Introducing a Self-Sufficient Environmental Monitoring IoT System Based on Microbial Fuel Cell

Based on the market research report by the International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group (IMARC) Group, the global market for environmental monitoring has surpassed USD$20 billion in 2022. It is projected to grow to over USD$31 billion by 2028, primarily driven by the increasing demand for environmental monitoring in developing nations, particularly China. However, implementing an Environmental Monitoring System (EMS) poses significant challenges in terms of scale and cost. In rural areas, the deployment of EMS typically requires a substantial number of sensors, predominantly powered by battery packs, solar panels, and stationary power supplies. Except for stationary power supplies, the other two methods entail a considerable amount of resources for monitoring and replacement, leading to higher operational costs. To address these challenges, this research project aims to propose a self-sustaining Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring system. This system integrates a power generator based on moss-based microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which generate a voltage output through photosynthesis. Additionally, the system will incorporate a voltage booster circuit to amplify the power output to a usable level of 3.3 volts. This voltage level enables the system to power various IoT devices, such as MCUs and a wide range of sensors, enhancing its versatility and applicability. By eliminating the need for solar panels and reducing maintenance costs and frequency, the proposed system has the potential to reduce overall expenses significantly. This cost reduction would facilitate wider adoption of the system by companies and countries, contributing to the mitigation of environmental pollution. © 2024 IEEE.