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Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are a promising new technology forproducing hydrogen cheaply, efficiently, and sustainably. However, to scale upthis technology, we need a better understanding of the processes in thedevices. In this effort, we present a differential-algebraic equation (DAE)model of a microbial electrolysis cell with an algebraic constraint on current.We then perform sensitivity and bifurcation analysis for the DAE system. Themodel can be applied either to batch-cycle MECs or to continuous-flow MECs. Weconduct differential-algebraic sensitivity analysis after fitting simulationsto current density data for a batch-cycle MEC. The sensitivity analysissuggests which parameters have the greatest influence on the current density atparticular times during the experiment. In particular, growth and consumptionparameters for exoelectrogenic bacteria have a strong effect prior to the peakcurrent density. An alternative strategy to maximizing peak current density ismaintaining a long term stable equilibrium with non-zero current density in acontinuous-flow MEC. We characterize the minimum dilution rate required for astable nonzero current equilibrium and demonstrate transcritical bifurcationsin the dilution rate parameter that exchange stability between several curvesof equilibria. Specifically, increasing the dilution rate transitions thesystem through three regimes where the stable equilibrium exhibits (i)competitive exclusion by methanogens, (ii) coexistence, and (iii) competitiveexclusion by exolectrogens. Positive long term current production is onlyfeasible in the final two regimes. These results suggest how to modify systemparameters to increase peak current density in a batch-cycle MEC or to increasethe long term current density equilibrium value in a continuous-flow MEC.

Sensitivity and Bifurcation Analysis of a DAE Model for a Microbial Electrolysis Cell