Nicholas Eckelberry obtains US patent 8,986,531

The abstract states:

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A system includes an ionic exchange conduit through which a flow of photosynthetic biomass is drawn capturing an electrical charge which is used to alternately power a photonic activated reservoir housing a living photosynthetic biomass suspended in a flowing liquid medium which self generates an electrical charge as it migrates towards and through a cathode separated from an anode by a membrane. Upon electrical transfer through the circuit an electrolysis process begins and releases hydrogen and oxygen into enclosed atmosphere chambers where these separated gases can be captured for use in a fuel cell.

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The first claim

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A apparatus comprising: a reservoir for storing a fluid containing a photosynthesis living biomass, the reservoir being configured to allow sunlight to illuminate the fluid to allow photonic energy in the form of electrons to be captured within cells of the photosynthesis living biomass; an electrically-conductive primary conduit connected to the reservoir to allow the fluid to flow through the primary conduit, the primary conduit having a length and with a first terminal electrically connected thereto; an electrically-conductive secondary conduit having a length similar to the length of the primary conduit, being disposed substantially entirely within the primary conduit such that the fluid flows between the primary and secondary conduit, and having a second terminal electrically connected thereto; an electrical circuit or device electrically connected to the first and second terminals and configured to capture energy from a voltage difference existing at the first and second terminals, the voltage difference being generated by the release of the electrons from the cells of the photosynthesis living biomass caused by a change in an oxygen reduction potential of the fluid as it flows between the primary and secondary conduits.

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