Interaction of wave-induced motion and bioelectricity generation for floating microalgal biophotovoltaic system

• Main Authors: Chin, J. C., Fong, W. C. W., Lee, K. Q., Ng, C. Y., Lee, K. M., Tey, W. Y., Siang, H.
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
• Online Access: http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/96004/; http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6311-3_31

Biophotovoltaic (BPV) system is a developing photo-bio-electrochemical technology that harnesses solar light for power generation. However, a large scale BPV farm is needed for megawatts application, which may not be economically viable as an onshore facility. Therefore, a floating BPV can be an alternative option whereby the spacious offshore area can be utilized; nonetheless, the liquid inside a floating BPV is inevitable to be affected by the ocean wave motions. Hence, the interaction effects of wave motions and power generation of floating BPV device is a crucial decision-making factor to migrate BPV from onshore to offshore area. In this study, a scaled model experiment was conducted to compare the difference in power output between static and floating BPV devices. The findings are expected to provide better understanding on the correlation of these parameters in the implementation of a floating solution for BPV.