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TU Delft uses ammonia from urine as fuel cell source

Delft University of Technology is conducting tests on ammonia from urine to use it as a source for fuel cells in waste water treatment systems. Currently, fuel cells use hydrogen in order to produce power. They’re expensive and suffer from energy loss, making them inefficient as compared to fossil fuels. But the latter is in short supply owing to overuse, which has prompted researchers to search for alternative energy sources.

Pee and poo power plant

So far, there have been many technologies developed to extract phosphates and nitrogen from sewage water as efficiently as possible. Among these many methods is the Anammox method that was conceived by Prof Mark van Loosdrecht. While efficient, the university team, led by DHV Consultancy, chose to go another route. The nutrients were removed chemically to optimize energy production with the successful testing of the project receiving the 2010 ‘Vernufteling’ award. The technology, which not only saves energy, but recycles phosphates as well, was tested in an experimental installation near Groningen.

The team added magnesium hydroxide to the waste water, which bound the nitrate and phosphate into an insoluble salt. Called struvite, the salt was transported to Delft and stored for fuel tests. As the salt is heated, ammonia escapes. When heated to high temperature of more than 750 degrees Celsius, the ammonia splits into hydrogen and nitrogen. The fuel cell burns the hydrogen with oxygen derived from the air and produces power which has an efficiency of around 50 to 60 percent.

According to team member, Sander Tensen, the technology still needs work as aside from the ammonia, water vapor also enters the fuel cell. Not only does it dilute the process but it could also hamper the performance of the cell.

The researchers’ work could help developing countries treat water more effectively by providing them with uninterrupted power supply as most rely on conventional energy to run waste water treatment plants.

Via: Tudelft

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