting Author: Wriley Ainsworth Tarleton State University

Presenting Author Biography: Wriley B. Ainsworth
21 years old
Senior at Tarleton State University
Undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering
Pursuing a career in Petroleum Engineering or Ballistics Engineering, but more than willing to explore other options.

Authors:

Wriley Ainsworth Tarleton State University
Hoe-Gil Lee Tarleton State University