An electric generator using living Torpedo electric organs controlled by fluid pressure-based alternative nervous systems.

ABSTRACT: Direct electric power generation using biological functions have become a research focus due to their low cost and cleanliness. Unlike major approaches using glucose fuels or microbial fuel cells (MFCs), we present a generation method with intrinsically high energy conversion efficiency and generation with arbitrary timing using living electric organs of Torpedo (electric rays) which are serially integrated electrocytes converting ATP into electric energy. We developed alternative nervous systems using fluid pressure to stimulate electrocytes by a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine (Ach), and demonstrated electric generation. Maximum voltage and current were 1.5 V and 0.64 mA, respectively, with a duration time of a few seconds. We also demonstrated energy accumulation in a capacitor. The cur

SUBMITTER: Tanaka Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4886531 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature