Pulse-width modulated external resistance increases the microbial fuel cell power output

This study describes MFC operation with a pulse-width modulated connection of the external resistor (R-PWM mode) at low and high frequencies. Analysis of the output voltage profiles acquired during R-PWM tests showed the presence of slow and fast dynamic components, which can be described by a simple equivalent circuit model suitable for process control applications. At operating frequencies above 100 Hz a noticeable improvement in MFC performance was observed with the power output increase of 22-43% as compared to MFC operation with a constant external resistance.