System and method for optimizing carbon dioxide capture using temperature management

Abstract

A capture system for capturing carbon dioxide, the capture system comprising at least one adsorbent bed, the at least one adsorbent bed comprising at least one adsorbent module and an adsorbent. The at least one adsorbent bed is oriented to receive a gas stream, adsorb carbon dioxide from the gas stream via the adsorbent, and discharge an exhaust stream. The trapping system also includes a contactor oriented to receive a conditioning fluid for controlling a temperature of the at least one adsorption module, the conditioning fluid flow including a cold flow and a heat flow, where the contactor includes a cold flow valve oriented to receive the cold flow and a heat flow valve oriented to receive the heat flow. The capture system also includes a controller configured to adjust the temperature of the at least one adsorbent module to facilitate increasing the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to capture systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that facilitate optimizing the temperature of a sorbent bed for adsorption and desorption of carbon dioxide gas.

[0002] At least some known industrial and power generation processes can result in the production of a gas stream containing a contaminant, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). To facilitate the removal of the contaminant from the gas stream before the exhaust stream is released into the atmosphere, at least some known systems include a capture system. For example, a capture system can be used to capture CO2 and store the CO2 underground to facilitate reducing the amount of CO2 that is undesirably released into the atmosphere.

[0003] At least some known capture systems can use a sorbent bed to capture CO2. In some such capture systems, a sorbent material can be used with the sorbent bed to enhance the adsorption and desorption of CO2. To facilitate increasing the amount of CO2 that is captured, at least some known capture systems use direct heating and cooling of the sorbent bed. However, direct heating and cooling can contaminate the sorbent material. Additionally, allowing the temperature of the sorbent bed to increase during adsorption can decrease the efficiency of the capture system. Accordingly, there is a need for a capture system that uses temperature management to optimize the efficiency and productivity of carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption. SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, a capture system for capturing carbon dioxide is provided. The capture system includes at least one sorbent bed including at least one adsorption module and a sorbent, the at least one sorbent bed oriented to receive a gas stream, adsorb carbon dioxide from the gas stream via the sorbent, and exhaust an exhaust stream. The capture system further includes a contactor oriented to receive a conditioning fluid for controlling a temperature of the at least one adsorption module, the conditioning fluid stream including a cold stream and a hot stream, 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. The capture system further includes a controller configured to adjust the temperature of the at least one adsorption module to facilitate increasing an amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one sorbent bed.

[0005] In another aspect, a method for capturing carbon dioxide is provided. The method includes receiving a gas stream by at least one adsorbent bed comprising at least one adsorption module and an adsorbent; and receiving a flow of a conditioning fluid by a contactor for controlling a temperature of the at least one adsorption module, wherein the flow of the conditioning fluid comprises a cold stream and a hot stream. The method further includes adsorbing carbon dioxide from the gas stream via the adsorbent; and discharging an exhaust stream by the at least one adsorbent bed. The method further includes adjusting the temperature of the at least one adsorption module to facilitate increasing an amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary capture system that can be used to capture CO2.

[0007] Figure 2 is a perspective schematic diagram of an exemplary adsorption module that can be used with the capture system of Figure 1 .

[0008] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an alternative exemplary capture system that can be used to capture CO2.

[0009] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary control system that can be used with the capture system of Figure 1 and Figure 3 .

[0010] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an alternative capture system that can be used to capture CO2.

[0011] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an alternative capture system that can be used to capture CO2.

[0012] Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for capturing CO2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods that use adsorbent temperature management to optimize the efficiency and productivity of carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption. Advantages of the systems and methods described herein over the prior art include at least: (i) improved efficiency and performance of carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption due to the use of the temperature of the adsorbent bed; (ii) improved efficiency and performance of carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption due to the use of temperature changes of the adsorbent bed; and (iii) improved performance of the capture system due to the use of multiple adsorbent beds connected in series by valves.

[0014] 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.

[0015] Approximating language, such as "substantially," "essentially," and "approximately," as used herein, refers to that which would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to be close to, but not necessarily exact, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, in some instances, the approximating language can be taken to mean that the value is within ten percent of the value being described. In at least some instances, the approximating language can be taken to mean that the value is within twenty percent of the value being described. In at least some instances, the approximating language can be taken to mean that the value is within thirty percent of the value being described. In at least some instances, the approximating language can be taken to mean that the value is within forty percent of the value being described. In at least some instances, the approximating language can be taken to mean that the value is within fifty percent of the value being described. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," and the like, as used herein do not imply a sequence or order by their use but rather are used for purposes of nomenclature. Further, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items refers to individual items in the list and to combinations of two or more individual items in the list. For example, a phrase such as "at least one of a, b, and c" refers to "a" alone, "b" alone, "a and b" together, "a and c" together, "b and c" together, and "a, b, and c" together.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary capture system 100 that can be used to capture CO2 using a sorbent bed 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the sorbent bed 102 includes at least one sorption module 104. More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the sorbent bed 102 includes four sorption modules 104a-d. In some embodiments, the capture system 100 can include more or less than four sorption modules 104. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, 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 sorption module 104 in series toward the outlet 108. As the gas stream 110 is directed through each sorption 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.

[0017] 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 an exemplary embodiment, 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 v%. In other embodiments, the CO2 can be present in the gas stream 110 in a range of about 0.04 v% to about 30 v%.

[0018] In an example embodiment, the CO2concentration of the gas stream 110 is generally highest when the gas stream 110 enters the inlet 106. As the CO2is adsorbed by each subsequent adsorption module 104, the CO2concentration in the gas stream 110 decreases as the gas stream 110 is directed through the adsorption modules 104a-104d towards the outlet 108. In an example embodiment, the CO2concentration in the gas stream 110 flowing through the adsorption modules 104a-104d is lowest at the outlet 108.

[0019] 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 In an example embodiment, the adsorption module 104 further includes a plate 204 (shown in Figure 2 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

[0020] In an example embodiment, the flow 122 received through the contactor inlet 118 is facilitated by the flow 122 flowing within the fluid circuit 202 (shown in Figure 2 In an example embodiment, the flow 122 received through the contactor inlet 118 is facilitated by the flow 122 flowing within the fluid circuit 202 (shown in reg may be used to increase or decrease the control temperature T cntl 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 helps to control the temperature of the adsorbent 116 without the risk of contamination that can occur from direct contact with the flow 122.

[0021] In an example embodiment, the flow 122 is comprised of a mixture of the cold flow 132 and the 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 helps to regulate the temperature of the adsorbent 116. For example, the cold temperature T cld and the hot temperature Thot The mixture can be used to increase or decrease the regulating temperature T of flow 122. reg In order to control the control temperature T of the adsorption module 104 cntl In some embodiments, cold flow 132 and hot flow 134 each comprise water (H2O) in liquid (e.g., water) or gaseous (e.g., steam) form. For example, H2O may be present in cold flow 132 and hot flow 134 in the range of about 50 v% to 100 v%. In other embodiments, cold flow 132 and hot flow 134 may each comprise a non-aqueous fluid.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the trapping system 100 further includes a controller 124 for dynamically adjusting the operation of the trapping system 100. For example, the controller 124 can adjust the control temperature T of at least one adsorption module 104. cntl And / or by controlling the mixture of cold flow 132 and hot flow 134 to change the regulating temperature T of flow 122. reg To facilitate optimized CO2 capture, as further described in this paper.

[0023] Controller 124 monitors the temperature of flow 122 and / or plate 204 ( Figure 2 The temperature of the adsorbent 116 in the (shown) is used to facilitate the regulation of the temperature of each adsorption module 104a to 104d. For example, the controller 124 can use the contactor sensor 126 (shown in the diagram) Figure 4 (As shown) The regulating temperature T of the monitoring flow 122 reg Additionally, for example, controller 124 may use module sensor 128 ( Figure 4 (As shown) The control temperature T of at least one adsorption module 104 is monitored. cntl .

[0024] The control temperature T of at least one of the adsorption modules 104 cntl Under operating conditions below the desired value, controller 124 can selectively increase the regulating temperature T of flow 122. reg This increases the temperature of at least one adsorption module 104. Alternatively, the temperature T of at least one adsorption module 104 is controlled... cntl Under operating conditions higher than expected, controller 124 can selectively reduce the regulating temperature T of flow 122. reg This indirectly reduces the temperature of at least one adsorption module 104.

[0025] The controller 124 can also use the first valve sensor 127 ( Figure 4 (as shown) and the second valve sensor 129 ( Figure 4 (As shown) The regulating temperature T of the monitoring flow 122 regFor example, when cold flow 132 flows through the first valve 142, the first valve sensor 127 ( Figure 4 (As shown) The cold temperature T of the cold flow 132 can be monitored. cld Additionally, for example, when heat flow 134 flows through the second valve 144, the second valve sensor 129 ( Figure 4 (As shown) The heat temperature T of heat flux 134 can be monitored. hot .

[0026] At the control temperature T of at least one adsorption module 104 cntl Under operating conditions below the desired temperature, the controller 124 can base its operation on the thermal temperature T of the heat flow 134 sensed by the first valve sensor 127 and / or the second valve sensor 129. hot And / or the cold temperature T of cold flow 132 cld Selectively increase the flow rate of the hot flow 134 through the second valve 144 and / or selectively decrease the flow rate of the cold flow 132 through the first valve 142. Alternatively, at a control temperature T of at least one adsorption module 104... cntl Under operating conditions above the desired temperature, the controller 124 can base its operation on the thermal temperature T of the heat flow 134 sensed by the first valve sensor 127 and / or the second valve sensor 129. hot And / or the cold temperature T of cold flow 132 cld Selectively reduce the flow rate of hot flow 134 through the second valve 144 and / or selectively increase the flow rate of cold flow 132 through the first valve 142.

[0027] Additionally, at the controlled temperature T of at least one adsorption module 104 cntl Under operating conditions below or above the desired temperature, the heat flux 134 can be adjusted to the heat temperature T. hot And / or the cold temperature T of cold flow 132 cld To change the regulating temperature T of flow 122 reg .

[0028] Typically, the regulating temperature T of flow 122 is... reg And the temperature of the adsorption module 104 can be any suitable temperature known in the art that is advantageous for capturing CO2 by the system described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the regulating temperature T of the flow 122 is monitored within each adsorption module 104a to 104d. reg In some implementations, the regulating temperature T of flow 122 reg The conditions can be substantially consistent in each adsorption module 104. In other embodiments, the regulating temperature T of the flow 122 is... reg The specific variations can occur in different adsorption modules 104a to 104d.

[0029] Additionally, the controller 124 can change the regulating temperature T of the flow 122 within any of the adsorption modules 104a to 104d. reg For example, one or more adsorption modules 104a to 104d may include one or more module sensors 128. Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram). Therefore, the controller 124 can generate a temperature distribution that includes the regulated temperature T of the flow 122 within any or all of the adsorption modules 104a to 104d. reg The change value.

[0030] Adjustment temperature T of flow 122 reg The temperature of the extracted steam stream (not shown) from a steam turbine (not shown) can be used as a basis. For example, the steam turbine may be part of a combined cycle power plant (not shown), where the extracted steam stream from the steam turbine is used to change the temperature of stream 122. In some embodiments, the extracted steam stream can heat stream 122 by convective transfer via one or more heat exchangers (not shown), either directly replacing the mixing of cold stream 132 and hot stream 134 or indirectly heating hot stream 134.

[0031] Additionally, the controller 124 can facilitate temperature regulation of each adsorption module 104a to 104d by monitoring the flow rate of the flow 122. For example, the controller 124 can use a first valve sensor 127 ( Figure 4 (as shown) and / or the second valve sensor 129 (as shown) Figure 4 (As shown) The flow rates of the cold flow 132 and / or the hot flow 134 entering the adsorption module 104 are monitored. At a control temperature T of at least one adsorption module 104... cntl Under operating conditions below and / or above the desired temperature, the controller 124 can selectively change the flow rate of the cold flow 132 through the first valve 142 and / or the flow rate of the hot flow 134 through the second valve 144, depending on whether the adsorption module 104 is adsorbing or desorbing CO2. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 124 facilitates temperature regulation of each adsorption module 104a to 104d by simultaneously monitoring the flow rate and temperature of the flow 122.

[0032] Furthermore, the controller 124 can facilitate temperature regulation of each adsorption module 104a to 104d by monitoring the flow rate of the mixed flow 123 through the third valve 146. For example, the controller can use the third valve sensor 147 ( Figure 2 (As shown) The flow rate of the mixed flow 123 exiting the adsorption module 104 is monitored. At a control temperature T of at least one adsorption module 104... cntlUnder operating conditions below and / or above the desired temperature, controller 124 can selectively change the flow rate of the mixed stream 123 through third valve 146 depending on whether adsorption module 104 is adsorbing or desorbing CO2. In an exemplary embodiment, controller 124 facilitates temperature regulation of each adsorption module 104a to 104d by simultaneously monitoring the flow rate and temperature of the mixed stream 123.

[0033] Typically, the heat flux is 134 at the heat temperature T. hot The cold temperature T of the cold flow 132 cld And the temperature T of the flow 122 thereby regulating reg and the control temperature T of the adsorption module 104 cntl This can be any suitable temperature known in the art that promotes CO2 capture by the system described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the regulating temperature T of flow 122 is monitored within each adsorption module 104a to 104d. reg In some implementations, the regulating temperature T of flow 122 reg The conditions are substantially consistent in each adsorption module 104a to 104d. In other embodiments, the regulating temperature T of flow 122 is... reg It can vary between different adsorption modules 104a and 104d.

[0034] Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the thermal temperature T is based on the heat flux 134. hot And / or the cold temperature T of cold flow 132 cld The temperature of the mixed stream 123 is monitored within each adsorption module 104a to 104d. In some embodiments, the temperature of the mixed stream 123 may be substantially consistent across each adsorption module 104a to 104d. In other embodiments, the temperature of the mixed stream 123 may vary across different adsorption modules 104a to 104d.

[0035] Typically, the flow rates of stream 122 and the 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 an exemplary embodiment, the flow rate of stream 122 is monitored within each adsorption module 104a to 104d. In some embodiments, the flow rate of stream 122 may be substantially consistent in each adsorption module 104a to 104d. In other embodiments, the flow rate of stream 122 may vary in different adsorption modules 104a to 104d.

[0036] 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-c due to the heat generated from 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 mixed stream 123 varies among the different adsorption modules 104a-d based on the control temperature T cntl and heat generation within each adsorption module. For example, for the fourth adsorption module 104d, the temperature of the mixed stream 123 can be the lowest to maximize the CO2 captured from the gas stream 110 at the lowest CO2 content of the mixed stream among the adsorption modules 104a-d. Additionally, for example, for the first adsorption module 104a, the temperature of the mixed stream 123 can be the highest to manage CO2 capture during an adsorption operating mode in which the gas stream 110 is at its highest CO2 content among the adsorption modules 104a-d.

[0037] By varying the regulated temperature T reg of the flow 122 and / or the temperature of the mixed stream 123 among the different adsorption modules 104a-d, the controller 124 can facilitate optimizing the adsorption of CO2 by the adsorbent bed 102 by increasing the adsorption capacity of the 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 the capture system 100. For example, varying the regulated temperature T reg of the flow 122 and / or the temperature of the mixed stream 123 among 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 the adsorption modules 104b-d, thereby increasing the efficiency of the capture system 100.

[0038] Additionally, for example, varying the adsorption cycle time and / or the desorption cycle time within at least one of the adsorption modules 104a-d can increase the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent bed 102. Generally, varying the adsorption cycle time and / or the desorption cycle time based on temperature increases the efficiency of the capture system 100. For example, increasing the adsorption cycle time while decreasing the control temperature T cntl of at least one of the adsorption modules 104a-d can increase the percentage of module capacity used by the at least one of the adsorption modules 104a-d, thereby increasing the efficiency of the capture system 100.

[0039] Figure 3This 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.

[0040] 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 1 The illustrated trapping system 300 is similar to trapping system 100 ( Figure 3 As shown in the figure), the differences will be pointed out below, and therefore in Figure 1 Used with Figure 4 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.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, airflow 110 is directed through inlet line 302, wherein the flow of airflow 110 through each respective adsorbent bed 102 is controlled via a plurality of respective inlet valves 304. In an exemplary embodiment, each inlet valve 304 is in communication with a controller 124 to enable the controller 124 to selectively control the flow of airflow 110 from inlet line 302 through the corresponding adsorbent bed 102. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, inlet valve 304a controls the flow of airflow 110 to adsorbent bed 102a. In an exemplary embodiment, the outlets 108 of each adsorbent bed 102a to 102c are connected in parallel via outlet line 308, such that exhaust flow 112 is directed from each adsorbent bed 102 through outlet line 308 to be discharged from the capture system 300. Additionally, the mixed stream 123 output from one or more adsorbent beds 102a to 102c may be processed or directed for reuse as a hot stream 134 and / or a cold stream 132 in one or more other adsorbent beds 102a to 102c via a heating heat exchanger or a cooling heat exchanger (not shown).

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, controller 124 can control the flow of gas 110 into adsorbent beds 102a to 102c by controlling inlet valves 304a to 304c. Selectively using at least one adsorbent bed 102a to 102c to capture CO2 from gas 110 can facilitate optimization of the capture system 300's efficiency. For example, controller 124 can use a minimum number of adsorbent beds 102a to 102c as needed to facilitate optimized CO2 capture from gas 110. Therefore, the flow rate of gas 110 into at least one adsorbent bed 102a to 102c can be adjusted by controller 124 by selectively opening and / or closing at least one of the inlet valves 304a to 304c. When adsorbent bed 102 does not receive gas 110, exhaust isolation valve 306 can be closed. Additionally, for example, controller 124 can use more than one adsorbent bed 102a to 102c in parallel to optimize CO2 capture from gas 110. Therefore, the flow rate of the airflow 110 entering and exiting at least one adsorbent bed 102a to 102c can be variably adjusted by the controller 124 by selectively opening and / or closing at least one of the inlet valves 304a to 304c. In an exemplary embodiment, the contactor outlet 120 of each adsorption module 104 is connected in parallel to the outlet line 308.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary control system 400, which can be used to utilize a trapping system (such as trapping system 100). Figure 3 (as shown) and / or the trapping system 300 ( Figure 1 (as shown in the diagram) CO2 is captured. In an exemplary embodiment, controller 124 includes memory 402 and processor 404. Controller 124 may capture CO2 based on data received by control system 400 from contactor sensor 126 (such as, but not limited to, flow 122 and / or mixed flow 123). Figure 5 The adjusted temperature T (as shown in the figure) reg The controller 124 can adjust the temperature of one or more adsorption modules 104a to 104d based on data stored in the memory 402 (such as adjusting the temperature T). reg The temperature of one or more adsorption modules 104a to 104d is adjusted by comparing the desired range, instructions stored in memory 402 and / or data analyzed by processor 404.

[0044] Additionally, the controller 124 may base its data on data received by the control system 400 from the module sensor 128 (such as, but not limited to, the control temperature T of one or more adsorption modules 104). cntl The controller 124 can adjust the temperature of one or more adsorption modules 104a to 104d based on data stored in the memory 402 (such as the control temperature T).cntl the data analyzed by the processor 404) to adjust the temperature of the one or more adsorption modules 104.

[0045] The controller 124 can also adjust the temperature of the at least one adsorption module 104a-d based on data received by the control system 400 from the first valve sensor 127, the second valve sensor 129, and / or the third valve sensor 147, such as but not limited to the temperature and / or flow rate of the stream 122 and / or the mixed stream 123. The controller 124 can adjust the temperature and / or flow rate of the stream 122 and / or the mixed stream 123 based on a comparison to the desired range of the temperature and / or flow rate of the stream 122 and / or the mixed stream 123, instructions stored in the memory 402, and / or data analyzed by the processor 404.

[0046] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a capture system 500 that can be used to capture CO2 using the adsorbent bed 102. Figure 1 The illustrated capture system 500 is similar to the capture system 100 (shown in Figure 3 ) and the capture system 300 (shown in Figure 5 ), with the differences indicated below, and thus uses the same reference numerals in Figure 1 for the same components as in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment, the first adsorption module 104a includes the contactor inlet 118, and the fourth adsorption module 104d includes the contactor outlet 120. The stream 122 received by the contactor inlet 118 facilitates regulating the temperature of the at least one adsorption module 104a-d, with each adsorption module 104a-d connected in a series flow relationship from the first adsorption module 104a to the fourth adsorption module 104d.

[0047] The controller 124 facilitates regulating the temperature of the at least one adsorption module 104a-d by monitoring the temperature of the stream 122 as it continuously passes through each adsorption module 104a-d. For example, the line 502 can include one or more of the first valve sensor 127, the second valve sensor 129, and / or the third valve sensor 147 (shown in Figure 6 ) to monitor the temperature of the stream 122a-d at each adsorption module 104a-d. In the event that the control temperature T cntl is above the desired temperature, the controller 124 can selectively reduce the temperature of the stream 122, thereby reducing the temperature of the at least one adsorption module 104. Alternatively, in the event that the control temperature T cntlabove the desired temperature and the temperature of stream 122 is below a control temperature T of the at least one adsorption module 104 cntl Under the operating conditions of the at least one adsorption module 104

[0048] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a capture system 600 that can be used to capture CO2 using adsorbent beds 102. Figure 5 The capture system 600 illustrated in Figure 6 is similar to the capture system 500 (shown in Figure 5 ) with differences that will be pointed out below, and thus, in Figure 6 the same reference numerals are used in the same parts as used in

[0049] the same parts as used in ​ is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 700 for capturing CO2. In an exemplary embodiment, the method 700 includes receiving 702 a gas stream by at least one adsorbent bed comprising at least one adsorption module and an adsorbent; and receiving 704 a conditioning fluid stream by a contactor for controlling a temperature of the at least one adsorption module, wherein the conditioning fluid stream comprises a cold stream and a hot stream. The method 700 also includes adsorbing 706 carbon dioxide from the gas stream via the adsorbent; and discharging 708 an exhaust stream by the at least one adsorbent bed. The method 700 also includes adjusting 710 the temperature of the at least one adsorption module to facilitate increasing an amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed. The method 700 can be used with, but is not limited to, a capture system as described herein.

[0050] Exemplary systems and methods are described herein that use temperature management to optimize adsorption and desorption of carbon dioxide by an adsorbent bed. The exemplary systems and methods described herein have several advantages over conventional designs and processes, including at least: increased efficiency and performance of carbon dioxide adsorption by using temperature changes of the adsorbent bed; increased efficiency and performance of carbon dioxide desorption due to using temperature changes of the adsorbent bed; and increased performance of a capture system due to using multiple adsorbent beds connected in series by valves.

[0051] 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 view of the foregoing description of the disclosure and are intended to be within the scope of the 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.

[0052] While specific features of various embodiments of the application can be shown in some drawings and not others, this is merely for convenience. Also, references to "an embodiment" in the above description are not intended to be interpreted as excluding further embodiments containing the described feature. To the extent that any feature described above is specifically removed from a particular embodiment, it can be added back in a further embodiment in accordance with the principles of the application.

[0053] Other aspects of the application are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0054] A capture system for capturing carbon dioxide, the capture system comprising: at least one sorbent bed comprising at least one sorbent module and a sorbent, the at least one sorbent bed oriented to: receive a gas stream; adsorb carbon dioxide from the gas stream via the sorbent; and exhaust an exhaust gas stream; a contactor oriented to receive a conditioning fluid for controlling a temperature of the at least one sorbent module, the conditioning fluid stream comprising a cold stream and a hot stream, wherein the contactor comprises a cold stream valve oriented to receive the cold stream and a hot stream valve oriented to receive the hot stream; and a controller configured to adjust the temperature of the at least one sorbent module to facilitate increasing an amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one sorbent bed.

[0055] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is further configured to: decrease the temperature of the at least one sorbent module to facilitate increasing the efficiency of the capture system by increasing the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one sorbent bed.

[0056] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is further configured to: decrease a fluid temperature of the conditioning fluid stream to facilitate decreasing the temperature of the at least one sorbent module.

[0057] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein decreasing the fluid temperature of the conditioning fluid stream comprises: 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.

[0058] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is further configured to adjust 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 by selectively opening or closing at least one of the cold stream valve and the hot stream valve.

[0059] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flow rate of the cold stream through the cold stream valve is increased.

[0060] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flow rate of the hot stream through the hot stream valve is decreased.

[0061] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein decreasing the fluid temperature of the conditioning fluid stream comprises adjusting a flow temperature of at least one of the cold stream and the hot stream.

[0062] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is further configured to adjust a duration of an adsorption cycle of the at least one adsorption module to facilitate increasing an amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

[0063] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the duration of the adsorption cycle of the at least one adsorption module is based on a carbon dioxide concentration of the exhaust stream exhausted from the at least one adsorbent bed.

[0064] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is further configured to adjust a duration of a desorption cycle of the at least one adsorption module to facilitate increasing an amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

[0065] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the duration of the desorption cycle of the at least one adsorption module is based on a carbon dioxide concentration of the exhaust stream exhausted from the at least one adsorbent bed.

[0066] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is further configured to increase the temperature of the at least one adsorption module to facilitate increasing an efficiency of the capture system by increasing the amount of carbon dioxide desorbed by the at least one adsorbent bed.

[0067] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is further configured to increase a fluid temperature of the conditioning fluid stream to facilitate increasing the temperature of the at least one adsorption module.

[0068] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein increasing the fluid temperature of the conditioning fluid stream comprises adjusting a flow rate of at least one of the cold stream through the cold flow valve and the hot stream through the hot flow valve.

[0069] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is further configured to adjust a flow rate of at least one of the cold stream through the cold flow valve and the hot stream through the hot flow valve by selectively opening or closing at least one of the cold flow valve and the hot flow valve.

[0070] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flow rate of the cold stream through the cold flow valve is decreased.

[0071] The capture system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the flow rate of the hot stream through the hot flow valve is increased.

[0072] A method of capturing carbon dioxide, the method comprising: receiving a gas stream by at least one adsorbent bed comprising at least one adsorption module and an adsorbent; receiving a conditioning fluid stream for controlling a temperature of the at least one adsorption module 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 adsorbent; discharging an exhaust stream by the at least one adsorbent bed; and adjusting the temperature of the at least one adsorption module to facilitate increasing an amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

[0073] The method of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: decreasing the temperature of the at least one adsorption module to facilitate increasing the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

[0074] The method of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: decreasing a fluid temperature of the conditioning fluid stream to facilitate decreasing the temperature of the at least one adsorption module.

[0075] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein receiving the conditioning fluid stream by the contactor comprises receiving the cold stream through a cold flow valve and receiving the hot stream through a hot flow valve.

[0076] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein decreasing the fluid temperature of the conditioning fluid stream comprises adjusting a flow rate of at least one of the cold stream through the cold flow valve and the hot stream through the hot flow valve.

[0077] The method of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: adjusting a duration of at least one of an adsorption cycle and a desorption cycle of the at least one adsorption module to facilitate increasing the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

[0078] The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein adjusting the duration of at least one of the adsorption cycle and the desorption cycle of the at least one adsorption module comprises: basing the duration of at least one of the adsorption cycle and the desorption cycle on a carbon dioxide concentration of the exhaust stream discharged from the at least one adsorbent bed.

[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 devise numerous modifications to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the application.

Claims

1. A capture system for capturing carbon dioxide, the capture system comprising: At least one adsorbent bed, the at least one adsorbent bed comprising at least one adsorption module and an adsorbent, the at least one adsorbent bed being oriented as follows: Receive airflow; Carbon dioxide is adsorbed from the gas stream via the adsorbent; as well as Exhaust airflow; A contactor, the contactor being oriented to receive a regulating fluid flow for controlling the temperature of the at least one adsorption module, the regulating fluid flow including a cold flow and a hot flow, 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; and A controller configured to regulate the temperature of the at least one adsorption module to promote an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

2. The capture system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: reduce the temperature of the at least one adsorption module to promote increased efficiency of the capture system by increasing the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

3. The trapping system of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to: reduce the fluid temperature of the regulating fluid flow to facilitate a reduction in the temperature of the at least one adsorption module.

4. The trapping system of claim 3, wherein reducing the fluid temperature of the regulating fluid flow comprises: 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.

5. The capture system of claim 4, wherein the controller is further configured to: regulate 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 by selectively opening or closing at least one of the cold flow valve and the hot flow valve.

6. The capture system of claim 5, wherein the flow rate of the cold flow through the cold flow valve is increased.

7. The capture system of claim 5, wherein the flow rate of the heat flow through the heat flow valve is reduced.

8. The trapping system of claim 3, wherein reducing the fluid temperature of the regulating fluid flow comprises: Adjust the flow temperature of at least one of the cold flow and the hot flow.

9. The capture system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: adjust the duration of the adsorption cycle of the at least one adsorption module to promote an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

10. The trapping system of claim 9, wherein the duration of the adsorption cycle of the at least one adsorption module is based on the carbon dioxide concentration of the exhaust stream discharged from the at least one adsorbent bed.

11. The capture system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: adjust the duration of the desorption cycle of the at least one adsorption module to promote an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

12. The trapping system of claim 11, wherein the duration of the desorption cycle of the at least one adsorption module is based on the carbon dioxide concentration of the exhaust stream discharged from the at least one adsorbent bed.

13. The capture system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: increase the temperature of the at least one adsorption module to promote increased efficiency of the capture system by increasing the amount of carbon dioxide desorbed by the at least one adsorbent bed.

14. The trapping system of claim 13, wherein the controller is further configured to: increase the fluid temperature of the regulating fluid flow to facilitate an increase in the temperature of the at least one adsorption module.

15. The trapping system of claim 14, wherein increasing the fluid temperature of the regulating fluid flow comprises: 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.

16. The capture system of claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured to: regulate 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 by selectively opening or closing at least one of the cold flow valve and the hot flow valve.

17. The trapping system of claim 16, wherein the flow rate of the cold flow through the cold flow valve is reduced.

18. The capture system of claim 16, wherein the flow rate of the heat flow through the heat flow valve is increased.

19. A method for capturing carbon dioxide, the method comprising: The airflow is received by at least one adsorbent bed comprising at least one adsorption module and an adsorbent; A contactor receives a regulating fluid flow for controlling the temperature of the at least one adsorption module, wherein the regulating fluid flow includes a cold flow and a hot flow; Carbon dioxide is adsorbed from the gas stream via the adsorbent; The exhaust stream is discharged by the at least one adsorbent bed; as well as The temperature of the at least one adsorption module is adjusted to promote an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: Lowering the temperature of the at least one adsorption module promotes an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: Lowering the temperature of the regulating fluid flow facilitates a reduction in the temperature of the at least one adsorption module.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein receiving the regulating fluid flow by the contactor comprises: The cold flow is received through the cold flow valve and the hot flow is received through the hot flow valve.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein reducing the fluid temperature of the regulating fluid flow comprises: 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.

24. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: The duration of at least one of the adsorption cycle and desorption cycle of the at least one adsorption module is adjusted to promote an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the at least one adsorbent bed.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein adjusting the duration of at least one of the adsorption cycle and the desorption cycle of the at least one adsorption module comprises: The duration of at least one of the adsorption cycle and the desorption cycle is based on the carbon dioxide concentration of the exhaust stream discharged from the at least one adsorbent bed.

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