Michigan tech builds ocean-powered sensors

May 13, 2026

Researchers at Michigan Technological University are advancing a new microbial fuel cell technology designed to keep underwater sensors operating for extended periods by generating electricity directly from organic matter found in seawater.

The initiative supports the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency BLUE (BioLogical Undersea Energy) program, which focuses on developing self-sustaining underwater energy systems for long-duration ocean monitoring equipment. Traditional underwater sensors typically depend on batteries that require costly recovery, replacement, and redeployment missions.

The Michigan Tech research team is developing microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that harness naturally occurring bacteria to transform dissolved organic compounds and microscopic marine biomass into usable electrical energy. Scientists believe the technology could eventually power naval surveillance systems, marine ecosystem monitoring platforms, and underwater acoustic communication networks.

According to Amy Marcarelli, distinguished professor of biological sciences at Michigan Tech, the growing use of marine sensors for ecological research, migration tracking, and naval acoustic monitoring has increased demand for long-lasting underwater power solutions.

The research team recently completed a successful 30-day submerged deployment in Chesapeake Bay, where prototype systems continuously generated electricity while operating underwater.

How microbial fuel cells generate electricity underwater

Microbial fuel cells produce energy through bacteria that naturally transfer electrons during metabolic activity. In the Michigan Tech system, these electrons travel between an anode and cathode, creating an electrical current that can be captured and used to power underwater devices.

One of the biggest technical obstacles is the low concentration of organic material in ocean water compared to environments where microbial fuel cells are commonly used, such as wastewater treatment facilities. High oxygen levels in marine environments can also disrupt the bacteria-driven energy production process.

To improve efficiency, researchers incorporated granulated activated carbon into tubular fuel cell designs. This material helps concentrate organic matter while providing a surface for microbial biofilms to grow, allowing the system to continue producing electricity even in oxygen-rich seawater.

Marcarelli explained that microbes naturally move electrons during metabolism, and microbial fuel cells redirect that electron flow from the anode to the cathode to generate usable electrical power.

The team also redesigned the technology with modular and stackable components that include independent pumps and control systems, making underwater deployment simpler and more energy efficient.

Recent field tests in Galveston Bay showed promising results, with three of four prototype units successfully generating electricity during submerged trials.

Long-endurance underwater sensor networks

Unlike systems that rely on surface wave motion or frequent human maintenance, these microbial fuel cells are engineered to operate entirely underwater for extended periods. Researchers say this capability could significantly increase the lifespan of ocean sensors deployed in remote or difficult-to-access environments.

The team has also developed predictive models using remote sensing technology, environmental monitoring data, and laboratory experiments to identify coastal regions worldwide where microbial fuel cells could generate sufficient underwater power.

Michael Sayers, chief research scientist at the Michigan Tech Research Institute, said the project combines remote sensing assets, field observations, laboratory testing, and real-world microbial fuel cell deployments to better understand long-term performance.

Researchers are now preparing a larger-scale deployment involving 10 microbial fuel cells in Chesapeake Bay. The upcoming trials aim to evaluate long-term reliability and determine whether the technology could eventually support year-long underwater sensor operations without battery replacement.