Guide

Main Module | Energy from Mud? Thank a Microbe!
42
Experiment Ideas
exPerimeNt ideaS
Experiment B
B) Experimental Question: How can you nd a MudWatt’s Maximum Power
Point? (The art of Potentiometry)
Independent Variable: The resistor value that is placed within the MudWatt’s
Hacker Board
DependentVariable(s)/Measurables: Voltage, Current, Power
Experiment Notes:
• Microbial Fuel Cells behave much like solar panels do, in that they have
a “Maximum Power Point” that is achieved when you apply an external
resistance (i.e. a resistor) that is equal value to the MudWatt’s own
internal resistance (which is a function of how well proton equivalents
can travel from the anode, through the soil, to the cathode).
• The methodology for this is explained in the MaxTracker Kit.
Curriculum by Karen Manning. Graphic Design by Stephanie Pan.