WO2013116950A1

WO2013116950A1 - Microbial power cell

Info

Publication number: WO2013116950A1
Application number: PCT/CA2013/050107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Terry KASHUBA
Original assignee: Kashuba Terry
Priority date: 2012-02-09
Filing date: 2013-02-11
Publication date: 2013-08-15

Abstract

An electrical energy production and storage device for supplying energy at fluctuating power levels dependent on demand. A microbiological power supply provides electrical power to capacitors which can retain and release electric power to a consumption device at different power rates dependent on demand of the consumption device, thereby ensuring proper power and current when required. The capacitors are recharged by photovoltaic and organic electric energy transference, which also consumes ambient carbon dioxide and exhausts oxygen. In this system, the storage capacitors and the supplying energy system cooperate to provide the base power required by the consumption device. The microbiological power source can supply demand power to the capacitors and increase power output consuming required carbon dioxide and expelling oxygen as needed to optimize the lifetime characteristics of the device.

Description

TITLE: Microbial Power Cell

FIELD

[1] This disclosure relates to the field apparatuses, devices, and processes for producing and storing electrical energy and that can adjust power output to meet varying load requirements. The disclosure further relates to the field of microbial power cells, and more particularly to the field of phytomicrobial power cells.

BACKGROUND

[2] There are many known devices for storing electrical energy, also known as power cells, ranging from lead acid to nickel metal hydride. Each type of power cell has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. For example, lead acid batteries have great ability to provide high power output and when joined together can provide large currents as required for different loads. A disadvantage of lead acid batteries is that their large mass and quantity of batteries required is that they typically require a certain temperature to run and can also create a high degree of heat in use, both of which can be counterproductive to the amount of energy provided. Other batteries require thermal regulation in order to function properly, such as with lithium batteries. The high heat generated from these batteries tends to degrade the battery leading to limited lifespan of this type of battery.

[3] For general electrical device use, it is desirable to have an energy storage device that is highly efficient and that occupies minimal volume. It should also be lightweight and provide immediate surge power, as required in instances of startup or for an initial movement from a stationary position.

[4] Patent number EP0564149 to Okamura, discloses the use of capacitors connected in series and parallel without the use of batteries.

[5] With respect to a battery that would be suitable for use with the smaller load requirements of micro-electronic devices, patents US 5,900,720 and US 5,455,637 to Kallman disclose a hybrid battery that is non-rechargeable. This hybrid battery would not be suitable for larger loads and could only be used in a disposable micro appliance, as once the battery is discharged it would have to be replaced.

[6] There remains a desire for a battery, also referred to as a power cell or fuel cell, that has one or more of the following properties: does not produce heat in generation, is highly scalable, has an extended lifespan, is biodegradable, can produce high energy output, can be built with dimensional irregularities, and has a low weight to output ratio.

SUMMARY [7] An object of this invention is to overcome previous obstacles of other electrical energy storage and renewable sources. The power cell described herein is intended to be useful as a variable output thermally manageable device with very small spatial consumption.

[8] Provided is a power cell for supplying electrical power at variable rates. The first stage is a rechargeable capacitor that is recharged from the organic photovoltaic transference system. An electrical device then receives the appropriate required electrical power to operate. Another aspect is an electrical energy storage device that remains constantly electrically charged which can be delivered to an electrical load.

[9] An advantage of the present invention is that the capacitors may be simultaneously discharged and recharged to allow for continuous operation of the load electrical device.

[10] The power ceil described herein can be made in various shapes or forms which allows for little spatial loss around the battery, increasing its applicable use.

[11] The continuous optimal charge of the battery provides the electrical device energy at variable rates satisfying the power demands of the attached load. If required, the electrical generating system provides bursts of energy for surge demand. The use of the electrical energy will vary with the energy needs of the electrical device and the load application.

[12] In the power cell described herein, the organic control regulates the power from the charging system to the storage system. This inherent control allows the voltage of the power cell and that of the load to be equal. As the electrical device requirements increase, so does the organic regulation to allow for increase or decrease. When there is no load the storage capacitors are returned to a fully charged state for the next use.

[13] Provided in one embodiment is a device for generation and storage of electrical energy. The device is a variable rate energy retention and charging source contained within an insulated enclosure. The energy retention (battery/Capacitor) provides power capacity which can be attached to an electrical device allowing for both reserve power held in the capacitors and demand power coming from the bioelectric generator which constantly replenish power demand of the electrical device.

[14] In an embodiment, the power source has an inherent organic fluctuation to serve variable electrical device energy requirements, increasing and decreasing power output as an electrical device requires.

[15] In a further embodiment, the power cell provides the demand power required by the battery or the surge power of the capacitor as the consumption electrical device requires by alternating between opposing battery/capacitors. [16] In an embodiment, the power source can be recharged internally by photovoltaic or bio-electric energy transference utilizing electro kinetic microorganism fluid phenomena.

[17] In an embodiment, the battery and capacitor utilize inherent control simultaneously to create a parallel source.

[18] In an embodiment, the power cell connects the battery, capacitor and an electrical device in parallel.

[19] In an embodiment, the power cell has redundant overlapping voltages to supply connected electrical device energy requirements.

[20] In an embodiment, the power cell has an organic variable voltage dependent on the consumption electrical device that is in the range from 1.5 volts to 14 volts.

[21] In an embodiment, the capacitor is comprised of a mixture of calcium carbonate, Uranic Acid , Phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, iron oxide ,copper sulfate, citric acid, fluride , selenium, thaumatin -like-protein , amino acids, Malic acid , ethanoic acid.

[22] In an embodiment, the energy storage medium is a mixture of crushed egg shells and vinegar that is in an aqueous state until carbon dioxide is added at which point it transforms to semi solid and then back to aqueous state in a continuous loop.

[23] In an embodiment, the power cell utilizes algae to consume carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and exhaust oxygen into the atmosphere as part of the energy generation cycle. Further carbon dioxide may be produced by the capacitor and this carbon dioxide can also be consumed by the algae.

[24] In an embodiment, the power cell utilizes the reaction of the algae flowing through a micro ore composite filter to create an electrical charge.

[25] In an embodiment, the power cell utilizes the electrical charge created by the reaction to charge the capacitor and provide power to be supplied to an electrical load.

[26] In an embodiment, the power cell uses capillary action to draw an algae suspension through a series of micro tubes to create a f!uidic circulation that retains a constant charge in the capacitor.

[27] In an embodiment, the power cell uses a light refracting crystal to excite and provide light needed by the algae for photosynthesis as the algae through the micro tubes embedded in the crystal circulates.

[28] In an embodiment, the power cell uses a holding area with an adjoined expansion chamber that allows for the growth and depletion of the microorganism suspension, the volume of which fluctuates organically with the energy requirements of the attached electrical device. [29] In an embodiment, the power cell comprises replicated: micro pore composite filters, capacitors, micro tubes, holding and expansion chambers that allow for the redundant system to create a continuous loop to provide the required power of the load electrical device.

[30] In an embodiment, the power cell is enclosed in a casing and a portion of the casing is occupied by: the capacitor, algae H20 coalesce holding chambers, refracting crystal and micro tubes.

[31] In an embodiment, the power cell utilizes iron-tellurium (Fete) rods embedded in the capacitor to supply electrical energy to the load device.

[32] In an embodiment, the demand electrical device is an electric motor that drives a vehicle. The refraction crystal can be contained or removed from the casing.

[33] A further embodiment is a power cell (also referred to as an energy and storage device} for producing and storing electrical energy to be provided to an electrical load, said energy production and storage device comprising: a bioelectric energy production device that provides organically controlled fluctuating energy equal to demand of connectable load electrical device. An organic electrical storage device otherwise known as a capacitor which can store electrical energy produced by the production system and being electrically connectable to the production device and being electrically connectable to the load electrical device; wherein , during operation, the electrical storage device is connected in parallel to the generation device and the load electrical device and where the capacitors are continually recharged by the generation device to supply the needed electrical energy to the load electrical device.

[34] In an embodiment, the energy and storage device comprises an energy production and storage device for continuously recharging the storage capacitors that supply electrical energy to a load device.

[35] In an embodiment, the electrical energy stored in the capacitor supplies the electrical energy to the load electrical device. The generation system will organically regulate the capacitors energy supply.

[36] In an embodiment, the power cell is a self-contained, bioelectric power supply with an organically inherent fluctuating energy output which continuously matches electrical energy requirements of the load electrical device.

[37] In an embodiment, the power cell comprises a first microorganism chamber, a microorganism suspension housed within said microorganism chamber, a first microchannel membrane having a first face and a second face, each face covered at least in part by a layer of conductive material, said first face in fluid communication with said first microorganism chamber; and at least one microorganism transfer member in fluid communication with the second face of the first microchannel membrane, wherein the microorganism suspension is able to pass through the first microchannel membrane, thereby depositing an electric charge on the first and second conductive material coatings. [38] In a further embodiment, the power cell additionally comprises a second microorganism chamber and a second microchannel membrane having a first face and a second face, each face covered at least in part by a layer of conductive material, said first face in fluid communication with said second microorganism chamber, wherein the at least one microorganism transfer member is in fluid communication with the first face of the second microchannel membrane and said at least one microorganism transfer member enables the microorganism suspension to circulate between the first and second microorganism chambers.

[39] In an additional embodiment, the power cell further comprises a first electrode electrically connected to the conductive material on the first face of the first microchannel membrane, said first electrode connecting the first microchannel membrane to a negative electrical device connector; a second electrode electrically connected to the conductive material on the second face of the first microchannel membrane, said second electrode connecting the first microchannel membrane to a positive electrical device connector; a third electrode electrically connected to the conductive material on the first face of the second microchannel membrane; a fourth electrode electrically connected to the conductive material on the second face of the second microchannei membrane; a first electrical connector electrically connecting the first electrode to the fourth electrode; and a second electrical connector electrically connecting the second electrode to the third electrode.

[40] In yet another embodiment, the power cell further comprises first and second energy storage chambers, each energy storage chamber comprising an energy storage medium, wherein the energy storage medium comprised within the first energy storage chamber is in electrical contact with the first and second electrodes and the energy storage medium comprised within the second energy storage chamber is in electrical contact with the third and fourth electrodes.

[41] In an embodiment, the first and second electrodes are immersed within the energy storage medium comprised within the first energy storage chamber and the third and fourth electrodes are immersed within the energy storage medium comprised within the second energy storage chamber.

[42] In an embodiment, each electrode is an iron, iron nickel, copper, copper nickel, zinc, or brass electrode.

[43] In an embodiment, the first and second electrical connectors are insulated wires.

[44] In an embodiment, the energy storage medium comprises an acidic solution and crushed egg shells. In a further embodiment, the acidic solution is vinegar.

[45] In an embodiment, the energy storage medium comprises a ratio of vinegar to crushed egg shells between about 5:95 and about 60:40 by weight. In yet another embodiment, the energy storage medium comprises a ratio of vinegar to crushed egg shells between about 15:85 and about 25:75 by weight. [46] In an embodiment, the at least one microorganism transfer member is transparent or semi- transparent to light. In a further embodiment, the power cell is arranged to allow ambient light to access the at least one microorganism transfer member. In yet another embodiment, the power cell further comprises a prism arranged to direct light towards the at least one microorganism transfer member.

[47] In an embodiment, the microorganism suspension comprises a photosynthetic microorganism. In a further embodiment, the photosynthetic microorganism is an algae.

[48] In an additional embodiment, the photosynthetic microorganism suspension comprises algae suspended in an ethanol solution. In an embodiment, the ethanol solution comprises between about 2% to about 90% ethanol. In a further embodiment, the ethanol solution comprises between about 70% to about 90% ethano!.

[49] In an embodiment, the power cell comprises a plurality of microorganism transfer members. In a further embodiment, the microorganism transfer members are microtubes.

[50] in an additional embodiment, the power cell comprises a first gas exchange filter in gaseous communication with the microorganism suspension, said first gas exchange filter further in gaseous communication with the external atmosphere. In an embodiment, the first gas exchange filter is in fluid communication with the energy storage medium within the first energy storage chamber.

[51] In an additional embodiment, the power cell comprises a second gas exchange filter, wherein the second gas exchange filter is in fluid communication with the energy storage medium within the first energy storage chamber.

[52] In an embodiment, the first and second gas exchange filters are joined by circulatory members that are arranged to allow circulation of a liquid component of the energy storage medium between the first energy storage chamber and the second energy storage chamber.

[53] In an embodiment, the conductive material is a metal oxide. In a further embodiment, the conductive material is silver oxide. In yet another embodiment, the conductive material is a silver oxide film.

[54] In an embodiment, the microchannel membrane has a channel size between about 2μιη and about 100 μιη.

[55] In a further embodiment, the microchannel membrane is a ceramic microchannel membrane.

[56] A further embodiment is a power cell comprising a microorganism suspension in fluid communication with a microchannel membrane, each face of the microchannel membrane coated with a layer of conductive material, wherein passage of the microorganism suspension through the microchannel membrane results in a transfer of electric charge between the microorganism suspension and the conductive material.

[57] In an additional embodiment, the microorganism suspension comprises algae.

[58] In a further embodiment, the microchannel membrane has a channel size between about 2 μι^η and about 100 μιη.

[59] In yet another embodiment, the microchannel membrane is a ceramic microchannel membrane.

[60] In a further embodiment, the power cell comprises a hybrid electrolytic capacitor electrically connected to the conductive material, wherein the electric charge transferable from the conductive material to the hybrid electrolytic capacitor.

[61] In an embodiment, the hybrid electrolytic capacitor comprises egg shell and an acidic solution. In a further embodiment, the acidic solution is vinegar.

[62] in an additional embodiment, the conductive material is silver oxide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[63] Figure 1 depicts a front elevation view of an embodiment of a power cell of the disclosure, with the front outer casing removed to enable depiction of inner components.

[64] Figure 2 depicts a top plan view of a second embodiment of a power cell of the disclosure. DESCRIPTION

[65] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

[66] As used herein, the term "capacitor" is intended to describe the energy storage medium together with at least one electrode.

[67] As used herein, the term "battery" refers to the power cell of the disclosure. The power call may also be referred to as a fuel cell. [68] As used herein, the term "battery matrix" refers to the energy creating system, with the exception of the capacitor.

[69] Described herein is an energy charging and storage device. The power cell has a high energy density and a high specific energy so it can easily charge and store a large amount of energy.

[70] The power cell is capable of providing a relatively steady electrical energy current with organically controlled fluctuations to match load demands.

[71] Described herein is an electrical energy production and storage device for supplying energy at a fluctuating power levels dependent on demand. The organic power supply provides electrical power to the organic capacitors which can retain and release electric power to the consumption device at different power rates dependent on demand of the consumption device, thereby ensuring proper power and current when demanded. The capacitors are recharged by photovoltaic and organic electric energy transference, which also consumes ambient carbon dioxide and exhausts oxygen. In this system, the storage capacitors and the supplying energy system cooperate to provide the base power required by the consumption device. The organic power source can supply demand power to the capacitors and increase power output consuming required carbon dioxide and expelling oxygen as needed to optimize lifetime characteristics of device.

[72] Provided is an energy charging and storage device, or power cell. In particular, provided is a microbial power cell that is capable of providing a relatively steady electrical energy current, with microbially controlled fluctuations in energy production that self-adjust to match load demands.

[73] The power eel! comprises first and second microorganism holding containers, each of which contains a volume of microorganism suspension. The first microorganism holding container is in fluid communication with a first microchannel membrane and the second microorganism holding container is in fluid communication with a second microchannel membrane. Each of the first and second microchannel membranes has a top and bottom surface coated with a conductive material. In an embodiment, the conductive material is a metal or metal oxide film. In a further embodiment, the conductive material is a silver oxide film. The two microchannel membranes are joined by a plurality of fluid transfer members that allow the microorganism suspension to circulate between the first and second microorganism holding containers. As the microorganism suspension passes out of each microorganism holding container, it passes through a microchannel membrane coated in conductive material, travels through at least one fluid transfer member, and passes through a second microchannel membrane coated in conductive material before passing into the other microorganism holding container.

[74] Current is created when the microorganism suspension passes through each microchannel membrane coated in conductive material. The production of current appears to result from a combination of friction and electro-kinetic phenomena or combined microorganism phenomena. The current generated is stored in an energy storage medium. The power cell comprises electrodes and electrical device connector ports that allow an electric device to be connected to the power cell and to draw current from the power cell.

[75] The power cell may be produced in a variety of sized depending on the amount of power generation that is required. In its variable sizes, the power ceil could be used to supply power to a wide variety of electrical devices. Examples of devices that couid be powered by the power cell include, but are not limited to, cell phones, home appliances, electric vehicles, aircraft, cargo shipping devices, renewable energy backup devices, computers, remote power supplies, recreational devices and power tools.

[76] The power cell has an outer component casing 16 which contains the battery components within it.

[77] The microorganism holding container 3 in this embodiment is perforated by 15 the gas exchange filter which directly attaches to 14 the carbon dioxide, oxygen exchange cone. The microorganism expansion vault 2 allows for expansion of the microorganism within the container.

[78] Current is created when the microorganism suspension 17 passes through the microchannel membrane 6 and through the silver oxide film 4.

[79] The microorganism provides current by a combination of friction and electro kinetic fluid or in this case combined microorganism phenomena. The reaction is classified in fluid dynamics of biochemistry as an electrokinetic phenomena.

[80] A load is connected using 7 the electrical device connector ports which are connected to 12 the electrode and then through the insulated connector leads 11. In this system the leads and electrodes transfer power through the energy storage medium 1 allowing a continuous electrical power supply.

[81] The refraction prism 8 allows the microorganism suspension 17 to energize through immersed photosynthesis which then flows through 9 the fluid transfer members through silver oxide film 4 and microchannel membrane 6 into 3 the microorganism holding container then cycling back again on a continuous circulatory cycle.

[82] The prism allows for optimum efficiency, a light box could work but would only refract light at two possible angles whereas the prism will bathe the microorganism in light no matter the angle or placement of the outer casing. In an embodiment, the microorganism is a photosynthetic

microorganism, for example an algae or mixture of algae. Algae require light for food per se and energy transference as they use photosynthesis to live and convert to energy. [83] The carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13 is connected to 10 the circulatory tube which continuously circulates the aqueous medium allowing for a cyclical high intensity storage of electrical energy.

[84] An exemplary embodiment of a power cell of the disclosure is depicted in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the power eel! 20 comprises an outer casing 16 which contains the power cell components. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer casing 16 is a cylindrical outer casing, but it is to be understood that the outer casing 16 could be of any shape. The outer casing 16 of the power cell 20 has opposite top and bottom ends, the top end in communication with electrical device connector ports 7. The outer casing 16 further comprises side walls extending longitudinally between the top and bottom ends of the outer casing 16. Within the outer casing 16, and proximal to each of the top and bottom ends of the power cell 20 are energy storage medium chambers, each of which houses an energy storage medium 1. Within each energy storage medium chamber is a carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13 that is immersed and in fluid communication with the energy storage medium 1. The two carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filters 13 are joined to one another in fluid communication by a pair of left and right circulatory tubes 10. The left circulatory tube 10 is joined to the left side of both the top and bottom carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filters 13 and extends longitudinally between the two carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filters 13. Similarly, the right circulatory tube 10 is joined to the right side of both the top and bottom carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filters 13 and extends longitudinally between the two carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filters 13. Together, the two carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filters 13 and the two circulatory tubes 10 provide a circulatory loop that allows a liquid portion of the energy storage medium 1 to passively circulate between the top energy storage medium chamber and the bottom energy storage medium chamber.

The power cell 20 further comprises spaced-apart top and bottom microorganism chambers 18, each microorganism chamber 18 comprising from proximal to distal, relative to the respective end of the power cell 20: a microorganism expansion vault 2, a microorganism holding container 3, and a microchannel membrane 6 coated with a conductive material film 4 on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The conductive material film 4 should coat at least a substantial portion of each face of the microchannel membrane 6, in particular any portion of the membrane that is in fluid communication with the microorganism suspension 17. In an embodiment, the conductive material film is a silver oxide film. The microorganism expansion vault 2, microorganism holding container 3, and microchannel membrane 6 coated in conductive material film 4 are all in fluid communication. Contained within each microorganism holding container 3 is a microorganism suspension 17. The upper and lower microchannel membranes 6 are joined by a plurality of fluid transfer members 9 that are in fluid communication with each microchannel membrane 6. The microorganism suspension is able to circulate between the two microorganism chambers 18 by passing through the fluid transfer members 9. As the microorganism suspension 9 moves from a microorganism holding container 3 into one or more fluid transfer members 9, or from a fluid transfer member 9 into a microorganism holding container 3, the microorganism suspension 9 passes through a microchannel membrane 6 coated in conductive material 4. Passage of the microorganism suspension through the microchannel membrane 6 coated in conductive materia! 4 creates a current. In an embodiment, the one or more fluid transfer members are tubes. In a further embodiment, the fluid transfer members are microtubes with a diameter between about 10 pm and about 4 mm.

[85] In an embodiment, the microchannel membrane is a microfluid membrane with a channel size ranging from about 2 μηπ to about 100 pm. In an embodiment, the microchannel membrane is a microchannel ceramic membrane. In a further embodiment, the microchannel membrane is a CiDRA 1480 microfluid membrane.

[86] In an embodiment, the microorganism suspension 17 is photosynthetic microorganism suspension. In a further embodiment, the microorganism suspension is a suspension of algae. A variety of algae including red algae, green algae, cyanobacteria, and microalgae have been tested and each type of algae tested has been successfully used to produce current. It is expected that any type of algae could be employed in the power cell 20 of the disclosure, in an embodiment, the microorganism suspension 17 comprises a single species or mixture of different species of algae collected from a pond. In another embodiment, the microorganism suspension 17 comprises a single species or mixture of different species of algae collected from a tailings pond, freshwater pond, body of salt water, and/or bioreactor. The algae could further be cultured algae.

[87] The ratio of microorganism to diluent in the microorganism suspension 17 may vary from about 20:80 to about 90:10 v/v. For example, the ratio of microorganism to diluent may be about 20:80, 25:75, 30:70, 35:65, 40:60, 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, or about 90:10 v/v. It is to be understood that these ratios refer to the starting ratio of microorganism to diluent when the microorganism suspension 17 is first introduced into the power cell 20. As the power cell 20 operates, microorganisms within the microorganism suspension 17 will both divide and die off, both of which events will alter the ratio of microorganism to diluent in the microorganism suspension 17.

[88] The microorganism suspension 17 comprises a microorganism mixed with a suitable diluent and/or growth medium. When the microorganism suspension comprises algae, suitable diluents include, for example, water, saline, ethanol, and mixtures thereof. Each of these diluents has been found to be effective using an algae sample collected from either a pond or an outdoor water supply. These diluents are expected to be similarly effective with algae collected from other sources, such as a freshwater pond, tailings pond, bioreactor, or culture of algae. In an embodiment, the diluent is a solution comprising water and ethanol. A 90% ethanol solution has been found to be particularly effective, as it appears to suppress algae overgrowth while allowing algae viability. Other suitable diluents include saline, water, a solution of about 3% to about 90% ethanol, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the solution comprises at least 3%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, or at least 90% ethanol.

[89] Each microorganism holding container 3 is in fluid communication with a microorganism expansion vault 2. For example, the microorganism holding container 3 and the microorganism expansion vault 2 may be separated by a perforated barrier. The microorganism expansion vault 2 accommodates expansion of the microorganism suspension 17 contained within the microorganism holding container 3, allowing the microorganism suspension 17 to expand into microorganism expansion vault 2 whenever the volume of the microorganism suspension 17 expands to exceed the volume of microorganism holding container 3. In a non-illustrated embodiment, the microorganism expansion vault 2 may be omitted and the microorganism holding container 3 may instead be an expandable container that is able to increase in volume in response to an increase in the volume of algae contained therein.

[90] A gas exchange filter 15 is housed within the microorganism holding container 3, in fluid communication with the microorganism suspension 17 contained within the microorganism holding container. The gas exchange filter 15 is joined to a carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13 that is located within an energy storage medium chamber 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas exchange filter 15 is joined to the carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13 by a carbon dioxide-oxygen exchange cone 14 that passes through the microorganism expansion vault. In other embodiments, the carbon dioxide-oxygen exchange cone 14 may be replaced by a tube or other connector that allows for gas exchange between the gas exchange filter 15 and the carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13. In another embodiment, the gas exchange filter 15 and the carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13 may be a unitary filter that allows gas exchange between the energy storage medium 1 and the

microorganism holding container 3. The carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13 is in two-way gaseous communication with the exterior of the energy cell, allowing for two-way gas exchange between carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13 and the atmosphere. In an embodiment, outer casing 16 comprises apertures, not shown, that allow the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen between the carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13 and the surrounding air. In turn, gas exchange filter 15 allows gas exchange between the microorganism suspension 17 and the surrounding air, via carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13.

[91] During photosynthesis, a!gae consume carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Carbon dioxide enters the power cell 20 through vents or apertures (not shown) in the outer casing 16 and then travels first through the carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13, second through the carbon dioxide-oxygen exchange cone 14, and finally through the gas exchange filter 15 into an algae suspension 17 housed within microorganism holding container 3. Similarly, oxygen produced by the algae passes out of the power cell 20 by travelling first through the gas exchange filter 15, second through the carbon dioxide- oxygen exchange cone 14, and finally through the carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13 before passing out of the power eel! 20 through vents or apertures (not shown) in outer casing 16. Without a continuing supply of carbon dioxide, algae cannot survive. In an embodiment, the carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13 is in contact with the inner face of outer casing 16 and is vented to the surrounding air through perforations (not shown) formed in outer casing 16 that abut the carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13.

[92] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid transfer members 9 pass through a refraction prism 8 situated at an intermediate position between the two microorganism chambers 18. The refraction prism 8 gathers and concentrates light into the fluid transfer members 9 as they pass through the refraction prism 8. In an embodiment, light is admitted into the power cell 20 through outer casing 16, when outer casing 16 or portions of the outer casing 16 are made of a transparent or semi-transparent material. In another embodiment, outer casing 16 comprises apertures or windows arranged to allow light to pass through the outer casing 16 and onto refraction prism 8. Further, the fluid transfer members 9 may be made of a transparent or semi-transparent material. In an embodiment, the fluid transfer members 9 are transparent or semi-transparent tubes. Suitable materials for the fluid transfer members 9 include, for example; polypropylene, acrylic, polycarbonate, glass, silicone, and

polyvinylchloride. As a suspension of photosynthetic microorganisms, for example a suspension of algae, passes through the transparent or semi-transparent fluid transfer members 9, the photosynthetic microorganisms are exposed to light refracted from the prism 8. When housed within the power cell 20, the suspension of microorganisms 17 is continually circulating, through passive circulation and capillary action, between microorganism chambers 18 by passing through the fluid transfer members 9. When the microorganism suspension 17 comprises photosynthetic microorganisms, these photosynthetic microorganisms are thereby exposed to light passing through the fluid transfer members 9 on a continuing basis. This ongoing light exposure allows the photosynthetic microorganisms to

photosynthesize and be self-sustaining.

[93] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the refraction prism 8 may be omitted, so long as there is sufficient light penetration into the power cell 20 to allow for ongoing photosynthesis by any photosynthetic microorganisms contained within the power cell 20.

[94] In addition to the microorganism growth and circulation system described above, the power cell 20 further comprises top and bottom energy storage chambers 19 that are joined by circulatory tubes 10. In the illustrated embodiment, each energy storage chamber 19 surrounds one of the

microorganism chambers 18, extending from the top or bottom end of the power cell 20 to the distal end of the respective microorganism growth chamber 18. A gasket 5 surrounds the periphery of the microchannel membrane 6 and extends to the inner wall of the outer casing 16, securing the membrane in position and forming a barrier between the microchannel membrane 6 and the energy storage medium 1 In Figure 1, the portion of gasket 5 extending from the periphery of the microchannel membra ne 6 to the inner wa ll of outer casing 16 has been omitted in to allow for clearer depiction of the wiring within the power cell. The gasket 5 defines the distal end of each energy storage chamber 19, relative to the respective end of the power cell 20. Similarly, the microorganism holding container 3 and the microorganism expansion chamber 2 are housed within the energy storage medium chamber, but are not in com munication with the energy storage medium 1 except by gas exchange through the carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter 13. Each energy storage medium chamber contains an energy storage medium 1. The energy storage medium 1 is a hybrid electrolytic ca pacitor. The circulatory tubes 10 allow a liquid component of the energy storage medium to passively circulate between the energy storage chambers 19. In an embodiment, the energy storage medium comprises an acidic solution mixed with crushed egg shells. Examples of suitable acidic solutions include but are not limited to acidic saline, lemon juice, wine, beer, distilled vinegar, apple cider vinegar, vinegar, and sherry. In a further embodiment, the energy storage medium 1 is a mixture of white vinegar (also known as distilled vinega r} and crushed egg shells. Distilled vinegar typically comprises between about 5 to 8% acetic acid in water. To prepare the vinegar a nd egg shell mixture, egg shells are crushed and mixed with distilled vinega r. The egg shells may be finely or coarsely crushed or pulverized. The ratio of egg shells to vinega r may range from a ratio of about 5% vinegar to 95% crushed egg shells w/w to a ratio of about 60% vinegar to 40% crushed egg shells w/w. For example, the ratio of vinegar to crushed egg shells may be a bout 5:95, 10:90, 15:85, 20:80, 25:75, 30:70, 35:65, 40:60, 5:55, 50:50, 55:45, or about 60:40 w/w. !n an embodiment, the ratio of vinegar to crushed egg shells is between about 15:85 and 25:75 w/w. In this embodiment, the liq uid com ponent that circulates through the circulatory tubes 10 is the distilled vinega r solution, which may comprise a dissolved egg shell component.

[95] The power cell 20 comprises an electrica l circuit. A first electrical device connector port 7a, is electrically connected to electrode 12a. Electrode 12a passes through and is in communication with energy storage medium la and is electrically connected to the upper conductive material film 4 on the top microchannel membrane 6. Electrode 12a is electrically connected to electrode 12d by a n insulated connector lead 11a that extends from energy storage cham ber 19a to energy storage chamber 19b. Electrode 12d is in communication with the energy storage medium lb a nd is electrically connected to the lower conductive material film 4 on the bottom microchannel membrane 6. A second electrical device connector port 7b is electrica lly connected to electrode 12c. Electrode 12c passes through and is in communication with energy storage medium la a nd is electrically connected to the lower conductive material film 4 on the top microchannel membrane 6. Electrode 12c is electrically connected to electrode 12b by an insulated connector lead lib that extends from energy storage chamber 19a to energy storage cha mber 19b. Electrode 12b is in communication with the energy storage medium lb and is electrically connected to the lower conductive material film 4 on the top of the bottom microchannel membra ne 6. [96] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the right electrical device connector port 7 is the positive connector port and the left electrical device connector port 7 is the negative connector port.

[97] The electrodes 12 may be made of any suitable materials as will be understood to a person skilled in the art. Examples of suitable materials include iron, iron nickel, copper, copper nickel, zinc, and brass. In an embodiment, the electrodes 12 are iron nickel electrodes.

[98] When the microorganism suspension passes through each conductive material film 4 coated microchannel membrane 6, a charge is deposited in each conductive material film 4 that coats the upper and lower sides of each microchannel membrane 6. This charge is transferred from the conductive material film 4 to the electrode 12 connected to conductive material film 4 and is passed to a load connected to the electrical device connector ports 7 and/or stored in the energy storage medium 1 if the current produced exceeds the demand of the load or if no load is connected to the electrical device connector ports 7. If the charge produced by the microorganism solution passing through the microchannel membrane 6 coated in conductive material 4 is insufficient to meet the demands of the load, then the shortfall can be taken from the energy storage medium 1 and delivered to the electrical device connector ports by the electrodes 12. Further, there is an electrochemical reaction between the energy storage medium 1 and the electrode 12.

[99] In an embodiment, the electrode 12 is an iron nickel electrode. In other embodiments, the electrode 12 may be made of any suitable electrically conductive material as will be understood to one skilled in the art. Examples of suitable electrode materials include iron nickel, iron, copper, zinc, and brass.

[100] When a load is placed on the power cell 20 the flow rate of the microorganism suspension 17 will increase or decrease depending on the amount of current required. If there is a larger load attached to the power cell 20, the microorganisms will not only increase their flow rate, but will also divide to increase the total number of microorganism cells comprised within the microorganism suspension 17. It is believed that the microorganisms may divide in response to the increased loss of charge when the load demand is increased. Further, when the microorganism suspension 17 comprises a photosynthetic microorganism, such as algae, the increased circulation of the microorganism suspension 17 through the fluid transfer members 9 may provide increased light exposure to the photosynthetic microorganism suspension, further encouraging growth of the photosynthetic microorganisms. If there is a reduced load, the flow rate of the microorganism suspension 17 decreases and the number of cells will also reduce to maintain the load.

[101] The power cell 20 described herein can be used for a wide variety of applications, for example to power a cell phone, car battery, semi battery, electric vehicle, lighting, power tool, electrical appliance, marine craft, aircraft, or computer gaming device and is highly scalable. Further, the output of the power cell is proportional to its size, so the output of the power eel! 20 can be increased by increasing the size of the power cell 20. Output can further be increased by joining multiple power cells 20. A power cell 20 of the disclosure has been tested on vehicles, small power tools, appliances and for wireless transfer. Further, a longevity unit comprising an algae suspension has been encased in a terrarium and has been under constant load of 13.2 VDC at 23 watts for over 3 years. Another prototype has been run at 115 VDC for 3 hours, followed by a boil test of 1700 watts 113 VDC for one hour.

[102] A second embodiment of a power cell is depicted in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the power cell is assembled on a support member 22. In an embodiment, the support 22 member is a planar support structure with an upper face, a lower face, first and second opposing ends spaced apart in a longitudinal direction, and opposing sides spaced apart in a lateral direction. The components of the power cell 20 are arranged on the upper face of support member 22, which supports the power cell components. The power cell depicted in Figure 2 comprises first and second microorganism holding containers 3, each microorganism holding container 3 having two opposing ends, each opposing end in fluid communication with a microchannel membrane 6. The faces of each microchannel membrane 6 are coated in a layer of conductive material 4. Housed within each microorganism holding container 3 is a microorganism suspension 17. A gas exchange filter 15 passes through the wall of each microorganism holding container 3, in gaseous communication with the microorganism suspension 17 housed therein. Each gas exchange filter 15 is joined to a gas transfer member 21 that joins the gas exchange filter 15 to an aqueous carbon dioxide exchange filter 13. In an embodiment, the gas transfer member 21 is a tube. The gas exchange filter 15, gas transfer member 21, and aqueous carbon dioxide exchange filter 13 are all in gaseous communication.

[103] In the embodiment of the power cell depicted in Figure 2, each end portion of the support member 22 is covered in a layer of energy storage medium 1, said layers of energy storage medium 1 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, such that an intermediate portion of the support member 22 between the first and second end portions is devoid of a layer of energy storage medium 1. Each aqueous carbon dioxide exchange filter 13 is embedded within a layer of energy storage medium 1; aqueous carbon dioxide exchange filter 13a is embedded within the layer of energy storage medium la covering the first end portion of the support member 22 and aqueous carbon dioxide exchange filter 13b is embedded within the layer of energy storage medium lb covering the first end portion of the support member 22. Both aqueous carbon dioxide exchange filters 13 are in gaseous communication with the respective layer of energy storage medium 1 within which said aqueous carbon dioxide exchange filters 13 are embedded.

[104] The first and second microorganism holding containers 3a and 3b are positioned over the upper face of the support member 22 and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction; microorganism holding container 3a proximal to the first end of the support member 22 and microorganism holding container 3b proximal to the second end of the support member 22. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, the two microorganism holding containers 3 are oriented laterally relative to the support member 22, but it is to be understood that the microorganism holding containers 3 could be positioned in other orientations. As depicted in Figure 2, the microchannel membrane 6a that is in fluid communication with the left end of microorganism holding container 3a is joined to the microchannel membrane 6c that is in fluid communication with the left end of microorganism holding container 3b by a fluid transfer member 9a. Similarly, the microchannel membrane 6b that is in fluid communication with the right end of microorganism holding container 3a is joined to the microchannel membrane 6d that is in fluid communication with the right end of microorganism holding container 3b by a fluid transfer member 9b.

[105] The fluid transfer members 9a and 9b are each in fluid communication with the microchannel membranes to which they are joined, allowing the microorganism suspension 17 to circulate between microorganism holding containers 3a and 3b by passing through microchannel membranes 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d and by passing through fluid transfer members 9a and 9b. As the microorganism suspension 17 passes through each microchannel membrane 6, a charge is deposited on the conductive material 4.

[106] A first electrode 12e extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of support member 22 and is electrically joined to the conductive material 4 on the side of each microchannel membrane 6a and 6c proximal to each respective microorganism holding container 3a or 3b. The first electode 12e is further in electrical contact with the energy storage medium la covering the first end portion of the support member 22 and in electrical contact with the energy storage medium lb covering the second end portion of the support member 22.

[107] A second electrode 12f extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of support member 22 and is electrically joined to the conductive material 4 on the side of each microchannel membrane 6b and 6d distal to each respective microorganism holding container 3a or 3b. The second electrode 12f is further in electrical contact with the energy storage medium la covering the first end portion of the support member 22 and in electrical contact with the energy storage medium lb covering the second end portion of the support member 22. In an embodiment, the end of each electrode 12e and 12f proximal to the first end of the support member 22 is configured to allow said end to be connected to an electrical device, thereby enabling the electrical device to draw current from the power cell. In an embodiment, electrodes 12e and 12f extend beyond the first end of the support member 22.

[108] In the illustrated embodiment, support member 22 is a planar structure, but support member 22 could also be a non-planar structure such as angular, curved, or undulate structure. The support member should be made of a non-conductive material and/or the conductive components of the power cell should be insulated to prevent electrical interaction with the support member. Suitable support member materials include for example glass, plastic, mica, and wood. In an embodiment, the support member 22 is a glass slide. [109] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, the microorganism holding containers 3 are positioned in contact with the energy storage medium 1. However, in other embodiments, the microorganism holding containers may be positioned on the support member 22 in a position removed from the energy storage medium.

[110] The following examples describe specific embodiments of power cells. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the invention is defined solely by the appended claims.

[Ill] Example 1

[112] A power cell has been produced by assembling the materials outlined above into a cleaned container having a volume of approximately 200 ml. The ceramic microchannel membrane employed was a CiD A^® 1480 microfluid membrane. A silver oxide film was purchased from a chemical supply store and joined to each face of the ceramic microchannel membrane using a spray adhesive. The gas exchange filter and the carbon dioxide aqueous exchange filter were each prepared by cutting a Fischer^® FC-AS porous exchange filter to the required size. The fluid transfer members and circulatory tubes were each made of 4 mm (O.D.) polypropylene tubing and were joined to each silver oxide coated ceramic microchannel membrane using a cyanoacrylate adhesive. For this power cell, a total of four fluid transfer members were employed and the prism was omitted. The energy storage medium employed was a mixture of distilled vinegar and crushed egg shells. For each energy storage chamber, six chicken egg shells were crushed, yielding a mass of about 43 grams of crushed egg shells, and then packed into the energy storage chamber. Once packed in the chamber the crushed egg shells were mixed with about 20 ml of vinegar, introduced into the system through injection into the circulatory tubes. The electrodes employed were copper nickel wire.

[113] The power cell was first successfully tested on a flashlight bulb, then a 15 watt incandescent bulb, and then a 100 watt incandescent bulb. Later it was successfully tested on a cordless power drill to run a Philips bit through a cinder block, The prototype has further been used to start a vehicle. The prototype power cell has further been used to run a toaster for 3 hours and to boil a pail of water using a stock tank heater. Another power cell has been running for 38 months, placed in a terrarium attached to a constant load of 13.2 volts DC, 23 watts, 1.7 Amps. The power cell in the terrarium has been operating as a closed system and has required no maintenance.

[114] Example 2

[115] A second power cell has been assembled on a glass slide, according to the layout depicted in Figure 2. The microchannel membrane and exchange filters employed were as described in Example 1. A layer of vinegar and crushed egg shell paste {energy storage medium) was spread on longitudinally opposing end portions of the slide, covering approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the top face of the slide at each end. Two microorganism chambers were each formed from sections of large diameter polypropylene tubing (6 mm diameter), each section slightly shorter than the width of the glass slide. The sections were positioned in spaced-apart parallel arrangement, each tube oriented laterally along the width of the slide.

[116] A silver oxide coated microchannel membrane was affixed to each end of each large diameter polypropylene tube, to close off the ends of each large diameter tube, forming a chamber therein. The left microchannel membranes inserted into each tube were then joined in fluid communication by connecting one end of a section of small diameter polypropylene tubing (4 mm diameter) to the outer face of each left microchannel membrane. The right microchannel membranes inserted into each large diameter tube were similarly joined in fluid communication by connecting one end of a section of small diameter polypropylene tubing to the outer face of each right microchannel membrane. After assembly, the large diameter tubes, the microchannel membranes, and the small diameter tubes together form a loop. An algae and ethanol suspension was introduced into each large diameter tube by injection. The hole remaining from the injection was used to insert gas exchange filters into each tube. Each gas exchange filter was joined to a carbon dioxide aqueous filter by a section of micro polypropylene tubing. Each gas exchange filter was then embedded in the vinegar and egg shell paste at the respective end of the slide.

[117] A first copper lead was electrically joined to the silver oxide film on each of the left

microchannel membranes by pressing the lead against the microchannel membranes in an inverted U- shape, said first copper lead extending longitudinally along the left side of the slide and in

communication with the vinegar and egg shell paste at each end of the slide. The first lead forms the negative lead. Similarly, a second copper lead was electrically joined to the silver oxide film on each of the right microchannel membranes by pressing the lead against the microchannel membranes in an inverted U-shape, said second copper lead extending longitudinally along the right side of the slide and in communication with the vinegar and egg shell paste at each end of the slide. The second lead forms the positive lead.

[118] The algae reaction was started by briefly and simultaneously touching the positive and negative copper leads to the corresponding positive and negative poles of a small battery.

[119] Numerous specific details are set forth herein in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that these embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the description of the embodiments.

[120] Further, while the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A power cell comprising:

a first microorganism chamber;

a microorganism suspension housed within said microorganism chamber;

a first microchannei membrane having a first face and a second face, each face covered at least in part by a layer of conductive material, said first face in fluid communication with said first microorganism chamber; and

at least one microorganism transfer member in fluid communication with the second face of the first microchannei membrane,

wherein the microorganism suspension is able to pass through the first microchannei membrane, thereby depositing an electric charge on the conductive material.

2. The power cell of claim 1, further comprising:

a second microorganism chamber; and

a second microchannei membrane having a first face and a second face, each face covered at least in part by a layer of conductive material, said first face in fluid communication with said second microorganism chamber,

wherein the at least one microorganism transfer member is in fluid communication with the first face of the second microchannei membrane and said at least one microorganism transfer member enables the microorganism suspension to circulate between the first and second microorganism chambers.

3. The power cell of claim 2, further comprising:

a first electrode electrically connected to the conductive material on the first face of the first microchannei membrane, said first electrode connecting the first microchannei membrane to a negative electrical device connector;

a second electrode electrically connected to the conductive material on the second face of the first microchannei membrane, said second electrode connecting the first microchannei membrane to a positive electrical device connector;

a third electrode electrically connected to the conductive material on the first face of the second microchannei membrane;

a fourth electrode electrically connected to the conductive material on the second face of the second microchannei membrane; a first electrical connector electrically connecting the first electrode to the fourth electrode; and a second electrical connector electrically connecting the second electrode to the third electrode.

4. The power cell of claim 3, further comprising first and second energy storage chambers, each energy storage chamber comprising an energy storage medium, wherein the energy storage medium comprised within the first energy storage chamber is in electrical contact with the first and second electrodes and the energy storage medium comprised within the second energy storage chamber is in electrical contact with the third and fourth electrodes.

5. The power cell of claim 4, wherein the first and second electrodes are immersed within the energy storage medium comprised within the first energy storage chamber and the third and fourth electrodes are immersed within the energy storage medium comprised within the second energy storage chamber.

6. The power cell of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each electrode is an iron, iron nickel, copper, copper nickel, zinc, or brass electrode.

7. The power eel! of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first and second electrical connectors are insulated wires.

8. The power cell of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the energy storage medium comprises an acidic solution and crushed egg shells.

9. The power cell of claim 8, wherein the acidic solution is vinegar.

10. The power cell of claim 9, wherein the energy storage medium comprises a ratio of vinegar to crushed egg shells between about 5:95 and about 60:40 by weight,

11. The power cell of claim 9, wherein the energy storage medium comprises a ratio of vinegar to crushed egg shells between about 15:85 and about 25:75 by weight.

12. The power cell of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one microorganism transfer member is transparent or semi-transparent to light.

13. The power cell of claim 12, wherein the power cell is arranged to allow ambient light to access the at least one microorganism transfer member.

14. The power cell of claim 12 or 13, further comprising a prism arranged to direct light towards the at least one microorganism transfer member.

15. The power cell of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the microorganism suspension comprises a photosynthetic microorganism.

16. The power cell of any claim 15, wherein the photosynthetic microorganism is an algae.

17. The power cell of claim 16, wherein the photosynthetic microorganism suspension comprises said algae suspended in an ethanol solution.

18. The power cell of claim 17, wherein the ethanol solution comprises between about 2% to about 90% ethanol.

19. The power cell of claim 17, wherein the ethanol solution comprises between about 70% to about 90% ethanol.

20. The power cell of any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising a plurality of microorganism transfer members.

21. The power cell of claim 20, wherein the microorganism transfer members are microtubes.

22. The power cell of any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising a first gas exchange filter in gaseous communication with the microorganism suspension, said first gas exchange filter further in gaseous communication with the external atmosphere.

23. The power cell of claim 22, wherein the first gas exchange filter is in fluid communication with the energy storage medium within the first energy storage chamber.

24. The power cell of claim 23, further comprising a second gas exchange filter, wherein the second gas exchange filter is in fluid communication with the energy storage medium within the first energy storage chamber.

25. The power cell of claim 24, wherein the first and second gas exchange filters are joined by circulatory members that are arranged to allow circulation of a liquid component of the energy storage medium between the first energy storage chamber and the second energy storage chamber.

26. The power cell of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the conductive material is a metal oxide.

27. The power ceil of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the conductive material is silver oxide.

28. The power cell of claim 27, wherein the conductive material is a silver oxide film.

29. The power cell of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the microchannel membrane has a channel size between about 2μιη and about 100 μηη.

30. The power cell of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the microchannel membrane is a ceramic microchannel membrane.

31. A power cell comprising a microorganism suspension in fluid communication with a

microchannel membrane, each face of the microchannel membrane coated with a layer of conductive material, wherein passage of the microorganism suspension through the microchannel membrane results in a transfer of electric charge between the microorganism suspension and the conductive material.

32. The power cell of claim 31, wherein the microorganism suspension comprises algae.

33. The power cell of claim 31 or 32, wherein the microchannel membrane has a channel size between about 2 μηι and about 100 μπ\.

34. The power cell of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the microchannel membrane is a ceramic microchannel membrane.

35. The power cell of any one of claims 31 to 34, further comprising a hybrid electrolytic capacitor electrically connected to the conductive material, wherein the electric charge transferable from the conductive material to the hybrid electrolytic capacitor.

36. The power cell of claim 35, wherein the hybrid electrolytic capacitor comprises egg shell and an acidic solution.

37. The power cell of claim 36, wherein the acidic solution is vinegar.

38. The power cell of any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein the conductive materia! is silver oxide.