Device, system, and method for passive collection of atmospheric carbon dioxide

Abstract

To provide a device for passive collection of atmospheric carbon dioxide.SOLUTION: A device 100 includes a release chamber 104 having an opening and a sorbent regeneration system. The device also includes a capture structure 106 coupled to the release chamber, having at least one collapsible support and a plurality of tiles 108 spaced along the collapsible support. Each tile has a sorbent material. The capture structure is movable between a collection configuration and a release configuration. The collection configuration includes the capture structure extending upward from the release chamber to expose the capture structure to an airflow and allow the sorbent material to capture atmospheric carbon dioxide. The release configuration includes the collapsible support being collapsed and the plurality of tiles being sufficiently enclosed inside the release chamber that the sorbent regeneration system may operate on the plurality of tiles to release captured carbon dioxide from the sorbent material and form an enriched gas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 752,319, filed Oct. 29, 2018, entitled "Device, System, and Method for Direct Air Capture", and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 828,367, filed Apr. 2, 2019, entitled "Device, System, and Method for Passive Air Capture of CO 2 ". The entire disclosures of both are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002]

[0002] Aspects of this specification generally relate to passive capture of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Background Art

[0003]

[0003] It has been well demonstrated that there is a need for technology to remove carbon dioxide from ambient air. To avoid the impending climate change crisis, in addition to conservation, low-carbon processes, and on-site capture efforts, a significant amount of carbon dioxide needs to be removed from the atmosphere. However, the technology is still new, and the initial air capture processes require large amounts of energy to operate. Since carbon dioxide in ambient air is very dilute, a carbon dioxide recovery device may quickly exceed the severe energy balance required to draw in and process large volumes of air. Additionally, conventional carbon dioxide recovery systems often suffer from the disadvantages of being costly and fragile. Also, conventional capture devices often incur high operating costs as well as significant initial capital costs. 2

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004]

[0004] According to one aspect, an apparatus for passive recovery of atmospheric carbon dioxide includes an emission chamber having an opening and an adsorbent regeneration system. The apparatus also includes a capture structure connected to the emission chamber and having at least one foldable support and a plurality of tiles connected to the at least one foldable support and spaced along it. Each tile has an adsorbent material, and the capture structure is movable between a recovery configuration and an emission configuration. The device also includes a lid that covers the opening of the emission chamber when the capture structure is in the emission configuration, and a product outlet configured to receive a stream of product gas in fluid communication with the inside of the emission chamber. The recovery configuration includes a capture structure extending upward from the emission chamber to expose at least a portion of the capture structure to an air stream so that the adsorbent material of the plurality of tiles can capture atmospheric carbon dioxide. The emission configuration includes at least one foldable support of the folded capture structure, a lid covering the opening of the emission chamber, and a plurality of tiles sufficiently enclosed inside the emission chamber so that the adsorbent regeneration system can act on the plurality of tiles to release the captured carbon dioxide from the adsorbent material and generate a concentrated gas inside the emission chamber.

[0005]

[0005] Certain embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The adsorbent material may be a humidity swing adsorbent material, and the adsorbent regeneration system may include an emission medium and an emission medium emitter. The emission medium may be one of liquid water and steam. The adsorbent material may be a thermal swing adsorbent material, and the adsorbent regeneration system may include a heat source. The heat source may be an emission medium emitter configured to emit steam. The emission chamber may be connected to a sweep gas source and may further include a sweep gas inlet configured to introduce a sweep gas into the emission chamber to displace the concentrated gas. The sweep gas may be steam. Each of the plurality of tiles is substantially planar It may also be. For each of the plurality of tiles, the sorbent material may include a plurality of sorbent surfaces connected to the surface of the tile at an angle greater than zero degrees. Each of the plurality of tiles may include pores. Each of the plurality of tiles may include an upper frame and a lower frame, and the sorbent material may be sandwiched between the upper frame and the lower frame. Further, the apparatus may include an actuator connected to the capture structure and / or a control system communicatively connected to the actuator and configured to drive the actuator to move the capture structure between a recovery configuration and a release configuration. The apparatus may further include at least one sensor communicatively connected to the control system. The control system may be configured to determine at least one ambient condition based on a signal received from the at least one sensor and, based on the at least one ambient condition, autonomously drive the actuator to move the capture structure between a recovery configuration and a release configuration. The at least one ambient condition may include at least one of temperature, humidity, and / or wind speed. Finally, the apparatus may further include at least one baffle.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for passive recovery of atmospheric carbon dioxide includes preparing a passive recovery device having an emission chamber and a capture structure for recovering atmospheric carbon dioxide by moving the capture structure into a recovery configuration using an actuator driven by a control system. The capture structure includes at least one foldable support and a plurality of tiles connected to and spaced along the at least one foldable support, each tile having a sorbent material. The recovery configuration includes the capture structure extending upward from the emission chamber. The method also includes exposing at least a portion of the capture structure to an air flow to enable the sorbent material of the plurality of tiles to capture atmospheric carbon dioxide, and driving the actuator to lower the capture structure into the emission chamber to put the capture structure into an emission configuration such that the at least one foldable support is folded and the plurality of tiles completely enter the inside of the emission chamber. The method includes closing the emission chamber with a lid to confine the plurality of tiles inside the emission chamber, and regenerating the sorbent material of the plurality of tiles by acting on the sorbent material using a sorbent regeneration system to release the captured carbon dioxide and generate a concentrated gas inside the emission chamber. Finally, the method includes discharging the product stream of the concentrated gas through a product outlet in fluid communication with the inside of the emission chamber by displacing the concentrated gas with a sweep gas introduced into the emission chamber.

[0007]

[0007] Certain embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The sorbent material may be a humidity swing sorbent material, and the sorbent regeneration system may include a release medium and a release medium emitter. The release medium may be one of liquid water and steam. The sorbent material may be a thermal swing sorbent material, and the sorbent regeneration system may include a heat source. The heat source may be a release medium emitter configured to emit steam. Also, the method may include determining at least one ambient condition of the local area of the passive collection device based on a signal received from at least one sensor communicatively connected to a control system, and / or determining an optimal exposure time for the capture structure based on the at least one ambient condition. The sweep gas may be one of air, nitrogen, water vapor, and steam.

[0008]

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for passive collection of atmospheric carbon dioxide includes at least one passive collection cluster, each passive collection cluster including at least two passive collection devices. Each passive collection device includes a release chamber having an opening and a sorbent regeneration system. Also, each device includes a capture structure connected to the release chamber and including at least one foldable support and a plurality of tiles connected to and spaced along the at least one foldable support. Each tile includes a sorbent material. The capture structure is movable between a collection configuration and a release configuration. Also, each device includes the capture structure When in the release configuration, it includes a lid that covers the opening of the release chamber. Each device also includes an actuator connected to the capture structure and a product outlet configured to receive a flow of concentrated gas product that is in fluid communication with the inside of the release chamber. The system further includes a control system communicatively connected to each passive recovery cluster and configured to drive the actuator to move the capture structure of at least one passive recovery device between a recovery configuration and a release configuration. The product outlets of each passive recovery device within the same cluster are in fluid communication. For each passive recovery device, the recovery configuration includes a capture structure that extends upward from the release chamber to expose at least a portion of the capture structure to an air flow so that the sorbent material of the plurality of tiles can capture atmospheric carbon dioxide. For each passive recovery device, the release configuration includes at least one foldable support for the folded capture structure, a lid that covers the opening of the release chamber, and a plurality of tiles that are sufficiently enclosed inside the release chamber so that a sorbent regeneration system can act on the plurality of tiles to release captured carbon dioxide from the sorbent material and produce a concentrated gas within the release chamber.

[0009]

[0009] Certain embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. At least two passive recovery devices of each cluster may share the same actuator. The discharge chambers of each passive recovery device within the same cluster may be in fluid communication, such that the concentrated gas of one recovery device can be swept through the discharge chamber of an adjacent recovery device. The system may further include at least one sensor communicatively coupled to a control system. The control system may determine at least one ambient condition based on a signal received from the at least one sensor and, based on the at least one ambient condition, autonomously drive at least one actuator to move at least one capture structure between a recovery configuration and a discharge configuration. The at least one ambient condition may include at least one of temperature, humidity, and wind speed. The control system may be configured to operate the passive recovery devices in sequence to create a continuous stream of concentrated gas production.

[0010]

[0010] The aspects and uses of the disclosure presented herein are described in the following drawings and detailed description. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, words and phrases in this specification and the claims are intended to have the plain ordinary, familiar meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art. The inventors fully recognize that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. As their own lexicographers, the inventors explicitly choose to use only the plain ordinary meaning of a term, unless they explicitly state otherwise and then further state the "special" definition of the term in this specification and the claims and explain how it differs from the plain ordinary meaning. It is the intention and desire of the inventors that, unless the intention to apply a "special" definition is so explicitly stated, the simple, plain ordinary meaning of the term be applied to the interpretation of this specification and the claims.

[0011]

[0011] The inventors also recognize the standard teachings of English grammar. Thus, when a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in any way, such noun, term, or phrase will explicitly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the standard teachings of English grammar. If such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers are not used, such noun, term, or phrase shall be given the plain and ordinary meaning in English to one of ordinary skill in the art as described above.

[0012]

[0012] Furthermore, the inventors are well informed about the criteria and application of the special case of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words "function", "means", or "step" in the description of the embodiments for carrying out the invention, the description of the drawings, or the claims is intended to trigger the special case of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) to define the present invention. It is not intended to somehow indicate what is desired. On the contrary, if one wishes to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) to define the present invention, the claims must specifically and expressly recite the exact phraseology "means for" or "steps for", and also recite the word "function" (i.e., "means for performing the function of [insert function]"), and in such phraseology, no structure, material, or act supporting the function is recited at the same time. Thus, even if the claims recite "means for performing the function of... " or "steps for performing the function of... ", if the claims also recite at the same time any structure, material, or act that supports that means or step, or performs the recited function, this is contrary to the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Further, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed aspects, these aspects are not limited to only the specific structures, materials, or acts described in the preferred embodiments, but also include any and all structures, materials, or acts that perform the claimed function described in alternative embodiments or forms of the present disclosure, or any and all structures, materials, or acts that are currently known or later developed equivalents that perform the claimed function.

[0013]

[0013] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the invention, the drawings, and the claims.

[0014] The present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1A

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for passive recovery of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Figure 1B

Figure 2A

[0016] It is a top view of a disc-shaped recovery tile.

Figure 2B

[0017] It is a perspective view of a recovery tile with a frame.

Figure 2C

[0018] It is a perspective view of a recovery tile with a panel.

Figure 3A

[0019] It is a side view of an apparatus for passive recovery of atmospheric carbon dioxide, where the capture structure is in the recovery configuration.

Figure 3B

[0020] It is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 3A, where the capture structure is in the release configuration.

Figure 4

[0021] It is a schematic diagram of a system for passive recovery of atmospheric carbon dioxide, comprising a plurality of passive recovery clusters.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015]

[0022] The present disclosure, its aspects, and implementations are not limited to the specific types of materials, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. A number of additional types of materials, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with the specific implementations of the present disclosure. Thus, for example, even if a specific implementation is disclosed, such an implementation and implementation components may include any components, models, types, materials, versions, amounts, etc. known in the art for such systems and implementation components that are consistent with the intended operation.

[0016]

[0023] The words "exemplary," "example," or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Further, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict in any way the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions thereof. Numerous additional or alternative examples within different ranges may be presented, but it should be understood that these are omitted for the sake of brevity. It should be understood that while numerous additional or alternative examples within different ranges may be presented, they are omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0017]

[0024] While the present disclosure includes multiple embodiments in many different forms, specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments shown.

[0018]

[0025] It has been well demonstrated that there is a need for technology to remove carbon dioxide from ambient air. However, the technology is still new, and the initial air capture processes require large amounts of energy to operate. Since CO₂ in air is very dilute (400 parts per million by volume), the CO₂ recovery device must not expend an enormous amount of energy to draw in large volumes of air. Heating or cooling the air, drying the air, or significant fluctuations in air pressure would exceed a reasonable energy balance. Further, conventional recovery systems often suffer from the disadvantages of being costly and fragile. Conventional capture devices often incur high operating costs as well as substantial initial capital costs. Additionally, conventional capture devices may be suitable for certain environments in some cases but inefficient in others. 2 is very dilute (400 parts per million by volume), so the CO₂ 2 recovery device must not expend an enormous amount of energy to draw in large volumes of air. Heating or cooling the air, drying the air, or significant fluctuations in air pressure would exceed a reasonable energy balance. Further, conventional recovery systems often suffer from the disadvantages of being costly and fragile. Conventional capture devices often incur high operating costs as well as substantial initial capital costs. Additionally, conventional capture devices may be suitable for certain environments in some cases but inefficient in others.

[0019]

[0026] This specification contemplates devices, systems, and methods that can be used with a variety of sorbent materials including materials that are durable, energy efficient, and sensitive to swings in vacuum, heat, and / or humidity, or combinations thereof, for passively recovering atmospheric carbon dioxide from natural airflows or winds. In some embodiments, these devices may be organized into clusters and systems, may effect continuous capture of CO 2 and may supply a continuous stream of CO 2 enriched gas, which will be discussed in more detail below. In other embodiments, these devices may be installed and operated as individual units. Further, in some embodiments, some of these devices, systems, and methods contemplated herein may be implemented autonomously or semi-autonomously to adjust to changing environmental conditions to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

[0020]

[0027] Figures 1A and 1B are perspective and side views showing non-limiting examples of a device 100 (hereinafter “passive recovery device,” “recovery device,” or simply “device”) for the passive recovery of atmospheric carbon dioxide 102. Specifically, Figure 1A is a perspective view and Figure 1B is a side view.

[0021]

[0028] According to various embodiments, the recovery device 100 includes a capture structure 106 configured to expose a sorbent material 110 to ambient air, a discharge chamber 104 (or regeneration chamber) into which the capture structure 106 can be disposed through an opening 116, a lid 114 for sealing or otherwise surrounding the capture structure 106 inside the discharge chamber 104, means for introducing heat and / or moisture (separately or together) into the discharge chamber 104 to regenerate the sorbent material 110 and release the captured CO 2 and means for extracting the CO 2 enriched gas from within the chamber through a product outlet 118.

[0022]

[0029] In the context of this specification and the appended claims, the release chamber 104 is an enclosure in which captured carbon dioxide is released therein for subsequent isolation, purification, or application. The release chamber 104 has at least one opening, namely the opening 116, through which the release chamber 104 receives the captured carbon dioxide and the material in which the carbon dioxide is captured (e.g., the capture structure 106 and its sorbent material 110, etc.).

[0023]

[0030] The release chamber 104 may be constructed of a durable material suitable for both the external environment in which the recovery device 100 is utilized and the internal environment specific to the operation of the release chamber 104 (e.g., the nature of the sorbent regeneration system 306, etc.).

[0024]

[0031] According to various embodiments, the release chamber 104 is equipped with all the equipment or structures necessary to achieve the regeneration of the sorbent material used to recover carbon dioxide, and this regeneration may include some or all of the following steps (but not limited to): introducing a liquid into the chamber, discharging the liquid from the chamber, pushing a sweep gas into the chamber, evacuating the chamber, heating the chamber, injecting steam or water droplets into the chamber. For example, some embodiments may be provided with a piping support structure that can introduce heat, gas, liquid, etc. into the release chamber 104 as needed and remove them from the release chamber 104 to enable the execution of regeneration tasks. The regeneration of the capture structure 106 will be discussed in more detail below with respect to Figure 3B.

[0025]

[0032] In some embodiments, the release chamber 104 comprises an internal flow system with a fan or blower to create a recirculating air flow. In other embodiments, the release chamber 104 may comprise a gas recirculation system in which the flow within the chamber 104 is pushed by the gas injected into the chamber 104 and returns to an external recirculation system. In the passive recovery systems and / or clusters discussed below with respect to FIG. 4, multiple recovery devices 100 may share a single gas recirculation system or may use a shared system in combination with individual internal systems.

[0026]

[0033] In the context of the present disclosure and the appended claims, the capture structure 106 is a structure or collection of structures in or in contact with which atmospheric CO 2 is captured. As shown, the capture structure 106 is composed of a plurality of tiles 108 connected to and spaced along one or more foldable supports 112. The tiles 108 include one or more sorbent materials 110 that serve to capture carbon dioxide. The sorbent material 110 will be discussed further below. In some embodiments, the sorbent material 110 may be disposed on one or more surfaces of the tile 108, and in other embodiments, the tile 108 itself may be made of the sorbent material 110. As will be discussed, the sorbent material 110 releases the captured CO 2 when this CO 2 recirculates (e.g., when adhering to the sorbent regeneration system 306 inside the release chamber 104).

[0027]

[0034] As shown, when the capture structure 106 is "deployed," i.e., exposed to the atmosphere to recover carbon dioxide, the tiles 108 are suspended along one or more foldable supports 112 such that air can flow between the tiles 108 from any direction. Such an arrangement allows for CO 2is advantageous when used to capture. Further, it should be understood that the tile-based structure contemplated herein is described in the context of use with passive air flow, but may also be used with forced air flow.

[0028]

[0035] The non-limiting examples shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B are elongated cylindrical and utilize circular tiles. In some embodiments, the device and / or tile 108 may have a generally circular cross-section, which may be advantageous for passively capturing air in situations where air flow can come from any direction. In other embodiments, the device and / or tile 108 may have a non-circular cross-section. The various shapes of the tiles 108 will be discussed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C.

[0029]

[0036] As shown, the capture structure 106 may comprise an overlap of tiles 108 . According to various embodiments, the overlap of the capture structure 106 ranges from a few (5 - 10) tiles to a large number (> 1000). Certain embodiments utilize an overlap of 50 to 200 tiles.

[0030]

[0037] The tile 108 is supported by one or more foldable supports 112, which, when pulled up, allow the tiles to hang down under gravity without being fixed, thereby allowing air to pass through the gaps between the tiles. In many embodiments, when the capture structure 106 is folded inside the discharge chamber 104, the tiles 108 rest on each other using small spacers to maintain a small gap between the tiles 108 when the tiles are stationary within the chamber 104.

[0031]

[0038] In addition to recovering atmospheric carbon dioxide, the capture structure 106 has an arrangement (e.g., a recovery configuration) suitable for recovering atmospheric carbon dioxide and the captured CO 2It is capable of moving between an arrangement (e.g., a discharge configuration) that enables it to be discharged into the discharge chamber 104. The recovery and discharge configurations will be considered with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B below.

[0032]

[0039] As described above, the tiles 108 are connected to and spaced along one or more foldable supports 112. For example, FIGS. 1A and 1B show a non-limiting example having a single foldable support 112 passing through the central axis of the tile 108. Examples of the foldable support 112 include, but are not limited to, thin ropes, strings, or chains. In one embodiment, each tile 108 may be connected to the tile above it and thereby support the weight of all the tiles 108 below each tile. In another embodiment, the foldable support 112 is continuous and designed to support the weight of all the tiles 108, and the structure of the tile 108 is designed to support only its own weight. To present a specific example of such a support system, think of a plurality of thin and long ladders formed from long strings or chains and solid rods for the rungs. These ladders may be thin, for example, 1 cm wide, or may have any centimeter width. At least three such ladders are evenly arranged around the edge of the tile 108, and each tile 108 can be hooked onto one rung. The ladder structure supports the weight of all the tiles 108, while on the other hand, each individual tile 108 only needs to support its own weight. By increasing the number of ladders, the thickness of the string including the sides of the ladders can be made thinner, making it easier to fold the ladders. Advantageously, when the number of ladders is more than three, it becomes possible to remove and replace one ladder during maintenance while the capture structure 106 is in the open / recovery configuration.

[0033]

[0040] In another embodiment, the tile 108 may be held by a telescoping tube or a rigid rod, which is folded in a zigzag pattern in contact with the tile 108 to create a "dog bone" shape that protrudes from the open space of the lower tile 108 into the upper tile 108. In this design, it may be necessary to fix consecutive tiles 108 at different positions shifted by a small angle and space them for the length of the dog bone so as not to interfere with the dog bone of the upper tile 108.

[0034]

[0041] In yet another embodiment, the foldable support 112 may be conical in shape surrounding the central hole of the tile 108. The tiles 108 rest on each other when stacked and widen these distances when the cones move slightly apart. Such a design will necessarily assist in naturally centering the tiles 108 when stacked. If the cones are frustum-shaped and thus open at the top, these cones create a vertical opening flow path through the center of the overlap of the folded tiles 108, which can assist in guiding the air flow during the regeneration of the tiles 108. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are other foldable configurations. will exist.

[0035]

[0042] According to various embodiments, the tiles 108 of the recovery device 100 are separated from each other when in the recovery configuration or recovery stage, and overlap each other in the regeneration stage or release stage. As an option, the vulnerable parts of the tile 108 may be protected by a cushioning structure such as a pad or rim so as not to contact other tiles. The cushioning portion may be configured in such a way as to direct the air flow to increase recovery and / or intake.

[0036]

[0043] When the overlap of tile 108 hangs down without being fixed, it may be advantageous to limit its movement (e.g., to prevent damage, optimize exposure of the sorbent, etc.). One way to limit movement is to place the hanging overlap between guides when it is lifted. An example is a set of vertical poles, which can also provide structural support for the lifting structure. If there are three such poles, it is already sufficient to suppress the lateral movement of tile 108. Another embodiment may have tiles 108 connected through guides along a central hole, thereby preventing relative movement of the tiles 108. When the tile 108 and the lid 114 are ring-shaped, the guide can also be passed inside the tile 108. Another option for restricting the movement of tile 108 is to fasten the lower tile 108 to the lower part of the discharge chamber 104.

[0037]

[0044] According to various embodiments, the tile 108 may be connected to the lower part of the lid 114, and when the device 100 is opened to the recovery configuration, the lid 114 is lifted together with the tile 108. In other embodiments, the lid 114 may open laterally by sliding or by being hinged like a door. Then the lifting mechanism is connected to the fixture at the upper part of the capture structure 106 to lift the tile without the lid 114. Such a design is particularly beneficial in a cluster of recovery devices 100 where the lifting mechanism can be shared among multiple devices 100. As an option, the capture structure 106 may be attached to some form of support structure when it is fully lifted.

[0038]

[0045] According to various embodiments, the passive recovery device 100 may be used with a variety of sorbent materials 110, including solid and liquid sorbents, which can be regenerated by various means. The sorbent may be made of inorganic materials, organic materials, or composite materials. The sorbent chemically or physically absorbs CO 2It may be a material for binding, that is, the sorbent may be an absorbent. Also, the sorbent binds CO to the inner surface, for example, the inner porous structure, or the fiber surface. 2 It may also be an adsorbent for binding. The sorbent can be regenerated by humidity swing, thermal swing, vacuum swing, or a combination of these methods. The above consideration of different sorbents is not intended to provide an exhaustive explanation but to illustrate options. Technologies based on other sorbents achievable by those skilled in the art may be adapted to be used in the apparatus 100.

[0039]

[0046] In one embodiment, the passive recovery device 100 may utilize a sorbent material 110 that can be regenerated by liquid washing, and this liquid washing transports CO from the discharge chamber 104 as part of the liquid washing. The liquid may release its CO inside the discharge chamber 104, or the liquid may be transported outside the discharge chamber 104, where it will undergo further treatment to release the CO. For example, the passive recovery device 100 may use a weak carbonate brine, which is converted to a bicarbonate brine by a humidity swing sorbent, and then this bicarbonate brine is subjected to various regeneration methods of its own, possibly including the use of electrochemical regeneration. 2 It may release its CO inside the discharge chamber 104, or the liquid may be transported outside the discharge chamber 104, where it will undergo further treatment to release the CO. 2 It may release its CO inside the discharge chamber 104, or the liquid may be transported outside the discharge chamber 104, where it will undergo further treatment to release the CO. 2 For example, the passive recovery device 100 may use a weak carbonate brine, which is converted to a bicarbonate brine by a humidity swing sorbent, and then this bicarbonate brine is subjected to various regeneration methods of its own, possibly including the use of electrochemical regeneration.

[0040]

[0047] As a specific example, the sorbent material 110 may be one of a plurality of anion exchange resins that have a strong affinity for CO when dry and lose this affinity when wet. These are strong base exchange resins, exemplified by polystyrene having quaternary ammonium ions attached to a styrene structure. In any case, at a temperature close to room temperature, by changing the relative humidity of the resin from 20% to 100%, the equilibrium partial pressure of the resin changes by 500 times at any adsorption amount. Other embodiments may be designed around a sorbent 110 that is regenerated by regeneration by heat, vacuum extraction, or another chemical action. 2 with respect to a strong affinity and lose this affinity when wet. These are strong base exchange resins, exemplified by polystyrene having quaternary ammonium ions attached to a styrene structure. In any case, at a temperature close to room temperature, by changing the relative humidity of the resin from 20% to 100%, the equilibrium partial pressure of the resin changes by 500 times at any adsorption amount. Other embodiments may be designed around a sorbent 110 that is regenerated by regeneration by heat, vacuum extraction, or another chemical action.

[0041]

[0048] The sorbent 110 may be selectable for one sorbate or may interact with a plurality of sorbates that cooperate or compete with each other. The sorbent 110 may autocatalyze its own absorption. As a specific example, in some embodiments, CO 2 A sorbent whose affinity for the sorbent for can be controlled by moisture may be used. Depending on the presence of moisture, the binding of CO 2 to the sorbent may increase or decrease. One particular class of sorbents known as humidity swing sorbents binds to CO 2 under dry conditions and releases it again when wet. Some humidity swing sorbents, such as polystyrene having quaternary ammonium ions, react strongly with relative humidity. This means that the amount of CO 2 adhering to the sorbent increases due to the effect of raising the temperature of the ambient air. This is because the Gibbs free energy of sorption is reduced more by the decrease in relative humidity associated with it than it is increased by the temperature rise. However, at a constant relative humidity, such as 100% relative humidity, or when heating is carried out in a wet state, heating of the sorbent will cause CO 2 to be extruded from the sorbent. Therefore, humidity swing sorbents may be used with moisture alone or in combination with moisture (e.g., in the form of liquid water, fog or other droplets, vapor, etc.), temperature, and pressure. In some embodiments, using such versatile sorbents may be optimized using an algorithm that selects a regeneration path based on efficiency considering ambient conditions, which will be further considered below.

[0042]

[0049] Some embodiments that utilize a humidity swing sorbent may use liquid water for regeneration, and other embodiments may use steam. Each regeneration medium has its own advantages and disadvantages. Liquid water has a fast uptake, but it is likely to introduce impurities such as salts into the sorbent and the system, especially when the water is provided from an underground source. Steam can be advantageously used to provide not only moisture but also heat. However, when operated in a low-pressure system, steam may transfer excessive heat and may be difficult to remove. Some embodiments may utilize both steam (referred to as water vapor at low partial pressures) and liquid water. In embodiments without humidity swing or those utilizing inverse humidity swing, liquid water may not offer the advantages over the use of steam alone.

[0043]

[0050] The heat - moisture - vacuum design used in some embodiments provides more advantages than conventional devices. Specifically, it enables the application of humidity swing - based CO 2 capture devices in a variety of climates, including those with high levels of humidity and / or even climates exposed to colder weather. The contemplated apparatus 100 that utilizes a humidity swing sorbent may be particularly useful in relatively cold and humid climates. However, the following discussion of various embodiments of the contemplated recovery apparatus 100 is carried out in the context of a heat - moisture - based regeneration system, but it should be understood that the structures and methods discussed herein are adaptable to other types and forms of sorbents 110 and that appropriate regeneration steps may be carried out in a closed or sealed release chamber 104.

[0044]

[0051] The capture structure 106 is moved into the release chamber 104 when it is completely filled with the captured carbon dioxide, where CO 2 is recovered and the sorbent material 110 is regenerated in preparation for further capture. According to various embodiments, the captured CO 2The recovery of the sorbent material 110 and regeneration of the sorbent material 110 occur after the release chamber 104 is closed by placing the lid 114 over the opening 116. According to various embodiments, the lid 114 (and capture structure 106) may be lowered onto the opening 116 (and the capture structure into the chamber 104) by some form of actuator 120. In the context of this specification and the appended claims, the actuator 120 is any device capable of affecting motion and may include, but is not limited to, a motor, a piston, a hydraulic, a screw drive, an elevator, a roller, and other devices known in the art. As an option, the actuator 120 may be connected directly to the capture structure 106, through the lid 114, or through some other structure. In some embodiments, the actuator 120 may also be connected to the release chamber 104. According to various embodiments, the lid 114 is configured to mate with the release chamber 104 to form a closed chamber. In some embodiments, the lid may form an airtight seal with the release chamber 104.

[0045]

[0052] As shown, the passive capture device 100 also includes a product outlet 118. The product outlet 118 allows fluid communication between the inside of the evacuation chamber 104 and some structure outside of the evacuation chamber 104 (e.g., a storage device, an upgrade system, another evacuation chamber 104, etc.) to allow for the release of CO 2 (e.g., the CO present in the ambient air) 2 CO for other substances 2 In some embodiments, the product outlet 118 may be configured for a gaseous product stream, while in other embodiments, the product outlet 118 may be configured for a liquid product stream (e.g., a high proportion of CO trapped in the brine). 2 etc.) may be configured to be discharged.

[0046]

[0053] The term "tile 108" is derived from one possible design where the tile 108 is flat, but it is important to note that in the context of the present disclosure, the term "tile 108" is intended to correspond to a much wider range of shapes. In some embodiments, the tile 108 is made entirely of an adsorbent material, while in other embodiments, the tile 108 is made of a structural material that holds the adsorbent material 110 in place. For example, in some embodiments, a liquid adsorbent (e.g., an ionic liquid) may be used by wetting the structural surface of the tile 108. As a specific example, a foamed material may be used in combination with the liquid adsorbent.

[0047]

[0054] In some embodiments, the tile 108 may have a circular cross-section (along the central axis of the overlap). In other embodiments, other shapes may be utilized, including but not limited to shapes similar to a circle (e.g., higher-order polygons), triangles, quadrilaterals, squares, hexagons, stars, rings, etc. A circular cross-section may be suitable for use in environments where the direction of the wind cannot be predicted, while in other embodiments, in a state where there is a prevailing wind direction, a more elliptical tile 108 may be utilized.

[0048]

[0055] Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C show diagrams of non-limiting examples of various tile 108 shapes. Figure 2A shows a top view of a non-limiting example of a disc-shaped tile 200 having a humidity swing adsorbent material 220. As shown, the disc-shaped tile 200 includes a central hole 202 through which a foldable support 112 may pass and may be connected to each tile 108, and / or air may flow into this central hole 202.

[0049]

[0056] In some embodiments, the tile 108 may hang down from a structure such as a lid 114 while being exposed to the wind and may rest on each other when lowered into the discharge chamber 104. According to various embodiments, the tile 108 has a reinforcing pad, rim, designed to carry the weight of the upper tile 108 when the overlap is in a folded form. Or it may be provided with lips. Also, these pads may extend even more widely in the vertical direction than the more brittle portions of the tile 108 (such as the absorbent agent, etc.), whereby the physical contact between the tiles 108 is limited to the positions designed to carry this weight. In some embodiments, the tile 108 (whether circular or angular) may have an absorbent agent / resin hanging down from the tile 108, which may be additional to the absorbent agent present throughout the tile 108.

[0050]

[0057] The structure of the tile 108 and the mechanism for suspending the tile 108 may be adjusted based on the local terrain and weather conditions. For example, in areas with strong winds, the tile 108 may be substantially more robust and may be completely separated from the chamber 104 to ensure support in the best form. In some embodiments, there may be a support structure that folds or hides during strong winds and sometimes draws the brittle tile 108 into the shelter. The numerous options for support structures for raising and lowering the tile 108 simply reflect the various requirements that can exist for devices that can be placed almost anywhere in the world.

[0051]

[0058] In some embodiments, the tile 108 is substantially flat except for the rims or pads used in the overlap. In other embodiments, the tile 108 may be non-planar, such as bowl-shaped or helmet-shaped. In still other embodiments, the tile 108 may be provided with a framework that surrounds or otherwise protects the absorbent agent material 110.

[0052]

[0059] FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a framed tile 204 comprising an upper frame 206, a lower frame 208, and a central hole 202. According to various embodiments, these two frames are connected to each other to enclose or sandwich a sorbent material 110 or a material configured to hold the sorbent material 110 (e.g., a foam material for holding a liquid sorbent, etc.), and while holding it in place, still allow it to be exposed to an air flow. Such a tile 108 can be used with a sorbent material 110 that would otherwise be too brittle to be used as a tile-making material, a material 110 with non-negligible dimensional variations (e.g., expansion, contraction, etc.) when cycling between wet and dry states, or a sorbent material that must be housed in a material where exposure to air would be restricted when placed on a solid tile such as the disk-shaped tile 200 of FIG. 2A, and can be beneficial.

[0053]

[0060] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a paneled tile 210 including a plurality of sorbent surfaces 212 made from a thermally swing sorbent material 218. In some embodiments, the tiles 108 may be highly structured to facilitate contact between their surfaces and a gas. The tile 108 may include a flow path or passage that creates a gas flow path from the top to the bottom of the tile 108 to facilitate the flow of a gas stream that is in close contact with the sorbent material 110 of the tile 108.

[0054]

[0061] In some embodiments, the tile 108 may be one large sorbent structure. In other embodiments, including the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 2C, the sorbent material 110 may be divided into slices or surfaces 212 that are individually attached to the surface 214 of the paneled tile 210. One such tile may be hexagonal, such as the tile shown in FIG. 2C, or a triangular tiling of the surface of the tile 108.

[0055]

[0062] To maximize the mixing of air, the surface of the tile 108 may be rough with irregularities, and adjacent tiles 108 may have different shapes right next to each other. For example, if the tile 108 is made up of multiple different tiles, the surfaces that overlap each other vertically do not necessarily have to be the same or be oriented in the same way. In some embodiments, the sorbent surface 212 may be inclined with respect to the surface 214 of the tile 210 to form an angle 216.

[0056]

[0063] In some embodiments, the tile 108 may be attached with raised sorbents (triangular or some other raised shape) and baffles that increase exposure and create turbulence to increase capture.

[0057]

[0064] Figures 3A and 3B are side views of non-limiting examples of a recovery device 100 having a capture structure 106 in a recovery configuration 300 and a release configuration 312, respectively. A portion of the release chamber 104 is removed to show the inside of the release chamber 104 including the sorbent regeneration system 306.

[0058]

[0065] Figure 3A shows the capture structure 106 in the recovery configuration 300, which includes exposing at least a portion 302 of the capture structure 106 to an air flow 304 and having a capture structure 106 that extends upward from the release chamber 104. According to various embodiments, ambient air contacts the sorbent material 110 of the capture structure 106 by natural air movement (e.g., wind), induced flow (e.g., thermally induced flow or flow induced by a pressure drop obtained by passing a natural flow through a flow path), flow induced by a blower, fan, or other mechanical system, or a combination of these methods and other methods known in the art.

[0059]

[0066] As shown, the recovery device 100 includes a sorbent regeneration system 306. In the context of this specification and the appended claims, the sorbent regeneration system 306 captures CO 2Generates, provides, conducts, or facilitates the medium or energy necessary to release, and further CO 2 A system that regenerates the sorbent material 110 in preparation for the recovery of. In some embodiments, the sorbent regeneration system 306 may include an emission medium emitter 308 that discharges an emission medium (e.g., mist, liquid water, steam, other chemicals, etc.) suitable for the sorbent material 110 being used into the emission chamber 104. In other embodiments, the sorbent regeneration system 306 may include a heat source 310 (e.g., for a thermal swing sorbent material). In still other embodiments, including the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 3A, the sorbent regeneration system 306 may include both an emission medium emitter 308 (or emitters) and one or more heat sources 310. As a specific example, some embodiments may utilize an emission medium emitter 308 configured to discharge steam into the emission chamber 104, thereby providing both moisture and heat and facilitating the use of humidity swing and / or thermal swing sorbent materials. In yet other embodiments, the heat source 310 radiates heat provided by the steam, and the steam may optionally be discharged into the chamber (e.g., configured to provide heat without moisture for some sorbent materials).

[0060]

[0067] FIG. 3B shows the recovery device 100 of FIG. 3A where the capture structure 106 is the emission configuration 312. In the context of the present disclosure and the appended claims, the emission configuration 312 includes a capture structure 106 (e.g., a plurality of tiles 108 and one or more foldable supports 112) enclosed within the emission chamber 104 in anticipation of the regeneration of the sorbent material 110 and the recovery of the captured carbon dioxide 314. As discussed above, the emission configuration 312 may further include a lid 114 connected, fitted, or sealed to the emission chamber 104 such that the chamber 104 is sufficiently closed to achieve regeneration and recovery.

[0061]

[0068] The capture structure 106 or a portion of the capture structure 106 is CO 2When filled and moved into the release chamber 104, the sorbent material 110 is regenerated and releases the captured CO 2 314 into the release chamber 104. As discussed above, this regeneration and release is achieved by the sorbent regeneration system 140.

[0062]

[0069] The following discussion of the regeneration or release phase of the passive recovery device 100 is carried out in the context of a sorbent material that is sensitive to heat and moisture. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the passive recovery device 100, its capture structure 106, and the release chamber 104 may be adapted to be used with any of the sorbents described above and their associated regeneration processes. Since introducing heat and / or liquid in some form is a common element in the regeneration of many different sorbents, the procedures in the context of heat and moisture are illustrative of other embodiments using other sorbents. Such discussion should not be construed as limiting.

[0063]

[0070] The regeneration system 306 applies a combination of heat, pressure fluctuations, and / or chemicals (including water) to the sorbent material 110 to return the sorbent material 110 to its initial state and release CO 2 . In different embodiments, the concentrated intermediate product of CO 2 may be placed at different pressures and temperatures, and CO 2 may be only a part of the intermediate product stream.

[0064]

[0071] According to various embodiments, the sealed release chamber 104 may be filled with air, nitrogen, or other sweep gas 322, which may be provided from a sweep gas source 320 via a sweep gas inlet 318. The chamber 104 may be evacuated or partially evacuated to remove most of the background gas. In some embodiments, the release chamber 104 may be evacuated or otherwise prepared prior to regeneration. The sorbent material 110 is CO in open air 2is taken in large quantities, and after being exposed to moisture and / or heat, or after being contacted with chemicals, CO is released inside the release chamber 104. 2 As a result, since the vacuum step or other preparation steps are performed before heat and moisture are introduced, CO loss can be minimized during the vacuum step or other such steps. 2 Loss can be minimized.

[0065]

[0072] As previously discussed, according to various embodiments, the sorbent 110 releases the captured CO in response to the addition of heat and / or moisture. Heat can be obtained from various sources. In many applications, since the temperature of the heat source may be well below 100°C, the quality of the heat can be very low. The heat source may include, but is not limited to, geothermal heat, the remainder of waste geothermal heat after higher temperature geothermal heat has been used for some other application, residual heat from power plants and other energy consumers, solar heat, and heat recovered from the cooling of solar panels. Solar heat may be added, for example, by including a chamber designed to capture solar heat around the release chamber 104. 2 In some embodiments, the waste heat generated by the CO compression system used in conjunction with the product of the passive recovery device 100 (e.g., the product stream 326) may be reused to heat the release chamber 104. In other embodiments, heat may be introduced by delivering moisture as water vapor that can condense within the chamber 104. In other embodiments, heat may be delivered via a heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the sources of heat and moisture may be derived from equipment outside the chamber 104. In other embodiments, the heat source may be incorporated within the release chamber 104. The chamber may have an outlet point for the condensate water along with an outlet point for the product stream 326 of the concentrated gas 324. The concentrated gas 324 is removed from the chamber as the product stream 326 in preparation for further processing.

[0066]

[0073] In some embodiments, the waste heat generated by the CO compression system used in conjunction with the product of the passive recovery device 100 (e.g., the product stream 326) may be reused to heat the release chamber 104. In other embodiments, heat may be introduced by delivering moisture as water vapor that can condense within the chamber 104. In other embodiments, heat may be delivered via a heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the sources of heat and moisture may be derived from equipment outside the chamber 104. In other embodiments, the heat source may be incorporated within the release chamber 104. The chamber may have an outlet point for the condensate water along with an outlet point for the product stream 326 of the concentrated gas 324. The concentrated gas 324 is removed from the chamber as the product stream 326 in preparation for further processing. 2 In some embodiments, the waste heat generated by the CO compression system used in conjunction with the product of the passive recovery device 100 (e.g., the product stream 326) may be reused to heat the release chamber 104. In other embodiments, heat may be introduced by delivering moisture as water vapor that can condense within the chamber 104. In other embodiments, heat may be delivered via a heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the sources of heat and moisture may be derived from equipment outside the chamber 104. In other embodiments, the heat source may be incorporated within the release chamber 104. The chamber may have an outlet point for the condensate water along with an outlet point for the product stream 326 of the concentrated gas 324. The concentrated gas 324 is removed from the chamber as the product stream 326 in preparation for further processing. 2 The concentrated gas 324 is removed from the chamber as the product stream 326 in preparation for further processing.

[0067]

[0074] In the context of this specification, the release medium 316 is a material or substance that stimulates the release of CO from the sorbent material 110. In the case of the humidity swing sorbent material 220, the release medium 316 may be liquid water or steam. In other embodiments, the release medium 316 may be any other solution or substance that is compatible with the particular sorbent material 110. Further, in the context of this specification and the appended claims, the release medium emitter 210 2 is a device configured to facilitate the interaction between the release medium 316 and the sorbent material 110 filled with CO. Exemplary release medium emitters 210 include, but are not limited to, mist generators, nozzles, fog generators, liquid jets, reservoirs of release medium through which the sorbent passes, steam nozzles, and the like. is a device configured to facilitate the interaction between the release medium 316 and the sorbent material 110 filled with CO. 2 is a device configured to facilitate the interaction between the release medium 316 and the sorbent material 110 filled with CO. Exemplary release medium emitters 210 include, but are not limited to, mist generators, nozzles, fog generators, liquid jets, reservoirs of release medium through which the sorbent passes, steam nozzles, and the like.

[0068]

[0075] The use of steam as the release medium 316 provides certain advantages over other release media because it can be used for some thermally swing sorbent materials in addition to humidity swing sorbents. Steam transfers heat to the sorbent and further suppresses water extraction.

[0069]

[0076] In embodiments where the release medium 316 takes the form of a liquid, during or after application by the emitter 210 (e.g., when steam cools and condenses into liquid water), the sorbent regeneration system 306 may further include one or more liquid extractors 313, which recover the liquid release medium 316 after it has stimulated the release of CO, remove it from the chamber 104, and either discard it, reuse it immediately, condition it for reuse (e.g., remove impurities), or store it as a CO 2 storage medium. Further, embodiments that utilize water vapor as the release medium 316 may also include one or more liquid extractors 313 for removing the liquid water produced by condensation inside the chamber. 2 storage medium. Further, embodiments that utilize water vapor as the release medium 316 may also include one or more liquid extractors 313 for removing the liquid water produced by condensation inside the chamber.

[0070]

[0077] The liquid extractor 313 may include a discharge passage connected to the discharge medium reservoir via a pump at the lower part of the chamber 104. The recovered liquid water may be returned to the reservoir by a pump for repeated use, reducing the total amount of water required to operate the recovery device 100 and enabling the use of the recovery device 100 in an environment with limited available water.

[0071]

[0078] In some embodiments, the product stream 326 may be generated by displacing the enriched gas 324 with a sweep gas 322 introduced inside the discharge chamber 104. In some embodiments, the sweep gas 322 is ambient air, and in other embodiments, the sweep gas 322 is another readily available gas.

[0072]

[0079] Some embodiments may utilize steam as the sweep gas 322, which can provide certain advantages. The use of steam provides a means for temperature control within the regeneration chamber. The temperature can be increased by injecting steam and intentionally cooled by discharging the steam, thereby cooling the chamber and its contents. Additionally, the use of a water-saturated sweep gas such as steam (referred to as water vapor at low partial pressures) advantageously prevents the humidity swing sorbent from releasing water, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the device 100.

[0073]

[0080] As described above, in some embodiments, the captured CO 2 314 can be released from the sorbent 110 and made into an aqueous solution having sufficient alkalinity to store CO2. Examples are sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate that can have a rich level of bicarbonate in equilibrium with a few percent CO 2 throughout the solution. In effect, the solution contacted with the material 110 promotes a humidity swing and then traps the CO2.

[0074]

[0081] As a specific example, in an embodiment using an anion exchange resin, quaternary ammonium ions form a strong base resin, in which cations are fixed to the polymer matrix, while anions, i.e., hydroxide (OH-), are free to move. When the dry resin takes in carbon dioxide, the hydroxide ions become bicarbonate (OH- + CO 2 → HCO 3- ). When full, the resin is surrounded by the release chamber 104, where it is wetted. The wet resin releases CO 2 and separates to form carbonate (2HCO 3- → CO 3-- + CO 2 + H 2 O). Ion hydration promotes the affinity for CO 2 (CO 3-- + H 2 O → HCO 3- + OH - ), while the equilibrium is promoted by the water content. Then, the liquid full of CO 2 may be removed from the chamber 104 for processing elsewhere or for continuous storage.

[0075]

[0082] In some embodiments, air may be removed from the chamber 104 before releasing CO 2 to raise a small gas stream containing CO 2 . Options may include using a vacuum with heat and / or moisture. Further, the moisture may be introduced as H 2 O or other substances, or as H 2 O with additives.

[0076]

[0083] In some embodiments, the release chamber 104 may be at least partially evacuated during the regeneration phase or the release phase. In these embodiments, it is important to minimize the gas flowing inwards due to the seal between the lid 114 and the release chamber 104. For this purpose, a gasket 315 may be present between the lid 114 and the upper part of the chamber 104. Attaching the gasket 315 to the lower part of the lid 114 may make it easier to protect the lid from the accumulation of dust. In some embodiments, the seal is further improved by attaching a rim around the edge of the lid 114, which creates a narrow indentation around the edge of the lid 114 when the lid 114 is closed. This indentation can be filled with water, which effectively prevents air from entering the closed chamber 104 and makes it easy to detect the inflow. Since the resistance to flow is much greater for liquids than for air, the remaining flow into the chamber 104 is significantly reduced.

[0077]

[0084] During regeneration of the sorbent 110, the CO 2 partial pressure is increased above ambient levels. In embodiments where the release chamber 104 is substantially evacuated, the water vapor present may then act as the sweep gas 322. This means that in order for gas to flow from one chamber 104 to another, it is necessary to adjust the temperature (and thus the water vapor pressure) from the flow path where the sweep gas 322 enters to the flow path where the sweep gas is discharged. At a minimum, the temperature variation must compensate for the pressure increase of the CO 2 during the regeneration process.

[0078]

[0085] In some embodiments, such as an embodiment having a shape of a drum in which the discharge chamber 104 is vertically aligned, the mixed flow pattern feeds gas axially along the central opening of the capture structure (e.g., the hole 202 of the disk-shaped tile 200), returns the gas along an annular region along the cylindrical wall of the chamber 104, and creates a radial airflow from the central flow to the outer annular flow at all horizontal levels of the chamber 104. In such embodiments, there is little flow resistance for the vertically divided flow, while the radial connection is the main flow impedance. As a result, each level experiences the same pressure drop and will thus be placed at a similar flow rate. The impedance to the flow can be maintained by forming a wall with small openings around the inner flow cylinder and the outer flow path through the annular shape. Another option includes a flow that moves axially through the main portion of the chamber 104 and returns through an annular cap between the overlap of the sorbent material and the wall of the chamber 104.

[0079]

[0086] In some embodiments, the released CO 2 may be collected and made into a gas flow passing through the discharge chamber 104. The gas may be recirculated over the sorbent by mechanical means. This gas may mainly be water vapor and carbon dioxide, or may contain most components of air, may contain pure nitrogen, or may be any other gas selected as the sweep gas 322. Further, the airflow through the chamber may be controlled by a pump, fan, or blower that directs heated air to the sorbent and another fan that extracts the CO 2 -rich air from the chamber.

[0080]

[0087] In some embodiments, a mechanically forced heated gas flow flows over the sorbent and, using moisture and heat, removes CO from the sorbent at a partial pressure significantly exceeding the pressure of the ambient air 2causes the release. A high partial pressure is most desirable. According to various embodiments, the pressure achieved in a similar chamber ranges from 0.1 kPa to 8 kPa.

[0081]

[0088] After CO is released from the sorbent material 110 of the capture structure 106 inside the chamber 104 2 is released, the CO 2 is mixed to produce a concentrated gas 324. According to various embodiments, the concentrated gas 324 is then removed from the chamber 104 as a product stream 326 through the product outlet 118. In some embodiments, the product outlet 118 may be a valve, and in other embodiments, it may include a pump. The product outlet 118 is in fluid communication with the inside of the release chamber 104.

[0082]

[0089] As shown, the recovery device 100 further includes a control system 328. According to various embodiments, the control system 328 is responsible for the circulation operation of the recovery device 100. In the context of this specification and the appended claims, the control system 328 is a device capable of executing a series of predetermined instructions for cyclically operating the recovery device 100 to capture CO from the atmosphere 2 and release it into the release chamber 104. Examples include, but are not limited to, embedded systems, conventional computer systems, mobile devices, etc. The control system 328 is communicatively connected to various components that provide information (such as sensors, etc.) or execute operations (such as the actuator 120, the sorbent regeneration system 306, etc.). In some embodiments, the control system 328 may perform additional functions. In some embodiments, the control system 328 may implement the automation of the recovery device 100 to enable the recovery device 100 to be operated unmanned.

[0083]

[0090] The recovery device 100 may further include one or more sensors 330 (such as a CO2 sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, an air flow sensor, a light sensor, etc.) connected to a processor configured with an algorithm for efficient operation of the device 100. The passive recovery device 100 may further include an actuator 120 or other means for performing mechanical work for raising and lowering the capture structure 106. Also, the passive recovery device 100 may include communication equipment for remote monitoring and remote operation. In some embodiments, the passive recovery device 100 may be configured to perform autonomous operations that adapt to ambient conditions 332 as needed. Power may be supplied directly via a battery or, for example, from renewable resources such as sunlight, wind, or thermoelectricity.

[0084]

[0091] According to various embodiments, one or more measurements may be made using the sensor 330 and the signal 334 is observed by the control system 328. These measurements may include, but are not limited to, wind speed and other weather data, humidity inside and outside the chamber, time, CO 2 removal gas ratio, internal temperature of the chamber 104, flow rate (for detecting obstacles), malfunction and / or instability during operation of components, outside air temperature and inside air temperature, etc. Using this information, the control system 328 may be configured to perform one or more operations according to the detected ambient or internal conditions. These operations may include commands to lower the tiles 108 due to strong winds or excessive moisture, time-specified commands to raise and lower the tiles 108 to change the exposure time, start, stop, increase or decrease the flow rate, CO 2 extension or shortening of the time in the discharge chamber 104 according to the adhesion amount, etc., but are not limited to these.

[0085]

[0092] In some embodiments, the passive recovery device 100 may be configured to adjust the delivery of heat and moisture to adapt to specific situations or ambient conditions 332 such as temperature 336, humidity 338, and / or wind speed 340. For example, during a hot and dry day in the desert, the performance of the device 100 may be optimized without using additional heat, while at night when the relative humidity increases, it may be advantageous to heat the gas recirculated in the discharge chamber 104. In some cases. In some embodiments, this adjustment during recovery and / or discharge may be enhanced by applying artificial intelligence to the control system.

[0086]

[0093] Some embodiments of the passive recovery device 100 may utilize algorithms developed to produce the best reaction from the sorbent 110. These algorithms are designed to efficiently combine the use of heat and moisture. These algorithms optimize the balance between performance and operating cost, thereby optimizing the delivery of CO 2 at an optimal rate and optimal partial pressure by introducing water and heat. According to various embodiments, the optimization may take into account ambient temperature, the adhesion state of the sorbent 110, weather conditions, the cost of heat and water, and other relevant parameters. In some embodiments, the temperature of the CO 2 discharge in the chamber 104 may be aimed to be higher than the ambient temperature. The optimal temperature varies depending on the environmental conditions and the heat resistance of the material, and may also be affected by the cost of the available heat. In certain embodiments, the range is ambient temperature to 150 °C, but preferably it may operate in the range of 45 - 50 °C depending on the sorbent. For many sorbents, this temperature range is still sufficient and the cost of heat is relatively low. When the sorbent 110 is saturated with water and heated, it will release CO 2 into the sealed volume of the discharge chamber 104.

[0087]

[0094] According to various embodiments, the control system 328 may further comprise, or be commanded by, an artificial intelligence system 317 (AIS), which monitors the performance of the apparatus 100 and iteratively adapts its performance to maximize output and learn optimizations that vary with weather conditions and the physical state of the apparatus 100. This AIS 317 improves efficiency, reduces energy costs, and reduces maintenance. For example, the AIS 317 connected to the control system 328 of the apparatus 100 may "learn" that certain warnings are not critical and adjust the actions of, and provide notifications for, certain warnings. Reducing the warnings that require a response significantly contributes to reducing operating costs.

[0088]

[0095] The control system 328 may utilize software configured to control one or more operations or characteristics including, but not limited to, the rate of adding moisture in the form of liquid / mist / steam, internal temperature, sweep gas flow rate, pumping rate for extracting product gas, timing of exposure to air, time within the discharge chamber 104, etc. This software may be configured to optimize various characteristics such as yield, water consumption, and / or energy consumption.

[0089]

[0096] The automation system may further include, but is not limited to, wind / weather measurement and response, CO 2 recovery monitoring, automatically timed movement of the capture structure 106 and / or the support structure 108, water and air control systems, temperature measurement and control, internal flow measurement, timing control for adapting to the functions of other systems, etc.

[0090]

[0097] In some embodiments, the passive recovery device 100 may further include a series of baffles for modifying the air flow and / or protecting various aspects of the device 100. In the context of this specification and the appended claims, a baffle is a structure having at least one surface that can at least partially block the air flow, redirect it, or concentrate the air flow. Also, some baffles may at least partially block light and may be used to protect sensitive sorbent materials. Examples include, but are not limited to, sails, walls, fins, wings, etc. There may be rigid baffles, flexible baffles, or a flexible surface attached to a rigid frame. Some embodiments may use baffles to introduce or enhance turbulence in the local air flow to increase the exposure to the sorbent material.

[0091]

[0098] According to various embodiments, the baffles may be utilized in various contexts. In some embodiments, one or more baffles may be used outside the capture device 100. For example, refer to the baffle 408 shown in FIG. 4, which is further discussed below. In other embodiments, one or more baffles may be implemented within or as part of the capture device 100. For example, in one embodiment, the tile 108 may have one or more baffles above and around the central hole 202 to promote and / or control the air flow. In another embodiment, a baffle may be used on the tile 108 to protect the sorbent material 110 from exposure to harmful UV light. Further, a baffle may be used on the tile 108 such that when the capture structure 106 is in the recovery configuration 300, the air turbulence is increased and the air flow is directed towards the sorbent 110.

[0092]

[0099] In some embodiments, the baffles may be articulated and further mechanized and programmably movable to respond to different ambient conditions. In some embodiments, baffles may be present at the bottom and along the sides within the chamber 104 to increase airflow and moisture distribution. However, in other embodiments, the passive collection device 100 may not utilize baffles at all.

[0093]

[0100] The passive collection device 100 may be a stand-alone device or may include two or more integrated collection devices. A passive capture cluster 402 made up of devices 100 may be the backbone of a larger air capture system, such as a passive capture system 400 that includes at least one cluster 402. The complete passive capture system 400 may be built around two capture devices 100, or may comprise a complex interconnected network of thousands of capture devices 100. In one embodiment, an interconnected system of 5-20 capture devices 100 makes up the passive capture cluster 402, while in other embodiments, the cluster 402 may simply be two devices 100 working in unison. In some embodiments, the passive capture cluster 402 may be a skid-mounted block with a self-contained system, but may also be constructed on-site.

[0094]

[0101] FIG. 4 illustrates a passive capture system for atmospheric carbon dioxide with multiple passive capture clusters 402. FIG. 400 is a schematic diagram of a system 400 for recovery. In the context of this specification, the passive recovery system 400 combines a plurality of recovery devices 100 or a single recovery device with associated hardware, connections, control systems, and software for internal processing, and ancillary equipment, control systems, and software for post-processing the output of the recovery device 100, etc. To distinguish the system 400 from the cluster 402, the system 400 is composed of at least one cluster 402, while the cluster 402 is composed of at least two devices 100. Further, the passive recovery system 400 is a set of recovery devices 100 that are particularly closely connected and grouped into one or more clusters 402. For example, the passive recovery system may be bundled together and made into a subsystem that is attached to a single skid and containerized. The use of the terms system and cluster partially overlaps. The passive recovery cluster 402 is usually more closely connected than the passive recovery system 400.

[0095]

[0102] Recovery devices are interconnected to form a passive recovery system 400, and this system 4 00 can create a substantially continuous product stream 406 by associating regeneration. This continuous product stream 406 can be increased by sweeping the product gas from a substantially empty unit through units still showing a higher deposition amount. For example, in one embodiment, the recovery device 100a of the cluster 402 may be substantially empty, and its product gas may be swept into an adjacent recovery device 100b with a higher deposition amount (within the same cluster 402). The devices 100a and 100b are in fluid communication with each other (for example, the device 100b is in fluid communication with the product outlet 118 of the device 100a) and, in a sense, share a sweep gas source.

[0096]

[0103] By using the passive recovery system 400 or the cluster 402, continuous It is possible to provide a generative material flow 406 that is flexible and can be adjusted according to changing weather and climate conditions. In some embodiments, the system 400 and / or the cluster 402 may comprise a control system 404, which may replace or operate in conjunction with the control system 328 of the individual device 100. The control system 404 is configured to operate the devices in sequence to continuously operate such a system 400, and to upgrade the CO 2 efficiently from a typical 4 million parts per million of the ambient air to a range of several percent, i.e., 1 - 10%. The advantages of the systems and methods contemplated herein are to minimize energy costs and to operate optimally under changing conditions. It should be noted that the control system 404 of the cluster 402 or the system 400 may perform all of the operations and measurements contemplated for the control system 328 of the individual device 100 described above.

[0097]

[0104] In some embodiments, the individual recovery devices 100 of the passive recovery system 400 may be held in place by various means and interconnected in such a way that it is possible to withdraw the concentrated gas 324 from one passive recovery device 100 through a series of regenerating recovery devices 100. The connections for gas handling, water, steam, or power handling may be switched as needed between all of the recovery devices 100 or a subset thereof. Alternatively, the recovery devices 100 may be organized in a hierarchical structure such as individual recovery devices 100, clusters 402 of recovery devices 100, clusters of clusters, systems of clusters.

[0098]

[0105] The passive recovery system 400 may comprise a system of process units for flowing a sweep gas into the recovery devices 100, or alternatively, evacuating the recovery devices 100 and removing CO from there 2A system of process units for withdrawing may be provided. These process units may include piping, pumps, fans, valves, sensors, actuators, control software, and other components necessary for the interconnection of the recovery device 100. Further, the passive recovery system 400 may include a system of piping and valves for delivering water to the recovery device 100, collecting wastewater, and / or collecting and recycling water.

[0099]

[0106] Some passive recovery systems 400 and / or clusters 402 may share resources. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, a plurality of passive recovery devices 100 may share the same actuator 120 to move their respective capture structures 106 between a recovery configuration 300 and a discharge configuration 312. This actuator 120 may be shared among a plurality of devices 100 using mechanical devices such as gears, arms, pulleys, and / or any other mechanical devices known in the art.

[0100]

[0107] In some embodiments, the passive recovery system 400 may include a shared system for delivering the discharge medium 316 to a plurality of recovery devices 100, and in other embodiments, each passive recovery device 100 may have its own resources. The passive recovery system 400 may also include a support structure for holding a plurality of recovery devices 100 in place. The support structure may include, but is not limited to, a foundation, a tent-like structure for holding an upper structure for raising and lowering the capture structure 106, protection from sunlight, and panels for guiding wind in various ways through the system. In some embodiments, the passive recovery system 400 may include a shared system for delivering the discharge medium 316 to a plurality of recovery devices 100, and in other embodiments, each passive recovery device 100 may have its own resources. The passive recovery system 400 may also include a support structure for holding a plurality of recovery devices 100 in place. The support structure may include, but is not limited to, a foundation, a tent-like structure for holding an upper structure for raising and lowering the capture structure 106, protection from sunlight, and panels for guiding wind in various ways through the system.

[0101]

[0108] As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the passive recovery system 40 0 may further include one or more baffles 408 for redirecting the air flow to increase the exposure of the sorbent material of the capture device 100. In some embodiments These baffles 408 may be articulated and may be configured to adjust to changes in ambient conditions (e.g., wind direction, position of the sun in the sky, weather, etc.). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the baffles 408 may be similarly utilized in the context of the individual capture devices 100.

[0102]

[0109] Furthermore, some passive recovery systems 400 and / or clusters 402 may utilize an automation system. The automation system may include wind / weather measurement and response, CO 2 recovery monitoring, automatically timed movement of tiles 108 and lids, water and air control systems, temperature measurement and control, internal flow measurement, timing control for adapting to the functions of other recovery devices 100 within the same system or cluster, blowdown control, and any other automation contemplated herein with respect to the individual devices 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0103]

[0110] The following discussion is intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the operation of a passive recovery device 100 that utilizes a sorbent tile 108 that is sensitive to heat and moisture. The operating cycle of the passive recovery device 100 begins from a closed position where all sorbent tiles 108 are inside the release chamber 104 and do not contain CO 2 . (In this context, "do not contain" means scarce. There may be residual CO 2 present in the sorbent, or even a sorbent that is completely free of anything, for example, when the sorbent swing occurs between carbonate and bicarbonate, CO 2(Including) The lid is lifted by the actuator 120, and all the moving tiles 108 are lifted from the chamber where the tiles 108 overlap, so that all the tiles 108 are in a recovered configuration 300 where they all hang down from at least one foldable support 112. When the lid 114 reaches the uppermost position, all the sorbent tiles 108 are exposed to the air movement. There are gaps between the tiles 108, allowing air to flow through all the tiles 108, and the capture stage is initiated. Based on the climate conditions and the selected sorbent, the exposure time of the CO 2 capture stage may be changed. In the case of humidity swing, the tiles 108 release some moisture and CO 2 is bound. The same may be true for other sorbents exposed to moisture during regeneration. One reason to expose the sorbent to moisture (e.g., in the form of weak steam) is to prevent the sorbent from consuming a large amount of energy to separate the moisture. This is different from the humidity swing where the presence of moisture itself stimulates the release of CO 2 .

[0104]

[0111] After exposure, the lid 114 is lowered again. As soon as the lid closes the discharge chamber 104 , recovery is initiated. In the example of a humidity swing sorbent, the sorbent tiles 108 bind sufficient moisture to cause the release of CO 2 . Here, the air in the chamber is concentrated with CO 2 , which is drawn out through the product outlet 118. The tiles 108 are lifted again when they are empty, and as the sorbent 110 dries, a cycle of recovering CO 2 from the air is initiated again. The condensed water is returned to the heat sink or drained. To avoid a gradual decrease in the CO 2 concentration in the product stream 326, it is possible to group together multiple recovery devices 100. In this case, a sweep gas flows from a substantially empty passive recovery device 100 into a passive recovery device 100 where the equilibrium concentration of CO 2 is still high. The concentration of the product stream 326 delivered in this way is close to the concentration of the resin at full load.

[0105]

[0112] In some embodiments, the device 100 or the cluster 402 of collection devices 100 may be elevated above other equipment to reduce footprint and land use and / or to enhance collection since higher collection increases airflow in some terrains.

[0106]

[0113] In some embodiments, the passive capture system 400 includes a wind turbine for directing the wind. The passive collection device 100 may also include panels. The purpose of these panels or sails is to direct the wind towards or away from the passive collection device 100 to increase the operating range of the passive collection device 100 with respect to wind speed. At low wind speeds, the air is directed towards the passive collection device 100, and at high wind speeds, the air is deflected. The panels can also be used with a single collection device 100 outside the context of a system 400 or cluster 402.

[0107]

[0114] According to various embodiments, the passive capture system 400 provides a power supply to the capture device 100. It may also include electrical, sensor, and control systems to power and manage it. Some passive capture systems 400 may also include an upgrade system to improve the quality of the product stream 326. In some embodiments, the passive capture system 400 may include an upgrade system to improve the quality of the product stream 326. 2 Dry CO with concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 95% or higher 2 Some passive capture systems 400 may be configured to deliver a CO / air mixture. 2 A system may be utilized to bind the pure CO to a second sorbent from which the pure CO is separated. 2 Another passive capture system 400 may produce nearly pure CO 2 A system may be used that starts with a low pressure stream that is converted to water vapor and then dried and compressed to produce CO. 2A pure concentrated stream is generated. In yet other passive recovery systems 400, a system that dissolves CO 2 to form a carbonate / bicarbonate solution may be used. Some passive recovery systems 400 may utilize multiple systems to upgrade the system product. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the recovery apparatus 100 and the system 400 are designed to recover CO 2 from the atmosphere and provide it in a form useful for downstream applications. The recovery apparatus 100 and the system 400 are in no way limited by the choice of sorbent material or the intended downstream application.

[0108]

[0115] When the above examples, embodiments, and implementations refer to examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other passive recovery devices, systems, and methods, and examples may be mixed with or substituted for the provided passive recovery devices, systems, and methods, and examples. Where the above description refers to specific embodiments of passive recovery devices, systems, and methods, numerous modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and these embodiments and implementations may equally apply to other carbon dioxide recovery devices, systems, and methods, which should be readily apparent. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for passive capture of atmospheric carbon dioxide, comprising: a release chamber having an opening and a sorbent regeneration system; a capture structure connected to the release chamber, the capture structure comprising at least one foldable support and a plurality of tiles connected to and spaced apart therealong, each tile including a sorbent material, the capture structure being movable between a collection configuration and a release configuration; a lid covering the opening of the emission chamber when the capture structure is in the emission configuration; a product outlet in fluid communication with the interior of the discharge chamber and configured to receive a product flow of enriched gas; Equipped with the capture arrangement includes a capture structure extending upwardly from the release chamber to expose at least a portion of the capture structure to an airflow to enable the sorbent material of the plurality of tiles to capture atmospheric carbon dioxide; the release configuration includes the at least one foldable support of the collapsed capture structure, the lid covering the opening of the release chamber, and the plurality of tiles sufficiently enclosed inside the release chamber such that the sorbent regeneration system can act on the plurality of tiles to release captured carbon dioxide from the sorbent material and generate concentrated gas within the release chamber. Device.

2. the sorbent material is a humidity swing sorbent material; the sorbent regeneration system comprising an emitting media and an emitting media emitter; the release medium being one of liquid water and steam; 2. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. the sorbent material is a thermal swing sorbent material; the sorbent regeneration system comprises a heat source; 2. The apparatus of claim 1.

4. the heat source is an emitting medium emitter configured to emit steam; 4. The apparatus of claim 3.

5. the emission chamber further comprising a sweep gas inlet connected to a sweep gas source and configured to introduce a sweep gas into the emission chamber to displace the enriched gas; An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the sweep gas is steam; 6. The apparatus of claim 5.

7. each tile of the plurality of tiles is substantially planar; An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. for each tile of the plurality of tiles, the sorbent material includes a plurality of sorbent surfaces connected to a surface of the tile at an angle greater than zero; 8. The apparatus of claim 7.

9. each tile of the plurality of tiles includes a hole; 8. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 7.

10. each tile of the plurality of tiles comprises an upper frame and a lower frame; the sorbent material is sandwiched between the upper frame and the lower frame; 8. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 7.

11. an actuator connected to the capture structure; a control system communicatively connected to the actuator and configured to drive the actuator to move the capture structure between the collection configuration and the release configuration; Further comprising: An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. and at least one sensor communicatively connected to the control system. the control system is configured to determine at least one ambient condition based on signals received from the at least one sensor, and to autonomously drive the actuator to move the capture structure between the retrieval configuration and the release configuration based on the at least one ambient condition; the at least one ambient condition includes at least one of temperature, humidity, and wind speed; 12. The apparatus of claim 11.

13. Further comprising at least one baffle; 2. The apparatus of claim 1.

14. preparing a passive capture device for capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide comprising a release chamber and a capture structure by moving the capture structure into a capture configuration with an actuator driven by a control system, the capture structure comprising at least one foldable support and a plurality of tiles connected to and spaced therealong, each tile comprising a sorbent material, the capture configuration including the capture structure extending upwardly from the release chamber; exposing at least a portion of the capture structure to an airflow to enable the sorbent material of the plurality of tiles to capture atmospheric carbon dioxide; actuating the actuator to lower the capture structure into the emission chamber such that the at least one foldable support is folded and the plurality of tiles are completely inside the emission chamber, thereby placing the capture structure in a release configuration; closing the emission chamber with a lid to confine the plurality of tiles inside the emission chamber; regenerating the sorbent material of the plurality of tiles by acting on the sorbent material with a sorbent regeneration system to release the captured carbon dioxide and generate concentrated gas in the release chamber; displacing the enriched gas with a sweep gas introduced into the discharge chamber, thereby discharging a product stream of the enriched gas through a product outlet in fluid communication with the interior of the discharge chamber; 1. A method for passive capture of atmospheric carbon dioxide, comprising:

15. the sorbent material is a humidity swing sorbent material; the sorbent regeneration system comprising an emitting media and an emitting media emitter; the release medium being one of liquid water and steam; The method of claim 14.

16. the sorbent material is a thermal swing sorbent material; the sorbent regeneration system comprises a heat source; The method of claim 14.

17. the heat source is an emitting medium emitter configured to emit steam; 17. The method of claim 16.

18. determining at least one ambient condition at a site of the passive collection device based on signals received from at least one sensor communicatively connected to the control system; determining an optimal exposure time for the capture structure based on the at least one ambient condition; Further comprising: The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

19. the sweep gas is one of air, nitrogen, water vapor, and steam; The method of claim 14.

20. At least one passive collection cluster, each passive collection cluster comprising at least two passive collection devices, each passive collection device comprising: a release chamber having an opening and a sorbent regeneration system; a capture structure connected to the release chamber, the capture structure comprising at least one foldable support and a plurality of tiles connected to and spaced apart therealong, each tile including a sorbent material, the capture structure being movable between a collection configuration and a release configuration; a lid covering the opening of the emission chamber when the capture structure is in the emission configuration; an actuator connected to the capture structure; and a product outlet in fluid communication with the interior of the discharge chamber and configured to receive a product flow of enriched gas. At least one passive collection cluster comprising: a control system communicatively connected to each passive collection cluster and configured to drive the actuators to move the capture structure of at least one passive collection device between the collection configuration and the release configuration; Equipped with the product outlets of each passive collection device in the same cluster are in fluid communication; for each passive capture device, the capture arrangement includes a capture structure extending upwardly from the release chamber to expose at least a portion of the capture structure to an airflow to enable the sorbent material of the plurality of tiles to capture atmospheric carbon dioxide; For each passive capture device, the release configuration includes the at least one foldable support of the collapsed capture structure, the lid covering the opening of the release chamber, and the plurality of tiles sufficiently enclosed inside the release chamber to allow the sorbent regeneration system to act on the plurality of tiles to release captured carbon dioxide from the sorbent material and generate concentrated gas within the release chamber. A system for passive capture of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

21. the at least two passive retrieval devices of each cluster share the same actuator; 21. The system of claim 20.

22. the release chambers of each passive collection device in the same cluster are in fluid communication; The concentrated gas of one recovery unit may be swept through the discharge chamber of an adjacent recovery unit.

22. A system according to claim 20 or 21.

23. and at least one sensor communicatively connected to the control system. the control system is configured to determine at least one ambient condition based on signals received from the at least one sensor, and to autonomously drive at least one actuator to move at least one capture structure between the recovery configuration and the release configuration based on the at least one ambient condition; the at least one ambient condition includes at least one of temperature, humidity, and wind speed; A system according to any one of claims 20 to 22.

24. the control system is configured to sequence the passive capture devices to produce a continuous product flow of enriched gas.

24. The system of claim 23.

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