# US 5,702,835 A · Sewage sludge compost battery

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 5,702,835 A
- Document ID: US5702835A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/612,426
- Filed: 1996-03-07
- Granted: 1997-12-30
- Earliest claimed: 1994-05-16
- Inventors: Ross Carson Larue
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5702835A

## CPC

- H01M 14/00: Electrochemical current or voltage generators not provided for in groups H01M6/00 - H01M12/00; Manufacture thereof
- H01M: PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY

## Abstract

Sewage Sludge Compost Batteries utilize Sewage Sludge Compost for electrical energy production. This is generated by biological oxidation/reduction reactions. By composting the sewage sludge, the physical and biological characteristics of the sewage sludge are altered, allowing utilization as a battery material. Sewage Sludge Compost also has many physical and biological characteristics that are different from raw and treated sewage. Electrical output is provided by the naturally occurring aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, Actinomycetes and fungi that are found in the Sewage Sludge Compost. Enhanced electrical output is achieved through the addition of various nitrogen compounds that include NH.sub.4 Cl and urea. The absorbing quality of the composted sewage sludge controls any free liquid that may be added to foster the biological activity. Usable electric current is then produced when dissimilar electrodes, with an electromotive potential, are inserted. The Sewage Sludge Compost Battery provides an alternative use for sewage treatment waste by-products.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A biological battery comprising two dissimilar electrodes, with an electromotive potential, inserted into biological matter, wherein said biological matter contains as a primary ingredient moist Sewage Sludge Compost and as a secondary ingredient composted biodegradable filler that remains from the sewage sludge composting process.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The biological battery of claim 1 wherein said biological matter further comprises a nitrogen compound.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The biological battery of claim 2 wherein the nitrogen compound is NH.sub.4 Cl or urea.

### Claim 4

A biological battery comprising two dissimilar electrodes, with an electromotive potential, inserted into biological matter, wherein said biological matter contains as a primary ingredient pure moist Sewage Sludge Compost.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The biological battery of claim 4 wherein said biological matter further comprises a nitrogen compound.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The biological battery of claim 5 wherein the nitrogen compound is NH.sub.4 Cl or urea.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

A process of renewing biological activity in the biological battery of claim 1 by adding a water and nitrogen compound solution to said biological matter when loss of electrical output is exhibited.

### Claim 8 (depends on 4)

A process of renewing biological activity in the biological battery of claim 4 by adding a water and nitrogen compound solution to said biological matter when loss of electrical output is exhibited.