Enhancing industrial power systems: a case study on electrical savings improvement with microbial fuel cell

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2025.338866

Keywords:

microbial fuel cells, industrial feeders, grid integration, energy savings, cost reduction

Abstract

The object of the study is the industrial feeder system rated at 100 kVA and 150 kVA, which was integrated with an MFC system operating in parallel with the grid. This research explores the application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for industrial-scale power systems, focusing on their integration with medium-capacity feeders to reduce reliance on grid electricity. The central problem addressed is the scarcity of long-term, real-world demonstrations of MFCs operating in parallel with the public grid, particularly in feeders rated at 100 kVA and 150 kVA, where stable and reliable performance is critical. To overcome this gap, customized MFC panels were designed, equipped with a Delta PLC-based control system, and installed on two industrial feeders. Their operation was monitored continuously for nine months using PM-5350 power meters to capture load, grid, and MFC contributions. The results demonstrate that the MFCs consistently supplied a fraction of the feeder demand, reducing grid energy consumption by 9.68–18.48%, with an overall average saving of 12.38%. Corresponding reductions in electricity costs reached up to USD 1,034 per month. Differences in savings between the two feeders were explained by variations in load profiles, synchronization strategies, and microbial performance stability over time. A distinctive outcome of this study is the successful demonstration of reliable, long-horizon MFC operation under industrial conditions, enabled by protective interconnection schemes and automated control. The practical implications are significant: MFCs can be deployed on medium-scale feeders in manufacturing or processing industries to achieve measurable cost reductions while simultaneously contributing to renewable energy adoption and waste-to-energy initiatives. These findings strengthen the case for MFCs as a viable complement to conventional distributed generation technologies

Author Biographies

Levin Halim, Parahyangan Catholic University

Assistant Professor, Head of Laboratory

Laboratory of Electronics, Measurement, and Instrumentation

Center of Control, Automation, and Systems Engineering

Department of Electrical Engineering

Nico Saputro, Parahyangan Catholic University

Associate Professor

Department of Electrical Engineering

Jenny N M Tan-Soetedjo, Parahyangan Catholic University

Assistant Professor

Interdisciplinary Research for Circular Economy and Sustainability

Center for Renewable Energy Conversion

Department of Chemical Engineering

Anastasia Prima Kristijarti, Parahyangan Catholic University

Assistant Professor

Center for Renewable Energy Conversion

Department of Chemical Engineering

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Enhancing industrial power systems: a case study on electrical savings improvement with microbial fuel cell

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Published

2025-10-30

How to Cite

Halim, L., Saputro, N., Tan-Soetedjo, J. N. M., & Kristijarti, A. P. (2025). Enhancing industrial power systems: a case study on electrical savings improvement with microbial fuel cell. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 5(8 (137), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2025.338866

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 8 (137) (2025): Energy-saving technologies and equipment

Section

Energy-saving technologies and equipment

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Copyright (c) 2025 Levin Halim, Nico Saputro, Jenny N M Tan-Soetedjo, Anastasia Prima Kristijarti

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