electric plant energy

Rooftop Wageningen University research center in the province of Gelderland, the Netherlands, carried out research that is not unusual. At the edge of the roof were two equilateral quadrilateral-shaped tub, each of which contains 12 plastic buckets filled with water and mud. In it scientists cultivate various types of grass and other water plants. But instead of cultivating the plants that became the main theme of this research at the University of Wageningen, but simbiose between plants and bacteria for energy generation.

Based on Old Theories

David Strik, an expert biochemist who did the research explains, "We are here to have plants and bacteria that cooperate. The principle can be explained simply. Plants through photosynthesis to produce the element carbon, and continue up to 40 percent of this organic matter into the soil. There live various micro-organisms, bacteria and fungi that live off organic matter from the plant. We make a biological battery, by putting two electrodes, at sites where bacteria can grow and produce electricity. "

Scientists in the Netherlands were to apply the knowledge that has been half a century old. Namely, all the organisms in the digestive process, or rather in the combustion of glucose inside the body, generating electrical energy is weak. Majority is used for the body's own metabolic processes.

Utilizing Bacteria

However, in bacteria there are different things. Usually these bacteria release electrical energy to the oxygen in the air. In an-aerobic conditions or no oxygen, the bacteria will look for other elements to receive an excessive release of electrical energy from the digestion. The process was discovered by scientists from the University of Greifswald several years ago. They then developed a so-called microbial fuel cells MFC.

Bacteria in microbial fuel cells alive in a solution containing foodstuffs. Two electrodes inserted into it. Bacteria only releasing excessive electrical energy directly to the negative pole or anode.Electricity can now be channeled. However, in microbial fuel cells MFC also apply the proposition, the output can not be greater than the input. In other words, in order to supply stable and continuous electricity takes place, the bacteria continuously fed emotion. This is the task of grass planted in a bucket placed on the roof of Wageningen university. The plants grow in a solution of food, and ensuring a continuous supply of glucose.

"What we make, is basically a natural solar energy plant cells. Plants absorb solar energy, and transmit them to the bacteria which in turn produces electricity. So we supplied electricity 24 hours a day. If the bacteria are still there, electricity continues to be produced. Winter years ago, everything freezes and the whole system was not functioning. But as soon melts again, the electricity back there, "explained David Strik.

Further plans

However, electricity generation capacity fluctuates slightly, depending on the conditions of the day, weather and crop types.For each type of plant life that trigger a requirement for different bacteria. The biggest electric power has been raised by a kind of grass that normally grows on the banks of rivers or water areas.The researchers observed, also the rice plant is a pretty good energy generation.

"Every square meter is currently producing 0.2 watts. We think within the next three years to be realized the generation of three watts per square meter. What can we do with it? Three watts is a proper power, needed to replenish me cell phones, "said David Strik.

Also, the researchers provide an overview of energy subsequent utilization of weak electric currents generated MFC microbial biofuel cell. For example to operate the lighting of the LED light emission diode. David Strik confirmed, he will market and sell the results of research and development. He has taken over the patent of the Wageningen University and founded a small private company called Plant-E. Master plan is, the entire surface of the roof planted with vegetation Univerisat Wageningen, to be able to generate electricity. David said, if it's true, then for the first time the green electricity produced in the world.