Systems and methods for optimizing carbon dioxide capture using adsorbents

Abstract

A method for capturing carbon dioxide. The method includes receiving a gas stream from one or more sorbent beds including one or more sorbent modules, wherein each of the one or more sorbent modules includes one or more solid sorbent materials having one or more sorbent characteristics. The method further includes receiving, by the contactor, a flow of conditioning fluid for controlling a temperature of the one or more adsorption modules; adsorbing carbon dioxide from the gas stream via the one or more solid adsorbent materials; and discharging an exhaust stream from the one or more adsorbent beds. The method further includes adjusting the temperature of the one or more adsorbent modules based on the one or more adsorbent characteristics of the one or more solid adsorbent materials to facilitate increasing the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the one or more adsorbent beds and subsequently released.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims PCT patent application serial number PCT / US2023 / 021536, filed May 9, 2023, entitled “SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMIZING CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE”; PCT patent application serial number PCT / US2023 / 021542, filed May 9, 2023, entitled “SYSTEMS FOR CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE USING FUNCTIONALIZED SORBENTS AND WATER MANAGEMENT”; and PCT patent application serial number PCT / US2023 / 021542, filed June 26, 2023, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE USING TEMPERATURE”. The priority interest of PCT patent application serial number PCT / US2023 / 026240, entitled “Management (System and method for optimizing carbon dioxide capture using temperature management),” is hereby incorporated in its entirety with respect to the contents and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to capture systems and methods, and more specifically to systems and methods for using the physical and chemical properties of one or more adsorbents within an adsorbent bed to facilitate the optimization of the adsorption and desorption of carbon dioxide gas by the adsorbent bed.

[0004] At least some known industrial and power generation processes can produce gas streams containing pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2). To facilitate the removal of pollutants from the gas streams before they are released into the atmosphere, at least some known systems include capture systems. For example, capture systems can be used to capture CO2 and store it underground to help reduce the amount of CO2 that is not intended to be released into the atmosphere.

[0005] At least some known capture systems utilize adsorbent beds to capture CO2. In some such capture systems, adsorbent material is used in conjunction with the adsorbent bed to enhance CO2 adsorption and desorption. To further increase the amount of CO2 captured, at least some known capture systems employ direct heating and cooling of the adsorbent bed. However, direct heating and cooling can contaminate the adsorbent material.

[0006] In some known systems, in contrast to conventional liquid amine-based CO2 capture processes, solid sorbent materials can be used with sorbent beds to enhance sorption and desorption of CO2, thereby increasing sorption capacity and efficiency. Chemical sorbents, a type of solid sorbent material, sorb CO2 through a reversible chemical reaction and formation of ammonium carbamate, ammonium carbonate, and / or bicarbonate. Examples of chemical sorbents include metal organic frameworks (MOFs). However, the effectiveness of chemical sorbent systems can be limited based on the chemical structure and / or thickness of the chemical sorbent material.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for capture systems and methods that use one or more physical and chemical properties of solid sorbents to optimize the efficiency and productivity of carbon dioxide sorption and desorption by sorbent beds. SUMMARY

[0008] In one aspect, a method for capturing carbon dioxide is provided. The method includes receiving, by one or more sorbent beds comprising one or more sorption modules, a gas stream, wherein each of the one or more sorption modules comprises one or more solid sorbent materials having one or more sorbent properties. The method further includes receiving, by a contactor, a conditioning fluid stream for controlling a temperature of the one or more sorption modules, wherein the conditioning fluid stream comprises a cold stream and a hot stream; sorbing carbon dioxide from the gas stream via the one or more solid sorbent materials; and discharging an exhaust stream by the one or more sorbent beds. The method further includes adjusting the temperature of the one or more sorption modules based on the one or more sorbent properties of the one or more solid sorbent materials to facilitate increasing an amount of carbon dioxide captured and subsequently released by the one or more sorbent beds.

[0009] In another aspect, a capture system for capturing carbon dioxide is provided. The capture system includes one or more sorbent beds comprising one or more sorption modules, wherein the one or more sorption modules comprise one or more solid sorbent materials having one or more sorbent properties, the one or more sorbent beds are oriented to receive a gas stream, sorb carbon dioxide from the gas stream via the one or more solid sorbent materials, and discharge an exhaust stream. The capture system further includes a contactor oriented to receive a conditioning fluid stream for controlling a temperature of the one or more sorption modules, and a controller configured to adjust the temperature of the one or more sorption modules based on the one or more sorbent properties of the one or more solid sorbent materials to facilitate increasing an amount of carbon dioxide captured and subsequently released by the one or more sorbent beds. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an exemplary capture system that can be used to capture CO2.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective schematic diagram of an exemplary adsorption module that can be used with the capture system of Figure 1

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an alternative exemplary capture system that can be used to capture CO2.

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective schematic diagram of an exemplary adsorption module that can be used with the capture system of Figure 1 and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary control system that can be used with the capture system of

[0014] Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for capturing CO2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods that use the physical and chemical properties of solid adsorbents, such as chemical adsorbents, to optimize the efficiency and productivity of carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption by an adsorbent bed. The advantages of the systems described herein compared to the prior art include at least: (i) improving the efficiency and performance of carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption by changing the chemical properties, including but not limited to chemical structure, of one or more adsorbents within an adsorbent bed; (ii) improving the efficiency and performance of carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption by changing the physical properties, including but not limited to adsorbent thickness, of one or more adsorbents within an adsorbent bed; and (iii) improving the efficiency and performance of carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption by changing the chemical properties and / or physical properties of one or more adsorbents throughout an adsorbent bed.

[0016] When introducing elements of various embodiments disclosed herein, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there can be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0017] ​Approximating language, such as, for example, "generally," "approximately," and "about," as used herein, connotes an intended degree of accuracy that will vary from one context to another, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, in some instances, an approximation can be made within 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.1% of a value, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In other instances, an approximation can be made within 95%, 90%, 75%, 50%, 25%, or 10% of a value, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In some instances, an approximation can be made within a range of values, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," and the like, as used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Also, a reference to "one" or "the" item does not exclude the presence of more than one item, unless otherwise indicated.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an example capture system 100 that can be used to capture CO2 using a sorbent bed 102. In example embodiments, the sorbent bed 102 includes at least one adsorption module 104. More specifically, in example embodiments, the sorbent bed 102 includes four adsorption modules 104a-d. In some embodiments, the capture system 100 can include more or less than four adsorption modules 104. Further, in example embodiments, the sorbent bed 102 includes an inlet 106 and an outlet 108. The inlet 106 and the outlet 108 are oriented such that, during operation, a gas stream 110 received through the inlet 106 is directed to flow through each adsorption module 104 in series toward the outlet 108. As the gas stream 110 is directed through each adsorption module 104, the sorbent bed 102 captures CO2 from the gas stream 110 and exhausts a CO2-depleted exhaust stream 112 through the outlet 108.

[0019] Generally, the gas stream 110 can be any suitable gas known in the art that includes a contaminant that is intended to be removed. For example, the gas stream 110 can be air, flue gas, post-combustion gas, natural gas, and / or combinations thereof. In example embodiments, the gas stream 110 includes CO2. In some embodiments, the CO2 can be present in the gas stream 110 in a range of about 400 ppm to about 15 vol%. In other embodiments, the CO2 can be present in the gas stream 110 in a range of about 0.04 vol% to about 30 vol%.

[0020] In example embodiments, the CO2 concentration of the gas stream 110 is generally highest when the gas stream 110 enters the inlet 106. As the CO2 is adsorbed by each subsequent adsorption module 104, the CO2 concentration in the gas stream 110 decreases as the gas stream 110 is directed through the adsorption modules 104a-d toward the outlet 108. In example embodiments, the CO2 concentration in the gas stream 110 flowing through the adsorption modules 104a-d is lowest at the outlet 108.

[0021] In an example embodiment, the adsorption module 104 includes a contactor 114. The contactor 114 includes a contactor inlet 118, a contactor outlet 120, and a fluid circuit 202 (shown in Figure 2 FIG. 2) defined between and extending from the contactor inlet 118 to the contactor outlet 120. In an example embodiment, the adsorption module 104 also includes a plate 204 (shown in Figure 2 FIG. 2) coated with the adsorbent 116 in solid form to facilitate adsorption of CO2. For example, the adsorbent 116 can be, but is not limited to, in the form of just a powder, a composite mixed with a binder, a membrane or coating, a packed bed, and / or a column. In some embodiments, the adsorbent 116 within each adsorption module 104 can be the same. In other embodiments, the adsorbent 116 within at least one adsorption module 104 can be different. In an example embodiment, the contactor 114 and the plate 204 are adjacent to each other to facilitate indirect heating and / or cooling of the adsorbent 116 coated on the plate 204.

[0022] In an example embodiment, the flow 122 received through the contactor inlet 118 facilitates regulating the temperature of the adsorbent 116 coated on the plate 204 via heat transfer between the flow 122 flowing within the fluid circuit 202 (shown in Figure 2 FIG. 2) and the plate 204. For example, the regulated temperature T reg of the flow 122 can be used to increase or decrease the control temperature T cntl of the adsorption module 104. In some embodiments, the flow 122 can be in liquid form. In other embodiments, the flow 122 can be in gaseous form. The convection between the flow 122 flowing through the fluid circuit 202 and the adsorbent 116 coated on the plate 204 facilitates controlling the temperature of the adsorbent 116 without the risk of contamination that can occur due to direct contact with the flow 122. As Figure 2 shown in FIG. 2, the design of the contactor 114 is illustrative and is not intended to limit the design of the contactor 114. For example, in some embodiments, the design of the contactor 114 can be different from the design shown in Figure 2 FIG. 2 for one or more adsorption modules 104.

[0023] In an example embodiment, the flow 122 is composed of a mixture of a cold flow 132 and a hot flow 134, and exits the contactor outlet 120 as a mixed flow 123. The mixture of the cold flow 132 and the hot flow 134 facilitates regulating the temperature of the adsorbent 116. For example, the mixture of the cold temperature T cld of the cold flow 132 and the hot temperature T hot of the hot flow 134 can be used to increase or decrease the regulated temperature T regto control the temperature T cntl In some embodiments, the cold stream 132 and the hot stream 134 each include water (H2O) in the form of a liquid (e.g., water) or a gas (e.g., steam). For example, H2O can be present in the cold stream 132 and / or the hot stream 134 in a range of about 50 v% to 100 v%. In other embodiments, the cold stream 132 and / or the hot stream 134 can include a non-water fluid.

[0024] In example embodiments, the capture system 100 further includes a controller 124 that dynamically adjusts the operation of the capture system 100. For example, the controller 124 can facilitate the adjustment of the regulated temperature T reg of the stream 122 to control the temperature T cntl of the at least one adsorption module 104 to facilitate the optimization of the capture of CO2, where the temperature change is based on the physical and / or chemical properties of the adsorbent 116, as further described herein.

[0025] The controller 124 facilitates the adjustment of the temperature of each adsorption module 104a-d by monitoring the temperature of the stream 122 and / or the temperature of the adsorbent 116 in the panel 204 Figure 2 as shown in FIG. 1. For example, the controller 124 can monitor the regulated temperature T reg of the stream 122 using a contactor sensor 126 Figure 4 as shown in FIG. 1. Additionally, for example, the controller 124 can monitor the temperature T cntl of the at least one adsorption module 104 using a module sensor 128 Figure 4 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0026] In operating conditions where the temperature T cntl of the at least one adsorption module 104 is below a desired value, the controller 124 can selectively increase the regulated temperature T reg of the stream 122 to thereby increase the temperature of the at least one adsorption module 104. Alternatively, in operating conditions where the temperature T cntl of the at least one adsorption module 104 is above a desired value, the controller 124 can selectively decrease the regulated temperature T reg of the stream 122 to thereby indirectly decrease the temperature of the at least one adsorption module 104.

[0027] The controller 124 can also monitor the regulated temperature T reg of the stream 122 using a first valve sensor 127 Figure 4 as shown in FIG. 1 and a second valve sensor 129 Figure 4 as shown in FIG. 1. For example, the first valve sensor 127 Figure 4 as shown in FIG. 1 can monitor the cold temperature Tcld Additionally, for example, when the hot stream 134 flows through the second valve 144, the second valve sensor 129 (shown in FIG. 1) can monitor the hot temperature T Figure 4 of the hot stream 134. hot .

[0028] Under operating conditions in which the control temperature T cntl of the at least one adsorption module 104 is below a desired temperature, the controller 124 can selectively increase the flow of the hot stream 134 through the second valve 144 and / or selectively decrease the flow of the cold stream 132 through the first valve 142 based on the hot temperature T hot of the hot stream 134 and / or the cold temperature T cld of the cold stream 132 sensed by the first valve sensor 127 and / or the second valve sensor 129. Alternatively, under operating conditions in which the control temperature T cntl of the at least one adsorption module 104 is above a desired temperature, the controller 124 can selectively decrease the flow of the hot stream 134 through the second valve 144 and / or selectively increase the flow of the cold stream 132 through the first valve 142 based on the hot temperature T hot of the hot stream 134 and / or the cold temperature T cld of the cold stream 132 sensed by the first valve sensor 127 and / or the second valve sensor 129. In exemplary embodiments, the controller 124 facilitates regulating the temperature of each adsorption module 104a-d by simultaneously monitoring the flow and temperature of the stream 122. The controller 124 can facilitate regulating the temperature of each adsorption module 104a-d depending on whether the adsorption module 104 is adsorbing or desorbing CO2.

[0029] Generally, the regulated temperature T reg of the stream 122, and thus the temperature of the adsorption module 104, can be any suitable temperature known in the art that facilitates the capture of CO2 by the system described herein. In exemplary embodiments, the regulated temperature T reg of the stream 122 is monitored within each adsorption module 104a-d. In some embodiments, the regulated temperature T reg of the stream 122 can be substantially uniform in each adsorption module 104. In other embodiments, the regulated temperature T reg of the stream 122 can vary among the different adsorption modules 104a-d.

[0030] Generally, the flow rate of stream 122 and mixed stream 123 can be any suitable flow rate known in the art that facilitates the capture of CO2 by the system described herein. In exemplary embodiments, the flow rate of stream 122 is monitored within each adsorption module 104a-d, and the flow rate of mixed stream 123 out of each adsorption module 104a-d is monitored. In some embodiments, the flow rate of stream 122 and / or mixed stream 123 can be substantially uniform among each adsorption module 104a-d. In other embodiments, the flow rate of stream 122 and / or mixed stream 123 can vary among different adsorption modules 104a-d.

[0031] Additionally, controller 124 can vary the regulated temperature T reg of stream 122 within any of adsorption modules 104a-d. Figure 4 For example, one or more adsorption modules 104a-d can include one or more module sensors 128 (shown in FIG. 1). Accordingly, controller 124 can generate a temperature profile that includes varying values of the regulated temperature T reg of stream 122 within any or all of adsorption modules 104a-d.

[0032] The regulated temperature T reg of stream 122 can be based on the temperature of a steam extraction stream (not shown) from a steam turbine (not shown). For example, the steam turbine can be part of a combined cycle power plant (not shown), where the steam extraction stream from the steam turbine is used to vary the temperature of stream 122. In some embodiments, the steam extraction stream can heat stream 122 by convective transfer through one or more heat exchangers (not shown) to directly replace mixed cold stream 132 and hot stream 134 or to indirectly heat hot stream 134.

[0033] Additionally, controller 124 can facilitate regulating the temperature of each adsorption module 104a-d by monitoring the flow rate of mixed stream 123 through third valve 146. For example, controller can monitor the flow rate of mixed stream 123 out of adsorption module 104 using third valve sensor 147 (shown in FIG. 1). Figure 4 Under operating conditions where the control temperature T cntl of at least one adsorption module 104 is below and / or above a desired temperature, controller 124 can selectively vary the flow rate of mixed stream 123 through third valve 146 depending on whether the adsorption module 104 is adsorbing or desorbing CO2.

[0034] Generally, the hot temperature T hot of hot stream 134 and the cold temperature T cld of cold stream 132, and thus the regulated temperature T regand the control temperature T of the adsorption modules 104 cntl may be any suitable temperature known in the art that facilitates the capture and release of CO2 by the system described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the regulated temperature T of the stream 122 is monitored within each adsorption module 104a-d reg In some embodiments, the regulated temperature T of the stream 122 is substantially uniform across each adsorption module 104a-d. In other embodiments, the regulated temperature T of the stream 122 varies between different adsorption modules 104a-d. reg In some embodiments, the regulated temperature T of the stream 122 is substantially uniform across each adsorption module 104a-d. In other embodiments, the regulated temperature T of the stream 122 varies between different adsorption modules 104a-d. reg In some embodiments, the regulated temperature T of the stream 122 is substantially uniform across each adsorption module 104a-d. In other embodiments, the regulated temperature T of the stream 122 varies between different adsorption modules 104a-d.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 124 facilitates regulating the temperature of each adsorption module 104a-d based on the physical and / or chemical properties of the adsorbent 116. For example, the adsorption capacity and / or desorption capacity of the adsorbent bed 102 can be controlled by varying the control temperature T of one or more adsorption modules 104a-d based on the chemical structure of the adsorbent 116 within the one or more adsorption modules 104a-d. cntl Typically, varying the chemical structure of the adsorbent 116 based on the CO2 concentration in the gas stream 110 directed through the adsorption modules 104a-d improves the efficiency of the adsorbent bed 102. The adsorbent 116 can be any suitable adsorbent known in the art that facilitates the capture of CO2 as described herein, such as but not limited to a metal organic framework (MOF) compound. Typically, for one or more adsorption modules 104a-d in which the CO2 concentration of the gas stream 110 is highest, the properties of the adsorbent 116 that most favorably improve the adsorption capacity and / or desorption capacity of CO2 are desired.

[0036] As used herein, a MOF compound is a class of compounds that include metal ions or clusters that coordinate with organic ligands to form one-, two-, or three-dimensional structures. The metal ions or clusters act as joints and are bound by polydirectional organic ligands that act as linkers in the network structure. MOF compounds have modular properties that allow for tunability of synthesis, which provides fine chemical and structural control. Properties such as porosity, stability, particle morphology, and electrical conductivity can be tailored for specific applications. Thus, varying the chemical structure of the adsorbent 116 can include, but is not limited to, changes in porosity, stability, particle morphology, and / or electrical conductivity.

[0037] In some embodiments, the adsorbent 116 can be a MOF compound including a MOF metal or metal-containing cluster and a MOF linker. For example, the MOF metal can be any suitable MOF metal known in the art that facilitates the adsorbent 116 described herein. In some embodiments, the MOF metal can be a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a transition metal, Ca, Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, ions thereof, hydrates thereof, salts thereof, halides thereof, fluorides thereof, chlorides thereof, bromides thereof, iodides thereof, nitrates thereof, acetates thereof, sulfates thereof, phosphates thereof, carbonates thereof, oxides thereof, formates thereof, carboxylates thereof, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the MOF metal can include Mg. Thus, altering the chemical structure of the adsorbent 116 can include, but is not limited to, changes in the MOF compound and / or the MOF linker.

[0038] In some embodiments, the MOF metal-containing cluster can be any suitable MOF metal-containing cluster known in the art that facilitates the adsorbent 116 described herein. For example, the MOF metal-containing cluster can include MOF metal nodes and linker pillars. Additionally, for example, the MOF metal-containing cluster includes MOF metal oxo clusters.

[0039] In some embodiments, the MOF linker can be any suitable MOF linker known in the art that facilitates the adsorbent 116 described herein. Generally, the geometry and connectivity of the linker facilitates the structure of the resulting MOF compound. Adjusting the geometry, length, ratio, and functional groups of the linker can tune the size, shape, and internal surface properties of the MOF compound for a target application. Thus, altering the chemical structure of the adsorbent 116 can include, but is not limited to, changes in the geometry, size, shape, and / or internal surface properties.

[0040] The thickness of the adsorbent 116 can vary within one or more of the adsorption modules 104a-104d. The adsorbent 116 can have any suitable thickness known in the art that facilitates the capture of CO2 as described herein.

[0041] Generally, the temperature of the gas stream 110 entering the fourth adsorption module 104d is higher than the temperature of the gas stream 110 entering any of the first through third adsorption modules 104a-104c due to the heat generated during the exothermic process of adsorbing CO2. Thus, when the gas stream 110 is directed from the first adsorption module 104a to the fourth adsorption module 104d, the temperature of the gas stream 110 generally increases with adsorption of CO2. Accordingly, in the example embodiment, the temperature of the stream 122 is based on the control temperature T cntland heat generation within each adsorption module varies among the different adsorption modules 104a-d. For example, for the fourth adsorption module 104d, the temperature of stream 122 can be the lowest to maximize the CO2 captured from gas stream 110 in the adsorption module 104a-d at the lowest CO2 content of the stream. Additionally, for example, during an adsorption mode of operation, for the first adsorption module 104a, the temperature of stream 122 can be the highest to manage CO2 capture for which gas stream 110 is at its highest CO2 content in the adsorption modules 104a-d.

[0042] By varying the regulated temperature T reg and / or the temperature of mixed stream 123 in the different adsorption modules 104a-d, controller 124 can facilitate optimizing the adsorption of CO2 by adsorbent bed 102 by increasing the adsorption capacity and / or desorption capacity of adsorbent bed 102. Generally, increasing the percentage of module capacity used by at least one of the adsorption modules 104a-d increases the efficiency of capture system 100. For example, varying the regulated temperature T reg and / or the temperature of mixed stream 123 in the adsorption modules 104a-d to decrease the control temperature T cntl of a subsequent adsorption module 104a-d can increase the percentage of module capacity used by the subsequent adsorption module, such as adsorption modules 104b-d, thereby increasing the efficiency of capture system 100.

[0043] Additionally, by varying the regulated temperature T reg of stream 122 based on the physical properties of adsorbent 116 in the different adsorption modules 104a-d, controller 124 can facilitate optimizing the adsorption of CO2 by adsorbent bed 102 by increasing the adsorption capacity and / or desorption capacity of adsorbent bed 102. For example, varying the regulated temperature T reg of stream 122 in the adsorption modules 104a-d based on the thickness of adsorbent 116 to optimize the adsorption and / or desorption of CO2 can increase the percentage of module capacity used by one or more of the adsorption modules 104a-d, thereby increasing the efficiency of capture system 100. In some embodiments, the thickness of adsorbent 116 can vary among one or more of the adsorption modules 104a-d. In other embodiments, the thickness of adsorbent 116 can vary among one or more of the adsorption modules 104a-d and within the one or more adsorption modules.

[0044] Furthermore, by varying the regulated temperature T regThe controller 124 can promote the optimization of CO2 adsorption and / or desorption by the adsorbent bed 102 by increasing the adsorption capacity and / or desorption capacity of the adsorbent bed 102. For example, the regulating temperature T of the flow 122 in the adsorption modules 104a to 104d can be changed based on the chemical structure of the adsorbent 116. reg Optimizing the adsorption and / or desorption of CO2 can increase the percentage of module capacity used by one or more adsorption modules 104a to 104d, thereby improving the efficiency of the capture system 100. The regulating temperature T of the flow 122... reg The chemical structure properties can be varied, such as, but not limited to, porosity, stability, particle morphology, electrical conductivity, MOF compound and / or linker, geometry, size, shape and / or internal surface properties. In some embodiments, the chemical structure of adsorbent 116 may vary in one or more adsorption modules 104a to 104d. In other embodiments, the chemical structure of adsorbent 116 may vary in and within one or more adsorption modules 104a to 104d.

[0045] Furthermore, modifying the design of the contactor 114 used in one or more adsorption modules 104 can promote the optimization of CO2 adsorption and / or desorption of the adsorbent bed 102 by increasing the adsorption capacity and / or desorption capacity of the adsorbent bed 102.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an adsorption module 104 including a contactor 114 and a plate 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the contactor 114 includes a fluid loop 202 extending between a contactor inlet 118 and a contactor outlet 120. The plate 204 is coated with adsorbent 116 to adsorb CO2. In an exemplary embodiment, the contactor 114 and the plate 204 are in close proximity to each other to facilitate indirect heating and / or cooling of the adsorbent coated on the plate 204.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary capture system 300 that can be used to capture CO2 using multiple adsorbent beds 102. In an exemplary embodiment, system 300 includes three adsorbent beds 102a to 102c. Figure 3 The illustrated trapping system 300 is similar to trapping system 100 ( Figure 1 As shown in the figure), the differences will be pointed out below, and therefore in Figure 3 Used with Figure 1 The same reference numerals used refer to the same components. In an exemplary embodiment, the inlets 106 of each adsorbent bed 102 are connected in parallel via inlet lines 302. In some embodiments, the trapping system 300 may include more or fewer than three adsorbent beds 102a to 102c.

[0048] In example embodiments, gas stream 110 is directed through inlet line 302, where the flow of gas stream 110 through each respective adsorbent bed 102 is controlled via a plurality of respective inlet valves 304. In example embodiments, each inlet valve 304 is in communication with controller 124 to enable controller 124 to selectively control the flow of gas stream 110 from inlet line 302 through a corresponding adsorbent bed 102. For example, in example embodiments, inlet valve 304a controls the flow of gas stream 110 to adsorbent bed 102a. In example embodiments, the outlet 108 of each adsorbent bed 102a-c is coupled in parallel through outlet line 308, such that exhaust stream 112 is directed through outlet line 308 from each adsorbent bed 102 for exhaust from capture system 300. Additionally, the mixed stream 123 output from one or more adsorbent beds 102a-c can be treated or directed for reuse as hot stream 134 and / or cold stream 132 in one or more other adsorbent beds 102a-c via a heating or heat rejection heat exchanger (not shown).

[0049] In example embodiments, controller 124 can control the flow of gas stream 110 into adsorbent beds 102a-c by controlling inlet valves 304a-c. Selectively using at least one adsorbent bed 102a-c to capture CO2 from gas stream 110 can facilitate optimizing the efficiency of capture system 300. For example, controller 124 can use a minimum number of adsorbent beds 102a-c as needed to facilitate optimizing the capture of CO2 from gas stream 110. Accordingly, the flow of gas stream 110 into at least one adsorbent bed 102a-c can be adjusted by controller 124 by selectively opening and / or closing at least one of inlet valves 304a-c. When an adsorbent bed 102 is not receiving gas stream 110, exhaust isolation valve 306 can be closed. Additionally, for example, controller 124 can use more than one adsorbent bed 102a-c in parallel to optimize the capture of CO2 from gas stream 110. Accordingly, the flow of gas stream 110 into and out of at least one adsorbent bed 102a-c can be variably adjusted by controller 124 by selectively opening and / or closing at least one of inlet valves 304a-c. In example embodiments, the contactor outlet 120 of each adsorbent module 104 is connected in parallel to outlet line 308.

[0050] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an example control system 400 that can be used with a capture system, such as capture system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) and / or capture system 300 (shown in FIG. 3). Figure 1 Figure 3 ​CO2. In example embodiments, controller 124 includes memory 402 and processor 404. Controller 124 can adjust the temperature of one or more adsorption modules 104a-d based on data received by control system 400 from contactor sensor 126, such as but not limited to the regulated temperature T Figure 1 of the CO2 capture system (shown in FIG. 1) and / or the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules 104a-d (shown in FIG. 1). reg Controller 124 can adjust the temperature of one or more adsorption modules 104a-d based on a comparison of the data stored in memory 402, such as the desired range of the regulated temperature T reg of the CO2 capture system (shown in FIG. 1) and / or the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules 104a-d (shown in FIG. 1), instructions stored in memory 402, and / or data analyzed by processor 404.

[0051] Additionally, controller 124 can adjust the temperature of one or more adsorption modules 104a-d based on data received by control system 400 from module sensor 128, such as but not limited to the control temperature T cntl of the one or more adsorption modules 104. Controller 124 can adjust the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules 104 based on a comparison of the data stored in memory 402, such as the desired range of the control temperature T cntl of the one or more adsorption modules 104, instructions stored in memory 402, and / or data analyzed by processor 404.

[0052] Controller 124 can also adjust the temperature of at least one adsorption module 104a-d based on data received by control system 400 from first valve sensor 127, second valve sensor 129, and / or third valve sensor 147, such as but not limited to the temperature and / or flow of stream 122 and / or mixed stream 123. Controller 124 can adjust the temperature and / or flow of stream 122 and / or mixed stream 123 based on a comparison of the data stored in memory 402, such as the desired range of the temperature and / or flow of stream 122 and / or mixed stream 123, instructions stored in memory 402, and / or data analyzed by processor 404.

[0053] Further, the controller 124 can adjust the temperature of one or more of the adsorption modules 104a-d based on input data stored by the control system 400, such as but not limited to the thickness and / or chemical structure of the adsorbent 116, and the resulting CO2 adsorption capacity and desorption capacity in each of the adsorption modules 104a-d and within each adsorption module. The controller 124 can adjust the temperature and / or flow of the stream 122 and / or the mixed stream 123 based on a comparison of data stored in the memory 402, such as the CO2 adsorption capacity and desorption capacity of one or more physical and / or chemical properties of the adsorbent 116, instructions stored in the memory 402, and / or measured data analyzed by the processor 404.

[0054] Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 500 for capturing CO2. In example embodiments, the method 500 includes receiving 502 a gas stream by one or more adsorbent beds comprising one or more adsorption modules, wherein each of the one or more adsorption modules comprises one or more solid adsorbent materials having one or more adsorbent properties. The method 500 also includes receiving 504, by a contactor, a regulating fluid stream for controlling a temperature of the one or more adsorption modules, wherein the regulating fluid stream comprises a cold stream and a hot stream. The method 500 also includes adsorbing 506 carbon dioxide from the gas stream via the one or more solid adsorbent materials, and discharging 508 an exhaust stream by the one or more adsorbent beds. The method 500 also includes adjusting 510 the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules based on the one or more adsorbent properties of the one or more solid adsorbent materials to facilitate increasing an amount of carbon dioxide captured by the one or more adsorbent beds. The method 500 can be used with, but is not limited to, the capture system described herein.

[0055] Described herein are example systems and methods for using physical and chemical properties of adsorbents to optimize the efficiency and productivity of carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption. The example systems and methods described herein provide several advantages over conventional designs, including at least: improving the efficiency and performance of carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption by varying the chemical properties, including but not limited to chemical structure, of one or more adsorbents within an adsorbent bed; improving the efficiency and performance of carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption by varying the physical properties, including but not limited to adsorbent thickness and adsorbent geometry, of one or more adsorbents within an adsorbent bed; and improving the efficiency and performance of carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption by varying the chemical properties and / or physical properties of one or more adsorbents throughout an adsorbent bed.

[0056] The above description is meant to be exemplary only and one of skill in the art will realize that changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosed application. Modifications falling within the scope of the application will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings of the present disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The systems described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather various portions of the systems can be utilized independently and separately from other systems described herein.

[0057] While specific features of various embodiments of the application can be shown in some drawings and not others, this is merely for convenience. In addition, references to "an embodiment" in the above description are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments containing one or more of the recited features. Any feature of a drawing can be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing according to the principles of the application.

[0058] Other aspects of the application are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0059] A method for capturing carbon dioxide, the method comprising: receiving a gas stream by one or more adsorbent beds comprising one or more adsorption modules, wherein each of the one or more adsorption modules comprises one or more solid adsorbent materials having one or more adsorbent properties; receiving a conditioning fluid stream for controlling a temperature of the one or more adsorption modules by a contactor, wherein the conditioning fluid stream comprises a cold stream and a hot stream; adsorbing carbon dioxide from the gas stream via the one or more solid adsorbent materials; discharging an exhaust stream by the one or more adsorbent beds; and adjusting the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules based on the one or more adsorbent properties of the one or more solid adsorbent materials to facilitate increasing an amount of carbon dioxide captured and subsequently released by the one or more adsorbent beds.

[0060] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein changing the one or more adsorbent properties of the one or more solid adsorbent materials comprises: changing an adsorbent thickness of the one or more solid adsorbent materials.

[0061] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein changing the one or more adsorbent properties of the one or more solid adsorbent materials comprises: changing an adsorbent chemical structure of the one or more solid adsorbent materials.

[0062] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein changing the one or more adsorbent properties of the one or more solid adsorbent materials further comprises: changing one or more of a porosity, a geometry, a size, and a shape of the one or more solid adsorbent materials.

[0063] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein adjusting the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules comprises receiving the cold stream through a cold stream valve and receiving the hot stream through a hot stream valve, and adjusting a flow rate of at least one of the cold stream through the cold stream valve and the hot stream through the hot stream valve.

[0064] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein adjusting the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules further comprises adjusting the flow rate of at least one of the cold stream and the hot stream to reduce a fluid temperature of the conditioning fluid stream to facilitate adjusting the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules.

[0065] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein adjusting the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules further comprises reducing the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules to facilitate increasing the amount of carbon dioxide captured and subsequently released by the one or more adsorbent beds.

[0066] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein receiving a gas stream comprises receiving the gas stream by a plurality of adsorbent beds connected in parallel, each of the plurality of adsorbent beds comprising one or more adsorption modules.

[0067] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein receiving a gas stream comprises receiving a gas stream by one or more adsorbent beds, each of the one or more adsorbent beds comprising a plurality of adsorption modules connected in series.

[0068] A capture system for capturing carbon dioxide, the capture system comprising: one or more adsorbent beds comprising one or more adsorption modules, wherein the one or more adsorption modules comprise one or more solid adsorbent materials having one or more adsorbent properties, the one or more adsorbent beds oriented to: receive a gas stream; adsorb carbon dioxide from the gas stream via the one or more solid adsorbent materials; and exhaust an exhaust gas stream; a contactor oriented to receive a conditioning fluid stream for controlling a temperature of the one or more adsorption modules; and a controller configured to adjust the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules based on the one or more adsorbent properties of the one or more solid adsorbent materials to facilitate increasing an amount of carbon dioxide captured and subsequently released by the one or more adsorbent beds.

[0069] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more adsorbent properties comprise an adsorbent thickness of the one or more solid adsorbent materials.

[0070] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more sorbent properties include a sorbent chemical structure of the one or more solid sorbent materials.

[0071] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sorbent chemical structure includes one or more of porosity, geometry, size, and shape.

[0072] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the conditioned fluid stream includes a cold stream and a hot stream.

[0073] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the contactor includes a cold stream valve oriented to receive the cold stream and a hot stream valve oriented to receive the hot stream.

[0074] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules by adjusting a flow rate of at least one of the cold stream and the hot stream.

[0075] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: a plurality of contactors oriented to receive the conditioned fluid stream, each contactor of the plurality of contactors for controlling the temperature of one adsorption module of the one or more adsorption modules, wherein at least one contactor of the plurality of contactors has a first design and at least one contactor of the plurality of contactors has a second design.

[0076] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is further configured to decrease the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules to facilitate an increase in an amount of carbon dioxide captured and subsequently released by the one or more sorbent beds.

[0077] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more sorbent beds includes a plurality of sorbent beds connected in parallel, each sorbent bed of the plurality of sorbent beds including one or more adsorption modules.

[0078] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more adsorption modules includes a plurality of adsorption modules connected in series.

[0079] While this application has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can readily apply modifications to the basic principles elucidated herein.

Claims

1. A method for capturing carbon dioxide, the method comprising: An airflow is received by one or more adsorbent beds comprising one or more adsorption modules, wherein each of the one or more adsorption modules comprises one or more solid adsorbent materials having one or more adsorbent properties. A contactor receives a regulating fluid flow for controlling the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules, wherein the regulating fluid flow includes a cold flow and a hot flow; Carbon dioxide is adsorbed from the gas stream via one or more solid adsorbent materials; The exhaust stream is discharged by the one or more adsorbent beds; as well as The temperature of the one or more adsorbent modules is adjusted based on the properties of the one or more solid adsorbent materials to promote an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide captured and subsequently released by the one or more adsorbent beds.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein changing one or more adsorbent properties of the one or more solid adsorbent materials comprises: The adsorbent thickness of the one or more solid adsorbent materials is changed.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein changing one or more adsorbent properties of the one or more solid adsorbent materials includes: The adsorbent chemical structure of one or more solid adsorbent materials is modified.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein changing one or more adsorbent properties of the one or more solid adsorbent materials further includes: The porosity, geometry, size, and shape of one or more of the solid adsorbent materials may be altered.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein adjusting the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules comprises: The cold flow is received through the cold flow valve and the hot flow is received through the hot flow valve; as well as Adjust the flow rate of at least one of the cold flow through the cold flow valve and the hot flow through the hot flow valve.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein adjusting the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules further comprises: Adjusting the flow rate of at least one of the cold flow and the hot flow to reduce the fluid temperature of the regulating fluid flow, thereby facilitating the regulation of the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein adjusting the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules further comprises: Lowering the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules promotes an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide captured and subsequently released by the one or more adsorbent beds.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the airflow comprises: The gas flow is received by a plurality of adsorbent beds connected in parallel, each of the plurality of adsorbent beds including one or more adsorption modules.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the airflow comprises: The gas flow is received by one or more adsorbent beds, each of which includes multiple adsorption modules connected in series.

10. A capture system for capturing carbon dioxide, the capture system comprising: One or more adsorbent beds, the one or more adsorbent beds comprising one or more adsorption modules, wherein the one or more adsorption modules comprise one or more solid adsorbent materials having one or more adsorbent properties, the one or more adsorbent beds being oriented as follows: Receive airflow; Carbon dioxide is adsorbed from the gas stream via one or more solid adsorbent materials; as well as Exhaust airflow; A contactor, the contactor being oriented to receive a regulating fluid flow for controlling the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules; and A controller configured to adjust the temperature of the one or more adsorbent modules based on the properties of the one or more solid adsorbent materials to facilitate an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide captured and subsequently released by the one or more adsorbent beds.

11. The trapping system of claim 10, wherein the one or more adsorbent characteristics include the adsorbent thickness of the one or more solid adsorbent materials.

12. The trapping system of claim 10, wherein the properties of the one or more adsorbents include the adsorbent chemical structure of the one or more solid adsorbent materials.

13. The trapping system of claim 12, wherein the chemical structure of the adsorbent includes one or more of porosity, geometry, size, and shape.

14. The trapping system of claim 10, wherein the regulating fluid flow comprises a cold flow and a hot flow.

15. The capture system of claim 14, wherein the contactor includes a cold flow valve oriented to receive the cold flow and a hot flow valve oriented to receive the hot flow.

16. The trapping system of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules by adjusting the flow rate of at least one of the cold flow and the hot flow.

17. The trapping system according to claim 10, further comprising: A plurality of contactors, the plurality of contactors being oriented to receive the regulating fluid flow, each of the plurality of contactors being used to control the temperature of one of the one or more adsorption modules, wherein at least one of the plurality of contactors has a first design and at least one of the plurality of contactors has a second design.

18. The capture system of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured to: reduce the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules to promote an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide captured and subsequently released by the one or more adsorbent beds.

19. The trapping system of claim 10, wherein the one or more adsorbent beds comprise a plurality of adsorbent beds connected in parallel, each of the plurality of adsorbent beds comprising one or more adsorption modules.

20. The trapping system of claim 10, wherein the one or more adsorption modules comprise a plurality of adsorption modules connected in series.

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