Mobile carbon dioxide capture device and carbon dioxide capture method

Abstract

Efficiently captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. [Solution] This is a carbon dioxide capture device 2 for a mobile body 1 that takes in air while moving and captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It comprises a carbon dioxide adsorbent 20a housed in a housing 10 and a control device 2b that controls the capture of carbon dioxide. The housing 10 has a plurality of openable and closable air intake ports 14, 15 facing in different directions relative to the direction of travel of the mobile body 1, and an air outlet 16 facing the rear relative to the direction of travel of the mobile body 1. The control device 2b controls the open and closed state of the plurality of air intake ports 14, 15 according to the movement speed of the mobile body 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a carbon dioxide recovery device for a moving body and a method for recovering carbon dioxide.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the realization of carbon neutrality (CN) has been emphasized. As one of the means for its realization, a technology of mounting a carbon dioxide recovery device on a moving body and recovering carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been studied (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the vehicle of Patent Document 1, a pipe extending in the front-rear direction through which air flows during travel is provided below the floor panel. A carbon dioxide recovery device is installed in the middle of the pipe. A bypass pipe that bypasses the carbon dioxide recovery device is also provided in the pipe. By opening and closing the shutter, the inflow of air into the carbon dioxide recovery device is switched. Thereby, the recovery and non-recovery of carbon dioxide can be controlled.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the technology of Patent Document 1, the vehicle speed is not considered.

[0006] That is, the flow rate of air changes between low speed and high speed. When the carbon dioxide recovery device uses an adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide, at high speed, a large amount of air flows into the pipe, and the contact between the adsorbent and the air becomes insufficient. Along with this, the carbon dioxide recovery efficiency decreases. Since the air resistance also increases, the fuel consumption and power consumption of the vehicle also decrease.

[0007] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not consider what happens after the carbon dioxide is recovered in the carbon dioxide recovery device. Once the recovered carbon dioxide reaches its maximum capacity, processing such as carbon dioxide extraction or regeneration becomes necessary. Such processing is difficult on the underside of the floor panel, but there is no explanation of these processes.

[0008] Therefore, this specification discloses a technology that can efficiently capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The disclosed technology relates to a mobile carbon dioxide capture device that takes in air while in motion and captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

[0010] The carbon dioxide capture device comprises a housing attached to the mobile body, a carbon dioxide adsorbent housed in the housing, and a control device for controlling the capture of carbon dioxide. The housing has a plurality of openable and closable air intakes facing in different directions relative to the direction of travel of the mobile body, and an air outlet facing rearward relative to the direction of travel of the mobile body. The control device controls the open and closed states of the plurality of air intakes according to the speed of travel of the mobile body.

[0011] According to this carbon dioxide capture device, the housing containing the carbon dioxide adsorbent has multiple openable air intakes facing in different directions relative to the direction of travel of the mobile body, and an air outlet facing the rear of the mobile body's direction of travel. Therefore, air can be taken into the housing not only from the direction of travel of the mobile body, but also from different directions.

[0012] Furthermore, by controlling the opening and closing state of these air intakes according to the speed of the moving object, air can be taken into the carbon dioxide capture device in an appropriate state according to the speed of movement. This allows for the efficient capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

[0013] The enclosure can be installed on any external surface of the moving object that is in contact with the atmosphere, and the installation location can be selected according to the specifications. Therefore, there is a high degree of design flexibility. If the enclosure is installed in an easily accessible location, processing such as collection and recycling can also be easily carried out.

[0014] The air intake may include a first air intake facing the direction of travel of the moving body and a second air intake facing to the side of the first air intake, wherein when the moving body is moving at a low speed, the control device may perform a first opening / closing control to open the first air intake and close the second air intake, and when the moving body is moving at a high speed, the control device may perform a second opening / closing control to close the first air intake and open the second air intake.

[0015] At low speeds, the wind pressure on the casing is weak. Therefore, by opening the first air intake, which faces directly into the wind, a large amount of air can be taken in and passed through while making sufficient contact with the adsorbent. Consequently, a high carbon dioxide capture efficiency can be achieved.

[0016] On the other hand, the wind pressure on the casing is strong at high speeds. Therefore, when the first air intake is opened, an excessive amount of air is taken in, and much of it passes through without sufficient contact with the adsorbent. Consequently, the carbon dioxide recovery efficiency decreases.

[0017] In contrast, by closing the first air intake and opening the second air intake, the air, with its reduced flow velocity, enters the enclosure from the side. This allows a relatively large amount of air to be taken into the enclosure and pass through while making sufficient contact with the adsorbent. Consequently, a high recovery rate and high recovery efficiency can be achieved along with a high amount of carbon dioxide recovered.

[0018] The outer surface of the housing, which extends along the direction of travel of the moving body, may be formed to include a curved surface.

[0019] This reduces rolling resistance even when the enclosure is mounted on the outer surface of the mobile body. Consequently, energy loss in the mobile body can be suppressed.

[0020] A humidity swing type adsorbent that adsorbs carbon dioxide in a dry state and desorbs carbon dioxide in a wet state may be used for the adsorbent, and the housing or the adsorbent may be configured to be detachable from the moving body.

[0021] If so, by wetting the adsorbent removed from the moving body with water, carbon dioxide can be desorbed from the adsorbent. Therefore, the adsorbent can be regenerated relatively easily, and the recovered carbon dioxide can be reused relatively easily.

[0022] The moving body may further include rain and snow detection means for detecting rain and snow and outputting it to the control device, and when the rain and snow detection means detects rain and snow, the control device may give priority to executing a third opening / closing control to close the air intake.

[0023] When the humidity swing type adsorbent gets wet due to rainfall or snowfall, it becomes difficult to recover carbon dioxide. In contrast, in this carbon dioxide recovery device, when rain and snow are detected, the housing preferentially becomes fully closed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adsorbent from getting wet due to rainfall or the like.

[0024] When the wet adsorbent is mounted on the moving body, the control device may execute a fourth opening / closing control to open at least one of the air intakes.

[0025] In order for the regenerated adsorbent to recover its performance, it needs to be dried. However, since a wet adsorbent is difficult to dry, it takes time and effort to dry. In contrast, in the case of this carbon dioxide recovery device, the air intake is opened so that the adsorbent can be easily dried, so the adsorbent can be mounted on the moving body while remaining in a wet state.

[0026] If the moving body moves, the adsorbent can be dried by using the wind. Therefore, it is easy to handle and the performance of the adsorbent can be restored at an early stage.

[0027] A preferred specific example of the moving body is an automobile.

[0028] <000The technology disclosed also relates to a carbon capture method for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

[0029] The recovery method includes a recovery step of adsorbing carbon dioxide onto the adsorbent using the carbon dioxide recovery device described above; a removal step of removing the housing or the adsorbent from the mobile body; a regeneration step of wetting the adsorbent to release carbon dioxide; and an attachment step of attaching the housing or the adsorbent to the mobile body.

[0030] Furthermore, the mounting step may include a performance recovery step in which the housing or the adsorbent is attached to the mobile body while still wet, and the control device performs the fourth opening / closing control to dry the adsorbent by vaporizing it into the atmosphere.

[0031] Furthermore, the process may include a reuse step in which the carbon dioxide removed in the regeneration step is reused.

[0032] These capture methods allow for the efficient capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Furthermore, the regeneration of adsorbents and the reuse of captured carbon dioxide can be carried out relatively easily. Therefore, they can contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality (CN). [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] The carbon dioxide capture device that utilizes the disclosed technology will enable the efficient capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a vehicle to which the disclosed technology has been applied. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating a carbon dioxide capture system. [Figure 3] This figure shows the relationship between vehicle speed and driving resistance in the examples and comparative examples. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of the control device and its related equipment. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the CO2 capture system at low and high speeds. [Figure 6] This figure shows the relationship between vehicle speed and recovery efficiency in the examples and comparative examples. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of control operation for a control device. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates an example of a method for regenerating adsorbents and reusing carbon dioxide. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram of the control device and its related equipment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of control operation for a control device. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating a modified carbon dioxide capture device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The following describes the disclosed technology. However, the following description is essentially illustrative. The front, rear, left, right, and up directions used in the description are based on the vehicle shown in the embodiment.

[0036] <Mobile> Figure 1 shows an example of a mobile device to which the disclosed technology (carbon dioxide capture device) is applied. The example mobile device is vehicle 1 (automobile). However, the disclosed technology can be applied to any mobile device, such as ships or railway vehicles.

[0037] The power source of vehicle 1 may be an engine, a battery, or both (so-called conventional automobiles, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles). The form of vehicle 1 is also varied; here, a passenger car is used as an example, but it may also be a cargo vehicle or the like.

[0038] <Carbon dioxide capture device> In order to take in air and capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while Vehicle 1 is moving (in motion), a carbon dioxide capture device (specifically, a CO2 capture device 2a) is installed on the B-pillar 1a of Vehicle 1.

[0039] Note that the installation on pillar 1a is just one example. The CO2 capture unit can be installed anywhere on the exterior of the vehicle body, and can be selected according to the specifications. Specifically, the CO2 capture unit can be installed on the hood, roof panel, side panels including door panels, various pillars, side sills, etc. However, the underside of the vehicle is disadvantageous because it is difficult to access the CO2 capture unit.

[0040] Figure 2 shows the specific structure of the CO2 capture unit 2a for the B-pillar. The CO2 capture unit 2a is attached to the outer surface of the B-pillar 1a.

[0041] The CO2 capture unit 2a has a casing 10 that extends in a strip shape. The casing 10 is attached to the B-pillar 1a so as to extend vertically along the B-pillar 1a. The casing 10 has an assembly base 11 fixed to the outer surface of the B-pillar 1a and a cover case 12 integrated to cover the surface of the assembly base 11. A containment chamber 13 is formed between the assembly base 11 and the cover case 12.

[0042] The containment chamber 13 houses a cartridge (adsorption cartridge 20) that adsorbs carbon dioxide. The adsorption cartridge 20 is constructed in a strip shape by stacking multiple filter-like adsorbents 20a. The adsorption cartridge 20 is housed in the containment chamber 13 in a detachable state. In this embodiment, a humidity swing type adsorbent is used for the adsorbent 20a.

[0043] Since humidity-swinging adsorbents are well-known, a detailed explanation will be omitted. Humidity-swinging adsorbents consist of materials such as zeolite and strongly basic anion exchange resins containing quaternary ammonium groups, and their carbon dioxide adsorption performance differs depending on the water content. Generally speaking, humidity-swinging adsorbents have the property of adsorbing carbon dioxide in a dry state and desorbing carbon dioxide in a wet state.

[0044] A frame (not shown) is attached to the assembly base 11. The cover case 12 is composed of multiple exterior members attached to the frame. Specifically, the cover case 12 consists of a front panel 12a, side panels 12b, rear panel 12c, a pair of end face panels 12d, a front beam 12e, a rear beam 12f, and so on.

[0045] The front beam 12e is supported by the frame and extends along the leading edge of the B-pillar 1a. The rear beam 12f is supported by the frame and extends along the trailing edge of the B-pillar 1a.

[0046] The front panel 12a is made of a strip-shaped member, and one of its side edges is rotatably supported by the front end beam 12e. As a result, the front panel 12a is configured to be displaceable between a closed position that covers the front of the storage chamber 13 (shown by a solid line in Figure 2) and an open position that leaves the front of the storage chamber 13 open (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2). The front panel 12a may also be rotatably supported by the assembly base 11.

[0047] The side panel 12b is made of a strip-shaped member, and one of its side edges is rotatably supported by the rear end beam 12f. As a result, the side panel 12b is configured to be displaceable between a closed position that covers the side of the storage chamber 13 (shown by a solid line in Figure 2) and an open position that leaves the side of the storage chamber 13 open (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2).

[0048] The rear panel 12c is made of a strip-shaped member, and one of its side edges is rotatably supported on the assembly base 11. As a result, the rear panel 12c is configured to be displaceable between a closed position that covers the rear of the storage chamber 13 (shown by a solid line in Figure 2) and an open position that leaves the rear of the storage chamber 13 open (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2). The rear panel 12c may also be rotatably supported on the rear end beam 12f.

[0049] Note that these panels are normally in the closed position. Therefore, the explanation will be based on the assumption that these panels are in the closed position. The pair of end face panels 12d are attached to the frame together with the front end beam 12e and the rear end beam 12f so as to cover the upper and lower parts of the housing chamber 13.

[0050] With this configuration, the housing 10 of this embodiment has a plurality of openable and closable air intakes 14, 15 facing in different directions relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle 1, and an air outlet 16 facing rearward relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle 1. Specifically, the front panel 12a constitutes an openable and closable first air intake 14 facing the direction of travel of the vehicle 1, the side panel 12b constitutes an openable and closable second air intake 15 facing to the side of the first air intake 14, and the rear panel 12c constitutes an openable and closable air outlet 16.

[0051] The outer surface of the housing 10, which expands along the direction of travel, is formed to include curved surfaces. It is particularly preferable to make it streamlined. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the housing 10 is formed in a streamlined shape.

[0052] Specifically, the outer surface of the side panel 12b is a curved surface that curves in the front-to-back direction, bulging outwards. The rear edge is positioned closer to the assembly base 11 than the front edge. As a result, the side with the air outlet 16 has a smaller cross-sectional width than the side with the first air intake 14.

[0053] Furthermore, the front panel 12a slopes downward toward the front, connecting to the curved surface of the side panel 12b. The free end of the front panel 12a is located further forward than the base end.

[0054] In this way, by forming the outer surface of the housing 10, the running resistance of the vehicle 1 can be reduced.

[0055] Figure 3 shows an example of the relationship between vehicle speed and running resistance depending on the shape of the housing 10. Figure 3 shows the case where the cross-sectional shape of the housing 10 is streamlined (solid line: example) and the case where the cross-sectional shape of the housing 10 is rectangular (dashed line: comparative example).

[0056] As vehicle speed increases, the comparative example shows a significant increase in running resistance, while the embodiment shows a relatively gradual increase in running resistance. When compared at the same high speed, the embodiment exhibits significantly lower running resistance than the comparative example. Therefore, by making the outer surface of the housing 10 streamlined, running resistance can be effectively reduced. This is particularly effective in the high-speed range.

[0057] The shape of the enclosure 10 can be adjusted as appropriate according to the specifications. For example, only the side panel 12b may be formed with a curved surface. The front and rear cross-sectional widths may be the same.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the containment chamber 13 is equipped with a first motor 17, a second motor 18, and a third motor 19, which open and close the front panel 12a, the side panel 12b, and the rear panel 12c, respectively. A control device 2b is attached to the CO2 capturer 2a to control the operation of these motors and thereby control the capture of carbon dioxide.

[0059] (Control device) Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the control device 2b and its related equipment. The control device 2b consists of hardware such as a processor, memory, and interface, and software such as data implemented in memory and control programs.

[0060] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a vehicle speed sensor 3 for measuring vehicle speed. Control device 2b receives a vehicle speed signal from vehicle speed sensor 3. Vehicle 1 is also equipped with a rain / snow sensor 4 for detecting rain and snow. Control device 2b receives a rain / snow signal from rain / snow sensor 4.

[0061] The control device 2b is electrically connected to the first motor 17, the second motor 18, and the third motor 19, and outputs control signals to them based on signals input from the vehicle speed sensor 3 and the rain / snow detection means. As a result, the control device 2b controls the opening and closing states of the air intakes 14, 15 and air outlets 16 of the CO2 capturer 2a, as described above, according to the vehicle speed or weather conditions. The CO2 capturer 2a and the control device 2b constitute the carbon dioxide capture device 2.

[0062] Vehicle 1 also has an application installed for using the carbon dioxide capture device 2. When the user activates this application, the carbon dioxide capture device 2 starts working and can capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The application has various operating modes corresponding to the state of the carbon dioxide capture device 2, such as CO2 capture mode and regeneration mode.

[0063] (CO2 capture mode) When the application is launched by the user, the control unit 2b begins processing related to the capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Specifically, while the vehicle 1 is in motion, the carbon dioxide capture device 2 uses the airflow to draw air into the CO2 capturer 2a and adsorbs carbon dioxide onto the adsorption cartridge 20. In this way, it performs the process of capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (CO2 capture mode).

[0064] During this process, the vehicle speed constantly changes between high and low. The strength of the airflow also changes according to the vehicle speed. Therefore, the airflow velocity changes between low speed and high speed.

[0065] At low speeds, the airflow is weak, and the air velocity is slow. Therefore, even if a large amount of air is introduced into the CO2 capturer 2a, sufficient contact can be made between the air and the adsorbent 20a. This ensures high carbon dioxide capture efficiency.

[0066] In contrast, the airflow at high speeds is strong, and the air velocity is high. Therefore, if a large amount of air is introduced into the CO2 capturer 2a, contact between the air and the adsorbent 20a becomes insufficient. Consequently, the carbon dioxide capture efficiency decreases.

[0067] Therefore, in this carbon dioxide capture device 2, in order to suppress the impact of changes in vehicle speed on the carbon dioxide capture efficiency, the control device 2b controls the opening and closing state of each air intake 14, 15 according to the vehicle speed.

[0068] Specifically, at low speeds, the control device 2b performs control to open the first air intake 14 and close the second air intake 15 (first opening / closing control). Then, at high speeds, the control device 2b performs control to close the first air intake 14 and open the second air intake 15 (second opening / closing control).

[0069] Figure 5 shows the open and closed states of each air intake 14 and 15 at low and high speeds. When carbon dioxide is being captured, the rear panel 12c is held in the open position to release air from the air outlet 16.

[0070] Thus, at low speeds, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 5, the first motor 17 is driven and the front panel 12a is displaced to the open position. That is, at low speeds, the second air intake 15 is closed, and the first air intake 14 and air outlet 16 are open (first open / closed state).

[0071] The first air intake 14 faces directly towards the airflow. Therefore, even if the airflow velocity is slow and the opening area is small, a necessary and sufficient amount of air can be efficiently introduced into the containment chamber 13. The air introduced into the containment chamber 13 flows at a slow velocity along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the adsorption cartridge 20, allowing for ample contact between the air and the adsorbent material 20a. Consequently, a high carbon dioxide recovery efficiency can be obtained.

[0072] On the other hand, at high speeds, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 5, the second motor 18 is driven and the side panel 12b is displaced to the open position. That is, at high speeds, the first air intake 14 is closed, and the second air intake 15 and air outlet 16 are open (second open / closed state).

[0073] The second air intake 15 is perpendicular to the airflow while the first air intake 14, which faces the airflow directly, is closed. Consequently, the strong airflow collides directly with the front of the chassis 10. This weakens the airflow, causing the air velocity to approach that of low-speed operation.

[0074] The reduced-velocity air then flows backward along its surface. Because the second air intake 15 is open, turbulence is generated at its interface, making it easy for air to be drawn into the containment chamber 13. The opening area of ​​the second air intake 15 is large, and the air flows along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the adsorption cartridge 20, allowing a large amount of air to be introduced into the containment chamber 13.

[0075] The air introduced into the containment chamber 13 flows at a reduced flow velocity towards the shorter side of the cross-section of the adsorption cartridge 20 while simultaneously flowing along its longitudinal direction, allowing for ample contact between the air and the adsorbent material 20a. Consequently, a high carbon dioxide recovery efficiency can be achieved. The decrease in carbon dioxide recovery efficiency at high speeds compared to low speeds can be suppressed. Carbon dioxide can be recovered with a relatively stable recovery efficiency depending on the vehicle speed.

[0076] Figure 6 shows the relationship between vehicle speed and recovery efficiency for the CO2 recovery unit 2a of this embodiment, in the first open / closed state (front opening: dashed line), the second open / closed state (side opening: dashed line), and a combination of these (example: solid line).

[0077] In the low-speed range, when comparing at the same vehicle speed, the amount of air introduced into the containment chamber 13 is less with the side opening than with the front opening. Therefore, the recovery efficiency is higher with the front opening than with the side opening. As the vehicle speed increases, the flow velocity through the adsorption cartridge 20 increases in both cases, but in the case of the side opening, air wraps around and enters, so the flow velocity is lower than with the front opening, and the increase is also smaller. Therefore, the difference in recovery efficiency between the two gradually decreases.

[0078] As a result, at a predetermined vehicle speed Vs, the recovery efficiency reverses between the front opening and the side opening. Therefore, the CO2 recoverer 2a switches from the front opening to the side opening at the vehicle speed Vs at which the recovery efficiency reverses (switching vehicle speed Vs). In other words, it switches from the first opening / closing control to the second opening / closing control at the switching vehicle speed Vs. As a result, the CO2 recoverer 2a can utilize the superior characteristics of both openings and achieve high recovery efficiency.

[0079] Furthermore, in the range of extremely low vehicle speeds (below V0), the adsorption cartridge 20 can adsorb almost all of the carbon dioxide contained in the introduced air, so the recovery efficiency increases as the vehicle speed increases. In the case of a side opening, where the flow velocity is lower than that of a front opening, the characteristics shift to higher vehicle speeds, as indicated by the arrows.

[0080] If the switching speed Vs is located in a frequently used speed range, the switching will occur frequently, which will affect durability. In the case of vehicle 1, it is undesirable for the switching speed Vs to be located in the medium speed range. Therefore, considering road conditions, it is preferable to set the switching speed Vs of vehicle 1 to 80 km / h or higher. In this embodiment, the switching speed Vs is set to 80 km / h.

[0081] Furthermore, the vehicle speed at which the switch from the first opening / closing control to the second opening / closing control occurs is not necessarily limited to the speed at which the recovery efficiency reverses. For example, if the vehicle speed at which the recovery efficiency reverses is located within a frequently used speed range, the switch may be made at a vehicle speed outside that range. Also, low speeds include the state in which vehicle 1 is stopped (vehicle speed is 0 km / h).

[0082] (Suitable for rain and snow) As described above, in this embodiment, a humidity-swinging type adsorbent 20a is used in the adsorption cartridge 20. Therefore, if the adsorption cartridge 20 gets wet due to rain or snow, the carbon dioxide adsorbed on the adsorbent 20a will be released.

[0083] Therefore, the carbon dioxide capture device 2 is configured to prioritize the execution of a control (third opening / closing control) in which the control device 2b completely closes (the air intakes 14 and 15 and the air outlet 16 are closed) when the rain / snow sensor 4 detects rain or snow. For example, if rainfall is detected while driving at a low speed, the control device 2b closes the first air intake 14 and the air outlet 16, even while driving. When the carbon dioxide capture device 2 is not in use, the CO2 capturer 2a is in a completely closed state, so there is no risk of it getting wet from rain or other sources.

[0084] (Example of control of the control device in CO2 capture mode) Figure 7 shows an example of control of the control device 2b in CO2 capture mode. When the user gets in and the power to the vehicle 1 is turned on (No in step S1), various sensors are activated. Then, as described above, when the user starts the application, the control device 2b starts processing related to the capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

[0085] The control device 2b determines whether or not it is raining or snowing based on the signal from the rain / snow sensor 4 (step S2). If it determines that it is raining or snowing, the control device 2b executes the third opening / closing control (step S3, CO2 capturer 2a is in a fully closed state). As mentioned above, when the carbon dioxide capture device 2 is not in use, the CO2 capturer 2a is in a fully closed state. Therefore, if it rains or snows before the vehicle starts moving, that state is maintained.

[0086] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no rain or snowfall, the control device 2b determines whether the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the switching speed Vs based on the signal from the vehicle speed sensor 3 (step S4). If it is determined that the vehicle speed is less than the switching speed Vs, it executes the first opening / closing control (step S5). If it is determined that the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the switching speed Vs, it executes the second opening / closing control (step S6).

[0087] Thus, as long as the power to vehicle 1 is on, this series of controls continues (steps S2 to S6). When the operation of vehicle 1 ends and its power is turned off (Yes in step S1), the control device 2b returns the CO2 recoverer 2a to its initial state (fully closed state) (initialization control, step S7).

[0088] (Regeneration of adsorbents, reuse of CO2) According to the recovery method described above, carbon dioxide can be recovered efficiently. However, once the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed reaches its limit, the adsorbent material 20a can no longer adsorb carbon dioxide. Therefore, the adsorption cartridge 20 requires regeneration to restore its adsorption performance. To effectively recover carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, regeneration must be performed relatively frequently. In that case, the burden on the user is significant.

[0089] Therefore, in this carbon dioxide capture device 2, the adsorption cartridge 20 can be regenerated in a relatively simple manner by using a humidity-swinging type adsorbent material 20a that is detachable.

[0090] Specifically, as described above, in CO2 recovery mode, the carbon dioxide recovery device 2 is used to adsorb carbon dioxide onto the adsorbent material 20a (recovery step). When the amount of carbon dioxide adsorbed onto the adsorbent material 20a reaches its upper limit, as shown in Figure 8, the adsorption cartridge 20 is removed from the vehicle 1 (removal step), the adsorption cartridge 20 is made wet to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent material 20a (regeneration step), and the adsorption cartridge 20 is attached to the vehicle 1 (attachment step) in sequence.

[0091] In this embodiment, a process for reusing the carbon dioxide desorbed in the regeneration step (reuse step) and a process for quickly restoring the performance of the adsorption cartridge 20 (performance recovery step) are also performed.

[0092] Figure 9 shows a block diagram of the control device 2b and related equipment related to the regeneration of the adsorbent material 20a. The vehicle 1 is equipped with means (adsorption state detection means 5) for detecting the adsorption state of carbon dioxide in the adsorption cartridge 20.

[0093] As a specific example of the adsorption state detection means 5, for instance, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor may be installed in the containment chamber 13 to measure the carbon dioxide adsorption state of the adsorption cartridge 20. Alternatively, the carbon dioxide adsorption state of the adsorption cartridge 20 may be estimated from the vehicle speed, the opening time of each air intake 14, 15, etc. The goal is to obtain information that will help determine the appropriate regeneration timing for the adsorption cartridge 20.

[0094] Vehicle 1 is also equipped with a regeneration switch 6 that the user operates when regenerating the suction cartridge 20. Vehicle 1 is also equipped with a regeneration warning means 7 (such as a flashing display or buzzer) to prompt the user to regenerate the suction cartridge 20.

[0095] Figure 10 shows an example of the control of the control device 2b in regeneration mode (operation mode related to the regeneration process of the adsorption cartridge 20). While the application is running, the control device 2b determines whether or not regeneration of the adsorption cartridge 20 is necessary based on the signal from the adsorption state detection means 5 (step S10). If it determines that regeneration of the adsorption cartridge 20 is necessary, the control device 2b controls the regeneration warning means 7 to prompt the user to perform the regeneration process.

[0096] As a result, when the user turns on the regeneration switch 6 to perform the regeneration process (Yes in step S11), the control device 2b drives the second motor 18 and opens the second air intake 15 (step S12). This allows the suction cartridge 20 to be removed from the housing 10. The user removes the suction cartridge 20 from the vehicle 1 (see the removal step in Figure 8, and so on).

[0097] The user then passes water through the removed adsorption cartridge 20. This allows carbon dioxide to be released from the adsorbent material 20a, thus regenerating the adsorption cartridge 20. During this process, most of the carbon dioxide dissolves in the water. The remaining carbon dioxide, being heavier than air, can also be carried away with the water. Therefore, as shown in the regeneration and reuse step in Figure 8, by spraying this water and carbon dioxide onto crops or horticultural plants, the carbon dioxide recovered from the atmosphere can be effectively utilized and reused.

[0098] After regeneration, the adsorption cartridge 20 is in a wet state (humid state). To restore the performance of the adsorption cartridge 20, it is necessary to dry it thoroughly. However, the adsorption cartridge 20 is filter-shaped. Therefore, it is difficult to dry, and it takes time for its performance to recover.

[0099] Therefore, the carbon dioxide capture device 2 is configured to use the airflow from the vehicle to dry the adsorption cartridge 20, thereby enabling its performance to be restored quickly. Specifically, when a wet adsorption cartridge 20 is installed on the vehicle 1, the control device 2b performs control to open at least one of the air intake ports (fourth opening / closing control).

[0100] Therefore, after the adsorption cartridge 20 has been reconditioned, the user can install the adsorption cartridge 20 into the vehicle 1 while it is still wet (installation step). After the adsorption cartridge 20 is installed into the vehicle 1, if the user turns off the reconditioning switch 6 (Yes in step S13), the performance recovery process is executed.

[0101] In other words, if there is no rainfall or other adverse weather conditions (No in step S14), the control device 2b executes the fourth opening / closing control (step S15). On the other hand, if there is rainfall or other adverse weather conditions, it executes the third opening / closing control until the rainfall or other adverse weather conditions stop (step S16).

[0102] As shown in the performance recovery step in Figure 8, in the fourth opening / closing control, the control device 2b opens and closes each of the air intakes 14, 15 and the air outlet 16 depending on the situation. That is, when the vehicle 1 is not in operation, it is fully opened. When the vehicle 1 is in operation, it is opened and closed according to the vehicle speed. The drying of the adsorption cartridge 20 is promoted by vaporization into the atmosphere, and its performance can be recovered quickly.

[0103] The control device 2b stores data on the drying state and time of the adsorption cartridge 20 in each open / closed state. Based on this data and the cumulative time in each open / closed state, the control device 2b estimates the degree of dryness of the adsorption cartridge 20. When the control device 2b determines that the adsorption cartridge 20 is dry (Yes in step S17), it switches to the CO2 recovery mode (step S18).

[0104] By utilizing the airflow from the vehicle, the adsorption performance of the adsorption cartridge 20 can be restored in a short time. Therefore, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can be efficiently recovered. Since the user can attach the adsorption cartridge 20 to the housing 10 while it is still wet, it is easy to handle and highly convenient.

[0105] <Variation> In the embodiment described above, a CO2 recovery unit 2a was illustrated that uses a swing-type panel to open and close the air intake 14, 15 and the air outlet 16. However, the air intake 14, 15 and the air outlet 16 may also be configured to open and close with a shutter-type panel.

[0106] Figure 11 shows an example of a CO2 recovery unit that opens and closes with a shutter-type panel (shutter-type CO2 recovery unit 30). The basic configuration of the shutter-type CO2 recovery unit 30 is the same as that of the CO2 recovery unit 2a described above. Therefore, the same components are referred to by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are simplified or omitted.

[0107] A housing case 31 for each shutter (front shutter 32a, side shutter 32b, rear shutter 32c) is installed near each motor 17, 18, 19. A pair of guide bars 33, 33 are installed on both sides of each shutter 32a, 32b, 32c to support and guide them. Each shutter 32a, 32b, 32c is extended and retracted by the drive of each motor 17, 18, 19. Each shutter 32a, 32b, 32c is displaced between a closed position and an open position along the guide bars 33.

[0108] Shutter-type windows have advantages such as low rolling resistance when open and less obstruction of the view from the window. Instead of using only one type, a combination of swing-type and shutter-type windows may be used.

[0109] The disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also encompasses various other configurations. For example, while the embodiments illustrate a case where the suction cartridge 20 can be attached to and detached from the housing 10, the suction material 20a may be designed to be detachable from the vehicle 1 together with the housing 10. In that case, the electrical connection between the control device 2b and the housing 10 can be made using a simple detachable connector.

[0110] Adsorbent 20a is preferably of the humidity swing type from the viewpoint of carbon dioxide reuse and convenience, but may also be of the temperature swing type or pressure swing type.

[0111] The adsorbent material may be configured to have a density difference in the direction of the moving body, with the density being higher (the surface area of ​​the adsorbent material being larger) at the front than at the rear. Since carbon dioxide is adsorbed from the front in the direction of movement, adsorption can be performed efficiently.

[0112] Three or more air intakes may be provided, and opening and closing control may be performed in two or more stages according to the speed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1. Vehicle (mobile object) 1a B-pillar 2. Carbon dioxide capture device 2a CO2 recovery unit 2b Control device 3. Vehicle speed sensor 4. Rain / Snow Sensor 5. Adsorption state detection means 6. Playback switch 7 Regeneration warning means 10 cabinets 11 Assembly base 12 Cover Cases 12a Front Panel 12b Side Panel 12c rear panel 12d End face panel 12e Front beam 12f rear beam 13 Confinement Rooms 14 1st air intake 15 2nd air intake 16. Air outlet 17 First Motor 18. Second motor 19. Third motor 20 Adsorption Cartridges 20a Adsorbent 30 Shutter-type CO2 capture device 31 storage cases 32a, 32b, 32c shutters 33 Guide Bars

Claims

1. A mobile carbon dioxide capture device that takes in air while in motion and captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, A housing attached to the aforementioned mobile body, The carbon dioxide adsorbent housed in the aforementioned enclosure, A control device for controlling carbon dioxide capture, Equipped with, The aforementioned enclosure is Multiple openable and closable air intakes facing in directions different from the direction of travel of the aforementioned moving body, An air outlet facing rearward with respect to the direction of travel of the aforementioned moving body, It has, A carbon dioxide capture device wherein the control device controls the opening and closing states of a plurality of air intakes according to the movement speed of the moving body.

2. In the carbon dioxide recovery apparatus described in claim 1, The aforementioned air intake is A first air intake facing the direction of travel of the moving body, A second air intake facing the side of the first air intake, Includes, A carbon dioxide recovery device wherein, when the moving body is moving at a low speed, the control device performs a first opening / closing control, which opens the first air intake and closes the second air intake, and when the moving body is moving at a high speed, the control device performs a second opening / closing control, which closes the first air intake and opens the second air intake.

3. In the carbon dioxide recovery apparatus described in claim 1, A carbon dioxide capture device in which the outer surface of the housing, which extends along the direction of travel of the moving body, is formed to include a curved surface.

4. In the carbon dioxide recovery apparatus described in claim 1, The adsorbent used is a humidity-swinging type adsorbent that adsorbs carbon dioxide in a dry state and desorbs carbon dioxide in a wet state. A carbon dioxide recovery device in which the housing or the adsorbent is configured to be detachable from the mobile body.

5. In the carbon dioxide recovery apparatus described in claim 4, The mobile body further comprises rain and snow detection means that detect rain and snow and output it to the control device, A carbon dioxide capture device wherein, when the rain and snow detection means detects rain or snow, the control device prioritizes executing a third opening / closing control, which closes the air intake.

6. In the carbon dioxide recovery apparatus described in claim 4, A carbon dioxide capture device wherein, when the adsorbent in a wet state is attached to the mobile body, the control device performs a fourth opening / closing control to open at least one of the air intake ports.

7. In the carbon dioxide recovery apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned mobile device is a car, a carbon dioxide capture device.

8. A method for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, A recovery step of adsorbing carbon dioxide onto the adsorbent using the carbon dioxide recovery apparatus described in claim 4, A removal step of removing the housing or the suction material from the moving body, A regeneration step in which the adsorbent is made wet to remove carbon dioxide, A mounting step of attaching the housing or the suction material to the moving body, A method for capturing carbon dioxide, including [the specified substance].

9. A method for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, A recovery step of adsorbing carbon dioxide onto the adsorbent using the carbon dioxide recovery apparatus described in claim 6, A removal step of removing the housing or the suction material from the moving body, A regeneration step in which the adsorbent is made wet to remove carbon dioxide, An attachment step of attaching the housing or the adsorbent to the mobile body while it is still wet, The control device performs the fourth opening / closing control and dries the adsorbent by vaporizing it into the atmosphere in a performance recovery step, A method for capturing carbon dioxide, including [the specified substance].

10. A method for recovering carbon dioxide according to claim 8 or 9, A method for recovering carbon dioxide, comprising a reuse step for reusing the carbon dioxide removed in the regeneration step.

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