Direct air capture systems

Abstract

A direct air capture system (100) includes: a frame (200) arranged to define a first adsorption unit (204) and a second adsorption unit (204) arranged about a central axis (208); a first adsorption chamber (202) disposed in the first adsorption unit (204) and a second adsorption chamber (202) disposed in the second adsorption unit (204), each adsorption chamber including a first opening and a second opening; a hub (206) rotatably coupled to the frame (200) to rotate about the central axis (208); an upper arm (210) and a lower arm (210), each of the upper arm and the lower arm coupled to the hub (206) to rotate together about the central axis (208); and an upper cover (214) coupled to the upper arm (210) and a lower cover (214) coupled to the lower arm (210), the upper cover and the lower cover being movable between an open position and a closed position. The upper arm (210) and the lower arm (210) are movable to enable the upper cover and the lower cover (214) to be coaxially positioned with the first opening and the second opening, respectively.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Direct air capture is the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from a gas stream. One method of direct air capture uses an adsorbent that captures and removes CO2 from the air stream upon contact. Disadvantages of this direct air capture method include the high cost of the equipment, the high heat requirements for desorption, and its high electricity requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0002] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an alternative direct air capture system and method of operating the same that allows for reduced equipment costs and / or operating costs.

[0003] According to the present invention, there is provided a direct air capture system, the direct air capture system comprising:

[0004] a frame arranged to define a first adsorption unit and a second adsorption unit arranged about a central axis;

[0005] a first adsorption chamber provided in the first adsorption unit and a second adsorption chamber provided in the second adsorption unit, each of the first adsorption chamber and the second adsorption chamber including a first opening and a second opening;

[0006] a hub rotatably coupled to the frame for rotation about the central axis;

[0007] an upper arm coupled to the hub for common rotation about the central axis;

[0008] a lower arm coupled to the hub for common rotation about the central axis;

[0009] an upper cover coupled to the upper arm and movable between an open position in which the opening of the adsorption chamber is uncovered to allow air to flow through the adsorption chamber and a closed position in which the opening of the adsorption chamber is covered to prevent air from flowing through the adsorption chamber;

[0010] a lower cover coupled to the lower arm and movable between an open position in which the opening of the adsorption chamber is uncovered to allow air to flow through the adsorption chamber and a closed position in which the opening of the adsorption chamber is covered to prevent air from flowing through the adsorption chamber;

[0011] a control unit operable to move the upper arm and the lower arm to the closed position in response to operation in a desorption mode, wherein the upper arm and the lower arm are movable so that the upper cover and the lower cover can be positioned coaxially with the first opening and the second opening of the same adsorption chamber.

[0012] According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for operating the direct air capture system according to the foregoing, wherein:

[0013] The upper cover moves between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position, the opening of the adsorption chamber is not covered by the upper cover to allow air to flow through the adsorption chamber, and in the closed position, the opening of the adsorption chamber is covered by the upper cover to prevent air from flowing through the adsorption chamber;

[0014] The lower cover moves between an open position, in which the opening of the adsorption chamber is uncovered by the lower cover to allow air to flow through the adsorption chamber, and a closed position, in which the opening of the adsorption chamber is covered by the lower cover to prevent air from flowing through the adsorption chamber.

[0015] The upper arm and the lower arm move to a closed position in response to operation in a desorption mode, wherein the upper arm and the lower arm move so that the upper cover and the lower cover are positioned coaxially with first and second openings of the same adsorption chamber.

[0016] The system further comprises a fixed structure comprising an opening and a fan positioned in the opening, the fan operable to draw air through an inlet of the adsorption chamber, pass the air through the adsorbent material, and discharge the air from an outlet of the adsorption chamber during an adsorption phase of direct air capture, such that the air flows through the wavy adsorbent material. The fixed structure comprises an adsorption chamber positioned within the fixed structure, the adsorption chamber comprising a structural housing, the structural housing comprising an inlet at a first opening and an outlet at a second opening, an adsorbent element comprising a solid frame mounted within the structural housing, adsorbent material positioned within a cavity defined by the solid frame, the adsorbent material being arranged in a wavy pattern, a first cover movable between an adsorption position wherein the first cover sealingly covers the first opening, and a second cover movable between an adsorption position and a desorption position wherein the second cover sealingly covers the second opening.

[0017] Preferably, each of the upper cover and the lower cover includes a housing, a port opening, and a sealing element selectively mated with a surface of one of the first adsorption unit and the second adsorption unit to define a sealing portion.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the system includes a first steam conduit attached to the hub and from the hub to a port opening of the upper cover.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a second steam conduit attached from a port opening of the lower cover to the hub and from the hub to a location external to the direct air capture system, wherein the second steam conduit is arranged to discharge steam and carbon dioxide from the direct air capture system.

[0020] Preferably, the first adsorption unit includes a third adsorption chamber and a fourth adsorption chamber, and the second adsorption unit includes a fifth adsorption chamber and a sixth adsorption chamber. More preferably, the system includes a total of six adsorption units, each of which includes three adsorption chambers.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a service arm comprising a lifting device for removing the structural shell of the first adsorption chamber or the second adsorption chamber.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the adsorption chamber comprises a structural housing including an inlet located at one of the openings and an outlet located at the other of the openings, an adsorbent element including a solid frame mounted within the structural housing, and adsorbent material positioned within a cavity defined by the solid frame, the adsorbent material being arranged in a wave-like pattern. Preferably, the adsorbent material is a solid amine-loaded adsorbent.

[0023] In yet another preferred embodiment, the system includes a fixed structure having a fixed structural housing defining an opening, the fixed structure including a fan positioned in the opening, the fan operable to draw air into the inlet, pass the air through the adsorbent material, and exhaust the air out the outlet during the adsorption phase of direct air capture. To reduce the cost of the system, only one fan is used.

[0024] Preferably, the system further comprises a louvered wall panel attached to the fixed structural housing and positioned between the fixed structural housing and the ground, the louvered wall panel comprising another opening to allow air flow into the fixed structural housing.

[0025] To reduce equipment and / or operating costs, the system described above uses identical caps or cap sets attached to the upper and lower arms, respectively, to alternately close one or more adsorption chambers of one or more adsorption units for desorption purposes. The upper and lower arms rotate synchronously. While desorption is occurring in one or more adsorption units, the adsorption chambers of the remaining adsorption units remain open (i.e., uncovered by the caps), allowing adsorption to occur. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit(s) in a reference numeral refers to the figure number in which the element is first introduced.

[0027] Figure 1 Shown is an external perspective view of a direct air capture system.

[0028] Figure 2 Shown is a perspective view of the interior of a direct air capture system.

[0029] Figure 3 A perspective view of the rotating structure is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 A perspective view of the adsorption chamber is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 An embodiment of a sorbent element is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the adsorbent element shown.

[0033] Figure 7 An aspect of the present subject matter according to one embodiment is shown.

[0034] Figure 8 A method 800 for direct air capture is shown according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] A method for capturing carbon dioxide from ambient air involves the use of a solid adsorbent to which carbon dioxide molecules can be adsorbed by reacting with amine groups. Other adsorbents can also be used in this method, including but not limited to structures with micropores that act as molecular sieves. During the adsorption process, air needs to flow around the adsorbent to provide the adsorbent with carbon dioxide from the air so that the carbon dioxide can be adsorbed. During the desorption process, the adsorbent adsorbed with carbon dioxide needs to be enclosed in a container so that the released carbon dioxide can be captured. To desorb, the temperature is increased to reduce the partial pressure of CO2. Reducing the partial pressure of CO2 can be achieved by purging with other media and / or reducing the absolute pressure in the adsorbent container. In the aforementioned process, steam is used to purge and heat the adsorbent. At the beginning of the desorption phase, a vacuum pump can be used to reduce the air pressure in the adsorbent container, thereby reducing the amount of air mixed with the CO2 to be transported by the unit.

[0036] Figure 1A perspective view of the direct air capture system 100 as viewed from the outside is shown. The direct air capture system 100 is housed by a fixed structural housing 102. In the embodiment shown, the fixed structural housing 102 is cylindrical. The fixed structural housing 102 includes a first opening 104 and an opposing second opening 114 to allow air circulation. A single fan 106 is positioned in the first opening 104. The fan 106 is used to draw an air flow, as shown by arrows F, through the fixed structural housing 102. All internal components of the direct air capture system 100 are carried by the fixed structural housing 102, which is mounted on legs 108 so that the fixed structural housing 102 is above the ground. In one embodiment, the fixed structural housing 102 is several meters above the ground to minimize inflow and air recirculation. Positioned between adjacent legs 108 and between the fixed structure housing 102 and the ground is a louvered panel 110 attached to the fixed structure housing 102 to allow air to flow into the fixed structure housing 102 at the second opening 114 while protecting the direct air capture system 100 from unauthorized entry, such as by humans and animals. Access for technicians can be permitted by removing a portion of the louvered panel 110. If desired, an air filter can also be positioned adjacent the louvered panel 110. A rain shutter unit 112 can be positioned within the fixed structure housing 102, within the first opening 104 and adjacent the fan 106, to prevent water from entering the fixed structure housing 102.

[0037] The control unit (not shown) is operable to move the upper arm 210 and the lower arm 210 to a closed position in response to operation in the desorption mode. The upper arm 210 and the lower arm 210 are moved so that the upper cover 214 and the lower cover 214 are positioned coaxially with the first opening and the second opening of the same adsorption chamber 202, and close and seal the first opening and the second opening, respectively.

[0038] Figure 2An interior perspective view of a portion of the direct air capture system 100 is shown. The interior perspective view shows the components of the direct air capture system 100 disposed within the fixed structural housing 102. The direct air capture system 100 includes a frame 200 that defines sector-shaped adsorption cells 204 arranged about a central axis 208. The frame 200 includes an upper plate having an outlet and a lower plate having a corresponding number of inlets. Adsorption chambers 202 are positioned between the upper and lower plates and aligned with one of the inlets and outlets so that any flow through the cell passes through one of the adsorption chambers 202. Several fasteners interconnect the upper and lower plates to complete the assembly of the frame 200. Each adsorption cell 204 includes three adsorption chambers 202 positioned within the frame 200, sealing an air passageway so that airflow flows only through the adsorption chambers 202. In the illustrated embodiment, six adsorption cells 204 are positioned within the frame 200, each adsorption cell 204 including three adsorption chambers 202. Of course, other structures may include less than three adsorption chambers 202 or more than three adsorption chambers 202 as needed. In addition, the number of adsorption units 204 may be different. Each adsorption chamber 202 includes a structural shell 402 (see Figure 4 ) or container, the structural housing 402 or container includes an inlet at the first open end / first opening and an outlet at the second open end / second opening to allow air to flow through the adsorption chamber 202 during the adsorption phase of direct air capture.

[0039] The hub 206 is coupled to the frame 200 and is capable of rotating about a central axis 208. The hub 206 is positioned at the center of the frame 200 so as to be rotatable about the central axis 208, which passes through the hub 206 from the inside. Furthermore, arms 210 are coupled to the hub 206 on either side of the frame 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 210 are carried by wheels 212, which roll on tracks on the frame 200. The illustrated embodiment shows two Y-shaped upper arms 210 coupled to the hub 206 for co-rotation about the central axis 208. Although only partially illustrated, two opposing Y-shaped lower arms 210 are also coupled to the hub for co-rotation about the central axis 208. However, the number of upper and lower arms is not limited to two upper arms and two lower arms. The number of upper and lower arms can be one or more. Each Y-shaped arm 210 includes at least one cover 214, whereby the upper cover 214 is coupled to the upper arm and the lower cover 214 is coupled to the lower arm. Preferably, the number of covers 214 and their arrangement on the Y-shaped arm 210 corresponds to the number and position of the adsorption chambers 202 of each adsorption unit 204. In the illustrated embodiment, only the upper cover 214 is shown. Both the upper cover 214 and the lower cover 214 are movable between an open position and a closed position. In order to move the upper cover and the lower cover to the closed position, the upper cover 214 is positioned coaxially with the first open end of the adsorption chamber 202 and the lower cover is positioned coaxially with the second open end of the adsorption chamber 202 by rotating the upper arm 210 and the lower arm 210, respectively. The cover 214 then moves toward and engages with the flat surface at the corresponding first open end or second open end of the adsorption chamber 202, so that the corresponding first open end or second open end is covered.

[0040] A first steam conduit 216 is attached to the hub 206 from an external source and from the hub 206 to a port opening of the upper cover 214 (see FIG. Figure 3 Likewise, a second steam conduit 218 is attached to the hub 206 from a port opening (not shown) of the lower cover 214 and extends outwardly from the hub 206 to a location outside the fixed structure housing 102 .

[0041] A service arm 224 attached to the hub 206 may be equipped with a lifting device 220 that allows for easy removal of the container of adsorption chambers 202. The container may be lowered into the service area to replace the adsorption chamber 202 with another one. Additional connections to the hub 206, including electricity, controls, compressed air, water, drainage, etc., may be routed through the passage 222 to keep the area near the ground level tidy during operation.

[0042] Figure 3 Shown as Figure 2An enlarged view of the rotating structure 300 of the direct air capture system 100 is shown. The rotating structure 300 includes a hub 206 that rotates about a central axis 208 and two cover assemblies, an upper cover assembly 302 and a lower cover assembly 304. In one embodiment, the upper cover assembly 302 and the lower cover assembly 304 rotate independently of each other about the central axis 208. The rotating structure 300 is rotated by an electric motor that drives the wheels 212. The rotation is controlled by a main controller that monitors and controls the direct air capture system 100. Figure 3 The upper cover device 302 and the lower cover device 304 rotate together about the central axis 208. Each of the upper cover device 302 and the lower cover device 304 includes an arm 210 connected to the hub 206. Each arm 210 of the upper cover device 302 and the lower cover device 304 includes an upper cover or a lower cover, respectively, which can be positioned to contact the surface 404 ( Figure 4 As shown) with. Figure 3 As shown, a first steam conduit 216 is attached from the hub 206 to each cap 214 of the upper cap assembly 302. A door 306 within the hub portion of the hub 206 may be used to access the caps 214 for inspection and replacement.

[0043] Figure 4 A perspective view of the adsorption chamber 202 is shown. The adsorption chamber 202 includes a structural housing 402 having a first opening 410 and a second opening (not shown) opposite the first opening 410 to allow air circulation. The structural housing 402 may include a corrugated steel container. At each of the first opening 410 and the second opening, a surface 404 allows for mating with a corresponding cover 214. Figure 4 Only the first opening is shown; however, the second opening also includes a surface 404 for mating with a corresponding cover 214. The surface 404 is wide enough to accommodate misalignment between the adsorption chamber and the cover 214. Adjustable mounting hardware 406 is used to attach the adsorption chamber 202 to the frame 200. The adsorption chamber 202 also includes adsorbent elements 408 mounted within the structural housing 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the adsorption chamber 202 includes twenty adsorbent elements 408; however, the adsorption chamber 202 may include 1-40 adsorbent elements 408.

[0044] Figure 5 A perspective view of a single adsorbent element 408 is shown. Each adsorbent element 408 includes a solid frame 502 that can be mounted to be suspended from the structural housing 402 within the adsorption chamber 202. The solid frame 502 includes solid sides 504 so that air flow is forced through the adsorbent material 506 located within the cavity defined by the solid frame 502.

[0045] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 5FIG4 illustrates the adsorbent material 506 within the adsorbent element 408 as shown in the cross-section defined by AA. This cross-sectional view shows the adsorbent material 506 extending longitudinally in a wavy pattern within the solid frame 502. The wavy pattern allows for an increased amount of adsorbent material 506 within the solid frame 502 while maintaining a relatively thin thickness of the adsorbent material, such as 2-10 mm, and minimizing pressure drop. For example, by utilizing a larger surface area, the volume of air flowing through the wavy adsorbent material remains constant while reducing the flow rate and resistance from the adsorbent material compared to using a thinner thickness of adsorbent material.

[0046] The adsorbent material 506 may be filled with a solid amine adsorbent commonly used to remove CO2 from a gas stream. The amine may be doped with polymer particles.

[0047] The dimensions of the solid frame 502 and the number of folds of the adsorbent material 506 may vary based on the placement of the adsorbent elements 408 within the adsorption chamber 202 in order to maximize the surface area and volume of the adsorbent material 506 .

[0048] Figure 7 A perspective view of the cover 214 is shown. Figure 7 Also included are Figure 7 BB defines a cross-sectional view of the cover 214. The cover 214 includes a shell 702, a port opening 704, and a sealing element 706. The sealing element 706 cooperates with the surface 404 of the adsorption chamber 202 to define a seal. When aligned, the seal allows an airtight connection with the adsorption chamber 202. The cover 214 is attached to the rotating structure 300 by adjustable mounting hardware 708 that allows positioning control. The cover 214 also includes a one-way valve 710. For the upper cover, the valve 710 allows steam to flow into the adsorption chamber 202, but prevents air from entering the first steam conduit 216. For the lower cover, the valve 710 helps minimize the volume that needs to be exhausted from the adsorption chamber 202. In one embodiment, the valve 710 can be a resilient lip valve or a duckbill valve or any other type of valve that performs the desired function.

[0049] Figure 8A flow chart describing a direct carbon dioxide capture method 800 is shown. In block 802, the method 800 for direct air capture operates a first adsorption chamber during an adsorption phase and a second adsorption chamber during a desorption phase. In block 804, during the adsorption phase of direct air capture, air is directed through the first adsorption chamber using a fan. In block 806, a rotating structure rotates, carrying a first cover and a second cover, to position the first cover and the second cover to mate with the structural housing of the corresponding second adsorption chamber. In block 808, the second adsorption chamber is closed by covering each of the first and second open ends of the structural housing with the first cover or the second cover, respectively, to seal the second adsorption chamber. In block 810, steam is supplied to the second adsorption chamber via a first steam line and through the first cover. In block 812, steam and carbon dioxide are extracted through the second cover and the second steam line. In block 814, during the adsorption phase, the first adsorption chamber is uncovered, while during the desorption phase, the first cover and the second cover cover the second adsorption chamber.

[0050] Reference below Figures 1 to 8 A direct carbon dioxide capture method 800 is described. In operation, air flow is drawn into the fixed structure housing 102 through the louvered wall panels 110, then passes through a selected portion of the adsorption chamber 202 located within the fixed structure housing 102, and flows out through the first opening 104. The fan 106 operates to draw the air flow through the fixed structure housing 102, so that only one fan is required to operate the direct air capture system 100. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the air flow is directed out of the first opening 104 in a vertical direction, away from the ground.

[0051] In operation of the device shown, all or two-thirds of the adsorption chambers 202 are operated in the adsorption phase, while none or one-third of the adsorption chambers 202 are simultaneously operated in the desorption phase. Specifically, the chambers are grouped into six units 204, each including three chambers 202. Two diametrically opposed units can be operated in the desorption phase, while the remaining four units are operated in the adsorption phase.

[0052] For those chambers in the adsorption phase, the lids 214, i.e., the upper and lower lids, are in an open position, allowing air to flow through each adsorption chamber 202 of the first adsorption unit 204. During the period that the lids 214 are in the open position, carbon dioxide in the air flow can be adsorbed into the adsorbent material 506 within each adsorption chamber 202 of the first adsorption unit 204. In one embodiment, air is drawn through the adsorbent material 506 of each adsorption chamber 202 for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

[0053] After a period of time during the adsorption phase, the desorption phase begins in the first adsorption unit 204. The rotating structure 300 rotates, causing the lids 214, i.e., the upper and lower lids, to rotate to an aligned position and then translate to a closed position with the corresponding structural housing of the adsorption chamber 202 of the first adsorption unit 204. The upper and lower lids of each adsorption chamber 202 are then placed in the closed position, such that the upper lid closes the corresponding first open end of the corresponding adsorption chamber 202, and the lower lid closes the corresponding second open end of the corresponding adsorption chamber 202, thereby sealing the structural housing 402.

[0054] During the desorption phase, the temperature within each enclosed adsorption chamber 202 increases to a range of 60-110 degrees Celsius, and the carbon dioxide partial pressure within the cavity of the enclosed adsorption chamber 202 decreases. To reduce the carbon dioxide partial pressure within the enclosed adsorption cell, the adsorption chamber can be purged with another medium, and / or the absolute pressure within the cavity of the enclosed adsorption cell can be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of air mixed with the carbon dioxide to be transported by the adsorption chamber 202. Reducing the amount of air within the structural housing 402 can be achieved by opening a valve in the second steam line 218 connected to the vacuum pump. When the desired pressure level is reached, the vacuum pump valve is closed. In one embodiment, the absolute pressure within the cavity of the enclosed adsorption chamber 202 is reduced to 0.02-0.4 bar. The selected pressure level sets the steam condensation temperature and is selected based on the temperature of the available heat used to generate the steam. In addition to allowing carbon dioxide to be captured within the adsorbent container, the vacuum also protects the adsorbent material from degradation due to exposure to air.

[0055] When the cover 214 is in the closed position, steam is supplied from an external source through the first cover via the first steam line 216 into the structural housing 402. In one embodiment, the temperature of the steam is between 90 and 110 degrees Celsius. Carbon dioxide and steam are extracted from the structural housing 402 via the second steam line 218 through the second cover. After the steam has been supplied to the first cover for a desired period of time, the steam flow from the external source is shut off. The pressure in the first adsorption unit is reduced to a pressure of less than 0.15 bar, thereby initiating a drying / cooling phase. This drying / cooling phase allows the adsorbed water to evaporate, thereby cooling the adsorption chamber 202.

[0056] The above description of the operation of the direct air capture system 100 refers to one adsorption unit, namely the first adsorption unit. However, the direct air capture system 100 may use multiple adsorption units. For example, referring to Figure 2The rotating structure 300 can be used so that the first and second adsorption units 204, as well as the fifth and sixth adsorption units 204, each having at least one adsorption chamber 202, can be in the adsorption phase, i.e., with their lids 214 in the open position, while the third and fourth adsorption units 204, each having at least one adsorption chamber 202, can be in the desorption phase, i.e., with their lids 214 in the open position. By rotating the rotating structure 300, the lids 214 used to close, for example, the third and fourth adsorption units 204, 204, can then be used to engage with and close the first and second adsorption units 204, thereby initiating the desorption phase for these adsorption units 204. In this way, one lid 214 can be used for more than one adsorption chamber 202. The ratio of the number of lids to the number of adsorption chambers 202 can be selected to achieve an optimal ratio of adsorption time to desorption time.

[0057] The proposed direct air capture system utilizes the system's components as much as possible. For example, each cover can be used for more than one adsorption chamber. Other direct air capture systems can also reduce heat loss by utilizing steam supply through the rotating structure and cover assembly.

Claims

1. A direct air capture system (100), comprising: a frame (200) arranged to define a first adsorption unit and a second adsorption unit arranged about a central axis (208); a first adsorption chamber provided in the first adsorption unit and a second adsorption chamber provided in the second adsorption unit, each of the first adsorption chamber and the second adsorption chamber including a first opening and a second opening; a hub (206) rotatably coupled to the frame (200) for rotation about the central axis (208); an upper arm coupled to the hub (206) for common rotation about the central axis (208); a lower arm coupled to the hub (206) for common rotation about the central axis (208); an upper cover coupled to the upper arm and movable between an open position in which the opening of the adsorption chamber is uncovered to allow air to flow through the adsorption chamber and a closed position in which the opening of the adsorption chamber is covered to prevent air from flowing through the adsorption chamber; a lower cover coupled to the lower arm and movable between an open position in which the opening of the adsorption chamber is uncovered to allow air to flow through the adsorption chamber and a closed position in which the opening of the adsorption chamber is covered to prevent air from flowing through the adsorption chamber, and a control unit operable to move the upper arm and the lower arm to the closed position in response to operation in a desorption mode, wherein the upper arm and the lower arm are movable so that the upper cover and the lower cover can be positioned coaxially with the first opening and the second opening of the same adsorption chamber.

2. The direct air capture system (100) of claim 1, wherein: Each of the upper cover and the lower cover includes a housing (702), a port opening (704), and a sealing element (706) that selectively cooperates with a surface of one of the first adsorption unit and the second adsorption unit to define a seal.

3. The direct air capture system (100) of claim 2, comprising a first steam conduit (216) attached to the hub (206) and from the hub (206) to a port opening (704) of the upper cover.

4. The direct air capture system (100) of claim 3, comprising a second steam conduit (218) attached from the port opening (704) of the lower cover to the hub (206) and from the hub (206) to a location external to the direct air capture system (100), wherein The second steam conduit (218) is arranged to discharge steam and carbon dioxide from the direct air capture system (100).

5. The direct air capture system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first adsorption unit includes a third adsorption chamber and a fourth adsorption chamber, and the second adsorption unit includes a fifth adsorption chamber and a sixth adsorption chamber.

6. The direct air capture system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a total of six adsorption units, each of which comprises three adsorption chambers.

7. The direct air capture system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a service arm (224) comprising a lifting device (220) for removing the structural shell (402) of the first adsorption chamber or the second adsorption chamber.

8. The direct air capture system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The adsorption chamber comprises a structural housing (402) comprising an inlet at one of the openings and an outlet at the other of the openings, an adsorbent element (408) comprising a solid frame (502) mounted within the structural housing (402), and A sorbent material (506) is positioned within a cavity defined by the solid frame (502), the sorbent material (506) being arranged in a wave-like pattern.

9. The direct air capture system (100) of claim 8, wherein: The adsorbent material (506) is a solid amine loaded adsorbent.

10. The direct air capture system (100) of claim 8, comprising a fixed structure having a fixed structural housing (102) defining an opening, the fixed structure including a fan (106) positioned in the opening of the fixed structural housing (102), the fan being operable to draw air through the inlet, pass the air through the adsorbent material (506) and exhaust the air out the outlet during an adsorption phase of direct air capture.

11. The direct air capture system (100) of claim 10, wherein: A louvered wall panel (110) is attached to the fixed structural housing (102) and positioned between the fixed structural housing (102) and the ground, the louvered wall panel (110) including another opening to allow air flow (F) to enter the fixed structural housing (102).

12. A method for operating a direct air capture system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The upper cover moves between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position, the opening of the adsorption chamber is not covered by the upper cover to allow air to flow through the adsorption chamber, and in the closed position, the opening of the adsorption chamber is covered by the upper cover to prevent air from flowing through the adsorption chamber; The lower cover moves between an open position, in which the opening of the adsorption chamber is uncovered by the lower cover to allow air to flow through the adsorption chamber, and a closed position, in which the opening of the adsorption chamber is covered by the lower cover to prevent air from flowing through the adsorption chamber. The upper arm and the lower arm move to a closed position in response to operation in a desorption mode, wherein the upper arm and the lower arm move so that the upper cover and the lower cover are positioned coaxially with first and second openings of the same adsorption chamber.

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