3D model of a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) connected to an IC motor. The MEC can be used to generate either methane, hydrogen, or hydrogen peroxide and use this gas to run an internal combustion engine on. The type of gas generated depends on the substrate, microbes used, ...

The system was inspired on the cube MEC. Two designs were made; one has a large removable container that also holds the sieve. This allows collecting a large amount of solid matter, which can also be easily removed. The other design has the sieve implemented in the inlet pipe (still removable though). This design is simpler, yet requires a very clean substrate. Both types are fitted with valves allowing the inlet and outlet pipes to be opened/closed, so that the full amount of gas can be released (batch-type feeding rather than flow-through). The valves are opened/closed depending on the measurements of the gas mixture (measured with a meter, this meter is a green part in the model). Also, the PCB can also regulate the opening/closing of holes in the top of the MEC. This may be needed for generating some gases or for generating a particular gas with different microbes (some microbes require some air to function). See the 'Purchasing_the_models' link at appropedia's AT_CAD_Team for additional information on the model