Recovery device

By using hinge-attached lid members and blowers that detach from openings, the recovery device addresses structural complexity and pressure loss issues, achieving efficient carbon dioxide capture.

JP7837237B2Active Publication Date: 2026-03-30HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-07-12
Publication Date
2026-03-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing recovery devices for carbon dioxide capture face complications due to the need for multi-joint arms to move lid members, leading to a complex structure and pressure loss at intake and exhaust ports.

Method used

The device employs hinge-attached lid members and blowers that can be detached from openings, allowing for a simple mechanism to open and close ports, reducing pressure loss and simplifying the structure.

Benefits of technology

This configuration enables efficient carbon dioxide recovery by minimizing pressure loss and simplifying the mechanism, enhancing the carbon dioxide desorption effect.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a recovery device which enables a lid member to be moved with a simple structure and enables reduction of pressure loss in an opening.SOLUTION: A recovery device 10 includes: a housing 12; an exhaust part 17; a blower 19; and a second lid member 18. A solid adsorbent 35 for adsorbing carbon dioxide is disposed within the housing. The exhaust part causes air to flow into the housing. The blower is attached by a fourth hinge shaft 58 in a manner that the blower may separate from an exhaust port 55 of the exhaust part by rotating from the exhaust port in one direction. The second lid member is attached by a third hinge shaft 57 in a manner that the second lid member may separate from the exhaust port of the exhaust part by rotating from the exhaust port in the other direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recovery device.

Background Art

[0002] From the perspective of climate-related disasters such as global warming, a method of recovering carbon dioxide (CO2) contained in the air using a recovery device (DAC (direct air capture) device) is known. Some recovery devices have lid members at the intake and exhaust ports. For example, the lid member of the intake port is provided inside the intake port and is moved to the closed position and the open position by operating a multi-joint arm. Also, the lid member of the exhaust port is provided inside the exhaust port and is moved by a multi-joint arm in the same manner as the lid member of the intake port (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this recovery device, in the carbon dioxide desorption step, the lid member can be arranged in the closed position to close the intake and exhaust ports. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the volume of the closed space of the recovery device to a small value, reduce the pressure in the closed space, and enhance the carbon dioxide desorption effect. Hereinafter, the intake and exhaust ports may be referred to as openings.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the recovery device of Patent Document 1, in order to move the lid member between the closed position and the open position, it is necessary to provide a multi-joint arm inside the opening, which makes the structure complicated. Further, since the lid member and the multi-joint arm are provided inside the opening, pressure loss occurs at the opening due to the lid member and the multi-joint arm.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a recovery device that allows the lid member to be moved with a simple configuration and further reduces pressure loss at the opening. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention proposes the following means. (1) The recovery device according to the present invention is a recovery device for recovering specific molecules from the atmosphere (for example, the recovery device 10 of the embodiment), comprising: a housing (for example, the housing 12 of the embodiment) in which a solid adsorbent (for example, the solid adsorbent 35 of the embodiment) for adsorbing the specific molecules is disposed inside; at least one pair of openings (for example, the intake port 41 and exhaust port 55 of the embodiment) for passing air into the inside of the housing; and a blower (for example, the blower 19 of the embodiment) provided in at least one of the openings (for example, the exhaust port 55 of the embodiment), wherein the blower is attached by a hinge (for example, the fourth hinge shaft 58 of the embodiment) so as to be detachable from the opening by rotating in one direction from the opening, and the opening is provided with a lid member (for example, the second lid member 18 of the embodiment) attached by a hinge (for example, the third hinge shaft 57 of the embodiment) so as to be detachable from the opening by rotating in the other direction relative to the one direction from the opening.

[0007] In this configuration, the lid member is attached to the opening by a hinge and can be separated from the opening. This allows the lid member to be moved with a simple mechanism between the open position, where the lid member is separated from the opening and the opening is open, and the closed position, where the lid member is returned to the opening and the opening is closed.

[0008] Furthermore, the lid member can be separated from the opening. Therefore, when the lid member is separated from the opening and the opening is open, the lid member can be positioned outside the opening. In other words, the lid member can be positioned outside the flow path in the recovery device. This reduces the pressure loss that occurs at the opening when recovering (specifically, adsorbing) specific molecules from the atmosphere. Consequently, carbon dioxide contained in the atmosphere can be efficiently recovered and reduced by the recovery device.

[0009] In addition, the lid is attached to the opening by a hinge, and the lid can be rotated in the other direction (i.e., to the opposite side of the blower) to be separated from the opening. Therefore, when the lid is separated from the opening, the blower can be moved to the location where the lid was positioned. In other words, the blower and the lid can be swapped at the opening. This allows the distance from the housing containing the solid adsorbent to the blower in the recovery device to be shortened. Therefore, pressure loss at the opening can be more effectively reduced when recovering (e.g., adsorbing) specific molecules from the atmosphere.

[0010] (2) In the above embodiment, the opening is an intake port for drawing air into the interior of the housing (for example, an intake port 41 in the embodiment) and an exhaust port for exhausting air from the interior of the housing (for example, an exhaust port 55 in the embodiment), and the blower may be provided on the exhaust port side.

[0011] With this configuration, by placing the blower on the exhaust port side, a negative pressure can be created inside the housing when recovering (specifically, adsorbing) specific molecules from the atmosphere. Therefore, the negative pressure generated in the housing ensures good airtightness between the housing and the blower. This reduces the load on the hinge to which the blower is attached, and further reduces the amount of air leaking from the gap between the housing and the blower. In addition, the fixing device for securing the blower on the exhaust port side can be simplified.

[0012] (3) In the above embodiment, a flow rectifier (for example, the flow rectifier 16 in the embodiment) and another cover member (for example, the first cover member 15 in the embodiment) are provided on the intake port side, the flow rectifier is attached by a hinge (for example, the second hinge shaft 44 in the embodiment) so as to be detachable from the intake port by rotating in one direction from the intake port, and the other cover member is attached by a hinge (for example, the first hinge shaft 43 in the embodiment) so as to be detachable from the intake port by rotating in the other direction relative to the one direction from the intake port.

[0013] This configuration allows the other lid member to be attached to the air intake by a hinge and detached from the air intake. This makes it possible to move the other lid member between an open position, where the air intake is opened by detaching the other lid member from the air intake, and a closed position, where the air intake is closed by returning the other lid member to the air intake, using a simple mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, the other lid members can be separated from the air intake. Therefore, when the other lid members are separated from the air intake and the opening is open, the other lid members can be positioned outside the air intake. In other words, in the recovery device, the other lid members can be positioned outside the flow path. This reduces the pressure loss that occurs at the exhaust port when recovering (specifically, adsorbing) specific molecules from the atmosphere.

[0015] In addition, another cover member is attached to the air intake by hinge, and this other cover member can be rotated in the other direction (i.e., to the opposite side of the rectifier) ​​to be separated from the air intake. Therefore, when the other cover member is separated from the air intake, the rectifier can be moved to the location where the other cover member was positioned. In other words, the rectifier and the other cover member can be swapped at the air intake. This allows the distance from the housing containing the solid adsorbent to the rectifier in the recovery device to be shortened. Therefore, when recovering (e.g., adsorbing) specific molecules from the atmosphere, the pressure loss that occurs in the rectifier can be further reduced.

[0016] (4) In the above embodiment, the opening may be provided on the side of the housing, and the hinges may be mounted with their axes oriented vertically so that the blower and the lid member rotate to the side of the opening.

[0017] According to this configuration, the hinge is arranged with its axis in the vertical direction, and the blower and the lid member are attached to the hinge. Therefore, the blower and the lid member can be rotated horizontally to the side about the hinge. As a result, for example, compared with the case where the blower and the lid member are rotated in the vertical direction, the gravitational load when the blower and the lid member are rotated to the side about the hinge can be reduced. Therefore, the blower and the lid member can be rotated to the side with a small power.

[0018] (( (5) In the above aspect, the recovery device includes a motor (for example, the first electric motor 81, the second electric motor 83, the third electric motor 85, and the fourth electric motor 87 of the embodiment), and the rotation of the hinge may be controlled by the motor.

[0019] [[ID=⑧]]According to this configuration, the rotation of the hinge is controlled by the motor. Therefore, for example, when the lid member or the blower is brought into contact with the housing, the torque (load) of the motor and the like can be suitably managed. As a result, a suitable operation can be ensured when the lid member or the blower is moved.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] [[ID=1⑤]]According to the present invention, the lid member can be moved with a simple configuration, and furthermore, the pressure loss at the opening can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a conceptual diagram showing the recovery device according to the embodiment of the present invention set in the carbon dioxide adsorption state. [Figure 2] It is a conceptual diagram showing the recovery device of the embodiment set in the carbon dioxide desorption state. [Figure 3] It is a side view of the recovery device of FIG. 2 as viewed from the direction of arrow III. [Figure 4] It is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example in which carbon dioxide is adsorbed by a solid adsorbent by the recovery device of the embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example in which the operation of the recovery device of the embodiment is started in the carbon dioxide desorption state. [Figure 6]This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example in which the recovery device of the embodiment operates continuously in a state of carbon dioxide desorption. [Figure 7] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of recovering carbon dioxide from a solid adsorbent using the recovery device of the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of starting the recovery device of the embodiment to a state where carbon dioxide is adsorbed. [Figure 9] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of carbon dioxide being adsorbed onto a solid adsorbent by the recovery device of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. <Recovery device> Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of the recovery device of the embodiment set to a carbon dioxide adsorption state. Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of the recovery device of the embodiment set to a carbon dioxide desorption state. Figure 3 is a side view of the recovery device of Figure 2 as seen from the direction of arrow III. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the recovery device 10 recovers carbon dioxide contained in the air by adsorbing carbon dioxide (specific molecules) contained in the air with a solid adsorbent and desorbing the adsorbed carbon dioxide from the solid adsorbent. Specifically, the recovery device 10 comprises a housing 12, an adsorption / desorption module 13, an intake section 14, a first lid member (other lid member) 15, a rectifier 16, an exhaust section 17, a second lid member (lid member) 18, a blower 19, a drive unit 20, a negative pressure pump 21, and a high-temperature negative pressure steam supply section 22.

[0023] The housing 12, intake section 14, and exhaust section 17 are arranged coaxially. Hereinafter, the axis 30 of the housing 12, intake section 14, and exhaust section 17 may be referred to as the "axis 30 of the housing 12." The radial direction centered on the axis 30 of the housing 12 may be simply abbreviated as the "radial direction." Furthermore, in the following description, the intake section 14 side of the recovery device 10 will be referred to as the "upstream side," and the exhaust section 17 side of the recovery device 10 will be referred to as the "downstream side."

[0024] <Housing, suction / detachment module> The housing 12 is formed, for example, in the shape of a hollow cylinder. An adsorption / desorption module 13 is installed inside the housing 12. The adsorption / desorption module 13 comprises, for example, a solid adsorbent 35 and a heat exchanger 36. The solid adsorbent 35 is placed inside the housing 12 and adsorbs, for example, carbon dioxide (specific molecules) contained in the air in the atmosphere. The heat exchanger 36 is provided in the housing 12 and heats the solid adsorbent 35 by heat exchange by introducing a heat exchange fluid (heat exchange medium) to the solid adsorbent 35 side. By heating the solid adsorbent 35 by heat exchange, carbon dioxide contained in the air can be suitably adsorbed onto the solid adsorbent 35.

[0025] <Intake section> The intake section 14 is provided coaxially with the housing 12 on the upstream side of the housing 12. The intake section 14 has an intake port 41 (opening) formed, for example, as a hollow cylindrical shape. The intake port 41 communicates with the inside of the housing 12 on the upstream side and draws in (passes through) air into the inside of the housing 12. The intake section 14 also includes, for example, a first sealing material (O-ring) 42, a first hinge shaft (hinge) 43, and a second hinge shaft (hinge) 44. The first sealing material 42 is provided on the contact surface 14a of the intake section 14. The first sealing material 42 is located radially outward of the intake port 41 and is formed in an annular shape along the intake port 41.

[0026] The first hinge shaft 43 is located radially outward of the intake port 41 in the intake section 14, intersects with the axis 30 of the housing 12, and is mounted with its axis (not shown) facing vertically. The first hinge shaft 43 is fixed coaxially to, for example, the output shaft (not shown) of the first reduction gear 82, which will be described later. The first hinge shaft 43 is provided with the first cover member 15, which will be described later. That is, the first cover member 15 is provided in the intake section 14 via the first hinge shaft 43 and is positioned upstream of the intake port 41 (on the side of the intake port 41).

[0027] The second hinge shaft 44 is located in the intake section 14, circumferentially spaced 180° from the first hinge shaft 43 and on the opposite side of the first hinge shaft 43. Similar to the first hinge shaft 43, the second hinge shaft 44 is located radially outward from the intake port 41, intersects with the axis 30 of the housing 12, and is mounted with its axis (not shown) oriented vertically. The second hinge shaft 44 is fixed coaxially to, for example, the output shaft (not shown) of the second reduction gear 84, which will be described later. The rectifier 16, which will be described later, is supported on the second hinge shaft 44. That is, the rectifier 16 is provided in the intake section 14 via the second hinge shaft 44 and is located upstream of the intake port 41 (on the side of the intake port 41).

[0028] <First lid member> The first lid member 15 has a lid body 47 and a base 48. The lid body 47 is formed in a generally disc shape so as to cover the intake port 41 of the intake section 14 from the side of the contact surface 14a. Furthermore, the lid body 47 is formed to have a larger diameter than the first sealing material 42 in the radial direction. The base 48 is provided on the radially outer side of the lid body 47. The base 48 is fixed to the first hinge shaft 43 so as not to rotate in the circumferential direction. That is, the first lid member 15 is mounted so as to be rotatable between the open position P1 and the closed position P2 by the first hinge shaft 43, which is rotated by the first electric motor 81, which will be described later.

[0029] Here, the first hinge shaft 43 is mounted with its axis oriented vertically. Therefore, the first lid member 15 can rotate horizontally to the side of the air intake port 41 around the first hinge shaft 43. In addition, a stopper member (not shown) is provided in the open position P1 to position the first lid member 15 in the open position P1. In the closed position P2, a contact surface 14a is provided to position the first lid member 15 in the closed position P2.

[0030] The first lid member 15 is positioned in an open position P1, which allows it to be separated from the intake port 41, thereby opening the intake port 41. In addition, the first lid member 15 is positioned in a closed position P2, which contacts the contact surface 14a of the intake section 14, thereby closing the intake port 41 by contacting the first sealing material 42.

[0031] <Rectifier> The rectifier 16 comprises a frame 51, a base 52, and a rectifying section (not shown). The frame 51 is formed in a generally annular shape so as to cover the contact surface 14a of the intake section 14. Furthermore, the outer circumference of the frame 51 is formed to be larger in diameter than the first sealing material 42 in the radial direction, and the inner circumference is formed to be the same diameter as the intake port 41. Furthermore, a base portion 52 is provided on the radially outer side of the frame 51. The base portion 52 is fixed to the second hinge shaft 44 so as not to rotate in the circumferential direction. That is, the rectifier 16 is rotatably mounted between the separation position P3 and the rectification position P4 by the second hinge shaft 44, which is rotated by the second electric motor 83, which will be described later.

[0032] Here, the second hinge shaft 44 is mounted with its axis oriented vertically. Therefore, the rectifier 16 can rotate horizontally to the side of the intake port 41 around the second hinge shaft 44. Furthermore, a stopper member (not shown) is provided at the separation position P3 to position the rectifier 16 at the separation position P3. At the rectification position P4, a contact surface 14a is provided to position the rectifier 16 at the rectification position P4.

[0033] The rectifier 16 is positioned in a separation position P3, which allows it to be separated from the intake port 41, and is positioned with the intake port 41 open. Furthermore, when the rectifier 16 is positioned in a flow rectification position P4, where the frame 51 is in contact with the contact surface 14a of the intake section 14, the rectifier 16 is positioned with the clean flow section in contact with the first sealing material 42 and is located upstream of the intake port 41.

[0034] A streamlined section (not shown) is provided inside the frame 51. When the frame 51 is positioned at a streamlined position P4 where it contacts the contact surface 14a of the intake section 14, the streamlined section has the function of guiding the air drawn in from the atmosphere to the entire intake port 41 (i.e., the solid adsorbent 35) with a stable flow velocity distribution.

[0035] <Exhaust section> The exhaust section 17 is provided coaxially with the housing 12 on the downstream side of the housing 12. The exhaust section 17 is formed, for example, as a hollow cylindrical shape and has an exhaust port 55 (at least one of a pair of openings). The exhaust port 55 is an opening that communicates with the inside of the housing 12 on the downstream side and exhausts air from the inside of the housing 12, thereby allowing air to flow from the intake port 41 into the inside of the housing 12. The exhaust section 17 includes, for example, a second sealing material (O-ring) 56, a third hinge shaft (hinge) 57, and a fourth hinge shaft (hinge) 58. The second sealing material 56 is provided on the contact surface 17a of the exhaust section 17. The second sealing material 56 is located radially outward of the exhaust port 55 and is formed in an annular shape along the exhaust port 55.

[0036] The third hinge shaft 57 is located radially outward of the exhaust port 55 in the exhaust section 17, intersects with the axis 30 of the housing 12, and is mounted with its axis (not shown) facing vertically. The third hinge shaft 57 is fixed coaxially to, for example, the output shaft (not shown) of the third reduction gear 86, which will be described later. The third hinge shaft 57 is provided with a second cover member 18, which will be described later. That is, the second cover member 18 is provided in the exhaust section 17 via the third hinge shaft 57 and is located downstream of the exhaust port 55 (on the side of the exhaust port 55).

[0037] The fourth hinge shaft 58 is located in the exhaust section 17, circumferentially 180° away from the third hinge shaft 57 and on the opposite side of the third hinge shaft 57. Similar to the third hinge shaft 57, the fourth hinge shaft 58 is located radially outward from the exhaust port 55, intersects with the axis 30 of the housing 12, and is mounted with its axis (not shown) facing vertically. The fourth hinge shaft 58 is fixed coaxially to, for example, the output shaft (not shown) of the fourth reduction gear 88, which will be described later. The fourth hinge shaft 58 supports the blower 19, which will be described later. That is, the blower 19 is provided in the exhaust section 17 via the fourth hinge shaft 58 and is located downstream of the exhaust port 55 (on the side of the exhaust port 55).

[0038] <Second lid member> The second lid member 18 is formed in a manner similar to the first lid member 15 and has a lid body 61 and a base 62. The lid body 61 is formed in a generally disc shape so as to cover the exhaust port 55 of the exhaust section 17 from the side of the contact surface 17a. Furthermore, the lid body 61 is formed to have a larger diameter in the radial direction than the second sealing material 56. A base portion 62 is provided on the radially outer side of the lid body 61. The base portion 62 is fixed to the third hinge shaft 57 so as not to rotate in the circumferential direction. That is, the second lid member 18 is rotatably mounted between the open position P5 and the closed position P6 by the third hinge shaft 57, which is rotated by the third electric motor 85, which will be described later.

[0039] The second cover member 18 is positioned in an open position P5, which allows it to be separated from the exhaust port 55, thereby opening the exhaust port 55. In addition, the second cover member 18 is positioned in a closed position P6, which contacts the contact surface 17a of the exhaust section 17, thereby closing the exhaust port 55 by contacting the second sealing material 56.

[0040] Here, the third hinge shaft 57 is mounted with its axis oriented vertically. Therefore, the second cover member 18 can rotate horizontally to the side of the air intake port 41 around the third hinge shaft 57. Furthermore, a stopper member (not shown) is provided at the open position P5 to position the second lid member 18 in the open position P5. At the closed position P6, a contact surface 17a is provided to position the second lid member 18 in the closed position P6.

[0041] <Blower> The blower 19 comprises a frame 65, a base 66, and an introduction fan 67. The frame 65 is formed in a generally annular shape so as to cover the contact surface 17a of the exhaust section 17. Furthermore, the outer circumference of the frame 65 is formed to be larger in diameter than the second sealing material 56 in the radial direction, and the inner circumference is formed to be the same diameter as the exhaust port 55. Furthermore, a base portion 66 is provided on the radially outer side of the frame 65. The base portion 66 is fixed to the fourth hinge shaft 58 so as not to rotate in the circumferential direction. That is, the blower 19 is rotatably mounted between the separation position P7 and the introduction position P8 by the fourth hinge shaft 58, which is rotated by the fourth electric motor 87, which will be described later.

[0042] Here, the fourth hinge shaft 58 is mounted with its axis oriented vertically. Therefore, the blower 19 can rotate horizontally to the side of the exhaust port 55 around the fourth hinge shaft 58. Furthermore, a stopper member (not shown) is provided at the separation position P7 to position the blower 19 at the separation position P7. At the introduction position P8, a contact surface 17a is provided to position the blower 19 at the introduction position P8.

[0043] The blower 19 is positioned at a separation position P7, where it can be separated from the exhaust port 55, and the exhaust port 55 is open. Also, when the blower 19 is positioned at an introduction position P8, where the frame 65 is in contact with the contact surface 17a of the exhaust section 17, the introduction fan 67 is positioned downstream of the exhaust port 55, in contact with the second sealing material 56.

[0044] An intake fan 67 is provided inside the frame 65. The intake fan 67 is driven when the frame 65 is positioned at the intake position P8, which is in contact with the contact surface 17a of the exhaust section 17. This causes the air inside the housing 12 to be exhausted from the exhaust port 55 and air to be introduced into the inside of the housing 12 (i.e., the solid adsorbent 35) from the intake port 41.

[0045] <Drive Unit> The drive unit 20 is a unit that can individually operate the first lid member 15, the rectifier 16, the second lid member 18, and the blower 19, and can also operate the first lid member 15, the rectifier 16, the second lid member 18, and the blower 19 in conjunction with each other. The drive unit 20 comprises a first drive unit 71, a second drive unit 72, a third drive unit 73, and a fourth drive unit 74.

[0046] The first drive unit 71 is provided in the intake section 14 near the first hinge shaft 43. The first drive unit 71 includes, for example, a first electric motor (motor) 81 and a first reduction gear 82. The first reduction gear 82 has, for example, an output shaft (not shown) fixed coaxially to the first hinge shaft 43. The first drive unit 71 rotates the first hinge shaft 43 via the first reduction gear 82 by driving the first electric motor 81. In other words, the rotation of the first hinge shaft 43 is controlled by the first electric motor 81. As a result, the first lid member 15 is reliably opened and closed between the open position P1 and the closed position P2.

[0047] Furthermore, the first drive unit 71 precisely controls the opening and closing angle of the first lid member 15 using a rotation angle sensor (not shown). In addition, the first drive unit 71 ensures that the first lid member 15 contacts the stopper member when in the open position P1 and contacts the contact surface 14a of the intake section 14 when in the closed position P2. In this state, a sudden increase in the current value is detected, enabling sensorless detection of the closed position P1 and the open position P2. In this way, by configuring a dual system for controlling the first drive unit 71, stable operation of the first cover member 15 can be ensured.

[0048] The second drive unit 72 is located near the second hinge shaft 44 in the intake section 14. The second drive unit 72 includes, for example, a second electric motor (motor) 83 and a second reduction gear 84. The second drive unit 72 is configured similarly to the first drive unit 71, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0049] The third drive unit 73 is located near the third hinge shaft 57 in the exhaust section 17. The third drive unit 73 includes, for example, a third electric motor (motor) 85 and a third reduction gear 86. Since the third drive unit 73 is configured similarly to the first drive unit 71, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0050] The fourth drive unit 74 is located near the fourth hinge shaft 58 in the exhaust section 17. The fourth drive unit 74 includes, for example, a fourth electric motor (motor) 87 and a fourth reduction gear 88. Since the fourth drive unit 74 is configured similarly to the first drive unit 71, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0051] <Negative pressure pump> The negative pressure pump 21 is connected to the inside of the housing 12 via the pump intake pipe 91. The negative pressure pump 21 is operated when the inside of the housing 12 is sealed by the first lid member 15 and the second lid member 18, thereby maintaining negative pressure inside the housing 12. By maintaining negative pressure inside the housing 12, carbon dioxide adsorbed on the solid adsorbent 35 can be detached from the solid adsorbent 35. The detached carbon dioxide is guided from the inside of the housing 12 to the negative pressure pump 21 and recovered via the negative pressure pump 21.

[0052] Here, a first on-off valve 93 is attached to the housing 12. By closing the first on-off valve 93, the internal space of the housing 12 is isolated from the atmosphere. Therefore, the internal space of the housing 12 can be maintained at a negative pressure by the negative pressure pump 21. Conversely, by opening the first on-off valve 93, the internal space of the housing 12 is opened to the atmosphere. Therefore, the internal space of the housing 12 can be released from negative pressure. In other words, the first on-off valve 93 is a negative pressure on-off valve that releases the negative pressure in the internal space of the housing 12.

[0053] <High-temperature negative pressure steam supply unit> The high-temperature negative-pressure steam supply unit 22 is connected to the inside of the housing 12 via a steam supply pipe 95. A second on-off valve 96 is installed in the middle of the steam supply pipe 95. When the second on-off valve 96 is closed, the high-temperature negative-pressure steam supply unit 22 is not connected to the inside of the housing 12, and when the second on-off valve 96 is opened, it becomes connected to the inside of the housing 12. The high-temperature negative-pressure steam supply unit 22 can supply superheated steam to the inside of the housing 12 via the steam supply pipe 95 by opening the second on / off valve 96 when the inside of the housing 12 is sealed by the first lid member 15 and the second lid member 18.

[0054] Therefore, by circulating superheated steam through the steam supply pipe 95 into the interior of the housing 12, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide can be reduced. This allows carbon dioxide adsorbed on the solid adsorbent 35 to be suitably desorbed from the solid adsorbent 35 while the negative pressure level inside the housing 12, caused by the negative pressure pump 21, is reduced. In other words, by introducing superheated steam into the interior of the housing 12 from the high-temperature negative pressure steam supply unit 22, carbon dioxide can be easily desorbed from the solid adsorbent 35 by the negative pressure pump 21.

[0055] Next, an example of recovering carbon dioxide from the air using the recovery device 10 will be explained based on Figures 4 to 9. Note that in Figures 4 to 9, the explanation of the first drive unit 71, second drive unit 72, third drive unit 73, and fourth drive unit 74 that control the first lid member 15, rectifier 16, second lid member 18, and blower 19 will be omitted. Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of carbon dioxide being adsorbed onto a solid adsorbent by the recovery device of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the rectifier 16 is positioned at the rectification position P4, and the first cover member 15 is positioned at the open position P1. The blower 19 is positioned at the introduction position P8, and the second cover member 18 is positioned at the open position P5. Furthermore, the solid adsorbent 35 is heated by the heat exchanger 36. The first on-off valve 93 and the second on-off valve 96 are closed.

[0056] In this state, the intake fan 67 of the blower 19 is driven. As a result, the air inside the housing 12 is exhausted from the exhaust port 55 as indicated by arrow A, and air is introduced into the housing 12 from the intake port 41 as indicated by arrow B. The air introduced into the housing 12 passes through the solid adsorbent 35, and carbon dioxide in the air is adsorbed onto the solid adsorbent 35.

[0057] Here, the blower 19 is positioned on the exhaust port 55 side. Therefore, by driving the intake fan 67, a negative pressure is generated between the intake fan 67 and the housing 12. This allows the blower 19 to self-maintain a sealed state using the negative pressure against the contact surface 17a of the exhaust section 17 and the second sealing material 56.

[0058] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of starting the recovery device of the embodiment to a state of carbon dioxide desorption. As shown in Figure 5, after carbon dioxide is adsorbed onto the solid adsorbent 35, the introduction fan 67 of the blower 19 is stopped. In this state, the rectifier 16 starts rotating horizontally to the side in the direction of arrow C (one direction) around the second hinge shaft 44 from the rectification position P4. Also, the first lid member 15 starts rotating horizontally to the side in the direction of arrow D around the first hinge shaft 43 from the open position P1. Furthermore, the blower 19 starts rotating horizontally to the side in the direction of arrow E (one direction) around the fourth hinge shaft 58 from the introduction position P8. In addition, the second lid member 18 starts rotating horizontally to the side in the direction of arrow F around the third hinge shaft 57 from the open position P5.

[0059] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example in which the recovery device of the embodiment is continuously operated in a state of carbon dioxide desorption. As shown in Figure 6, the rectifier 16 rotates continuously from the rectification position P4 horizontally laterally around the second hinge shaft 44 in the direction of arrow C. Also, the first lid member 15 rotates continuously from the open position P1 horizontally laterally around the first hinge shaft 43 in the direction of arrow D. Furthermore, the blower 19 rotates continuously from the introduction position P8 horizontally to the side around the fourth hinge shaft 58 in the direction of arrow E. In addition, the second lid member 18 rotates continuously from the open position P5 horizontally to the side around the fourth hinge shaft 58 in the direction of arrow F.

[0060] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of recovering carbon dioxide from a solid adsorbent using the recovery device of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the rectifier 16 is positioned at the separation position P3, and the first lid member 15 is positioned at the closed position P2. The blower 19 is positioned at the separation position P7, and the second lid member 18 is positioned at the closed position P6. Thus, the inside of the housing 12 is sealed by the first lid member 15 and the second lid member 18. Furthermore, the solid adsorbent 35 is continuously heated by the heat exchanger 36.

[0061] In this state, the second on / off valve 96 is opened to introduce superheated steam from the high-temperature negative-pressure steam supply unit 22 into the interior of the housing 12. Furthermore, the negative-pressure pump 21 is driven. By driving the negative-pressure pump 21, the interior of the housing 12 is maintained under negative pressure, and carbon dioxide adsorbed on the solid adsorbent 35 is detached from the solid adsorbent 35. The detached carbon dioxide is guided from the interior of the housing 12 to the negative-pressure pump 21 and recovered via the negative-pressure pump 21.

[0062] Here, the rectifier 16 is configured to be rotatable to the separation position P3. Therefore, with the first lid member 15 in the closed position P2, the intake port 41 can be closed when the first lid member 15 is brought closer to the housing 12. Also, the blower 19 is configured to be rotatable to the separation position P7. Therefore, with the second lid member 18 in the closed position P6, the exhaust port 55 can be closed when the second lid member 18 is brought closer to the housing 12. This makes it possible to keep the internal space of the housing 12, which is sealed by the first lid member 15 and the second lid member 18, small. By keeping the internal space of the housing 12 small in this way, carbon dioxide can be suitably desorbed from the solid adsorbent 35, and furthermore, the concentration of carbon dioxide desorbed from the solid adsorbent 35 can be increased.

[0063] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of starting operation of the recovery device of the embodiment to a state of carbon dioxide adsorption. As shown in Figure 8, after recovering carbon dioxide from the solid adsorbent 35, the second on-off valve 96 is closed to isolate the high-temperature negative-pressure steam supply unit 22 from the internal space of the housing 12. In addition, the negative pressure in the internal space of the housing 12 is released by stopping the operation of the negative-pressure pump 21 and opening the first on-off valve 93.

[0064] In this state, the rectifier 16 starts rotating horizontally to the side in the direction of arrow G, around the second hinge shaft 44, from the separated position P3. Also, the first lid member 15 starts rotating horizontally to the side in the direction of arrow H (the other direction), around the first hinge shaft 43, from the closed position P2. Furthermore, the blower 19 starts rotating horizontally to the side in the direction of arrow I, around the fourth hinge shaft 58, from the separated position P7. In addition, the second lid member 18 starts rotating horizontally to the side in the direction of arrow J (the other direction), around the fourth hinge shaft 58, from the closed position P6.

[0065] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of carbon dioxide being adsorbed onto a solid adsorbent by the recovery device of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the rectifier 16 is positioned at the rectification position P4, and the first cover member 15 is positioned at the open position P1. In addition, the blower 19 is positioned at the introduction position P8, and the second cover member 18 is positioned at the open position P5. In this state, the intake fan 67 of the blower 19 is driven, as explained in Figure 4. As a result, the air inside the housing 12 is exhausted from the exhaust port 55 as indicated by arrow K, and air is introduced into the housing 12 from the intake port 41 as indicated by arrow L. The air introduced into the housing 12 passes through the solid adsorbent 35, and carbon dioxide in the air is adsorbed onto the solid adsorbent 35.

[0066] Here, by moving the rectifier 16 to the location where the first cover member 15 was located, the rectifier 16 and the first cover member 15 can be swapped at the intake port 41. Also, by moving the blower 19 to the location where the second cover member 18 was located, the blower 19 and the second cover member 18 can be swapped at the exhaust port 55. Therefore, the distance from the housing 12 to the blower 19 can be shortened, and further, the distance from the housing 12 to the rectifier 16 can be shortened. This reduces the pressure loss that occurs at the intake port 41 and exhaust port 55, and allows carbon dioxide in the air to be suitably adsorbed by the solid adsorbent 35.

[0067] By sequentially repeating the process described in Figures 4 to 9, carbon dioxide can be continuously recovered from the atmosphere by the recovery device 10. In this embodiment, carbon dioxide was used as an example of a specific molecule, but the specific molecule is not limited to carbon dioxide.

[0068] As described above, according to the recovery device 10 of the embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first lid member 15 is attached to the intake section 14 by the first hinge shaft 43, making it separable from the intake port 41 of the intake section 14. This allows the first lid member 15 to be moved with a simple configuration between an open position P1, where the first lid member 15 is separated from the intake port 41 and the intake port is opened, and a closed position P2, where the first lid member 15 is returned to the intake port 41 and the intake port 41 is closed.

[0069] Furthermore, the second lid member 18 is attached to the exhaust section 17 by a third hinge shaft 57, making it detachable from the exhaust port 55 of the exhaust section 17. This allows the second lid member 18 to be moved with a simple configuration between an open position P5, where the second lid member 18 is detached from the exhaust port 55 and the exhaust port 55 is opened, and a closed position P6, where the second lid member 18 is returned to the exhaust port 55 and the exhaust port 55 is closed.

[0070] Furthermore, the first lid member 15 is detachable from the air intake port 41. Therefore, when the first lid member 15 is detached from the air intake port 41 and the air intake port 41 is open, the first lid member 15 can be positioned outside the air intake port 41. Also, the second lid member 18 is detachable from the exhaust port 55. Therefore, when the second lid member 18 is detached from the exhaust port 55 and the exhaust port 55 is open, the second lid member 18 can be positioned outside the exhaust port 55. In other words, the first lid member 15 and the second lid member 18 in the recovery device 10 can be positioned outside the flow path. This reduces the pressure loss that occurs at the intake section 14 and exhaust port 55 when recovering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Therefore, carbon dioxide contained in the atmosphere can be efficiently recovered and reduced by the recovery device 10.

[0071] In addition, the second cover member 18 is attached to the exhaust section 17 by a third hinge shaft 57, and the second cover member 18 can be rotated toward the opposite side of the blower 19 in the direction of arrow J (see Figure 8) to be separated from the exhaust port 55. Therefore, when the second cover member 18 is separated from the exhaust port, the blower 19 can be moved to the location where the second cover member 18 was located. In other words, the blower 19 and the second cover member 18 can be swapped at the exhaust port 55, thereby shortening the distance from the housing 12 to the blower 19.

[0072] Furthermore, the first cover member 15 is attached to the intake section 14 by the first hinge shaft 43, and the first cover member 15 can be rotated toward the opposite side of the rectifier 16 in the direction of arrow H (see Figure 8) to be separated from the intake port 41. Therefore, when the first cover member 15 is separated from the intake port, the rectifier 16 can be moved to the location where the first cover member 15 was positioned. In other words, the rectifier 16 and the first cover member 15 can be swapped at the intake port 41, thereby shortening the distance from the housing 12 to the rectifier 16.

[0073] In this way, by shortening the distance from the housing 12 to the blower 19, and further shortening the distance from the housing 12 to the rectifier 16, the pressure loss that occurs at the intake port 41 and exhaust port 55 when recovering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can be further reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, by installing the blower 19 in the exhaust section 17 (on the side of the exhaust port 55), the inside of the housing 12 can be made negatively pressurized by the blower 19 when adsorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As a result, the negative pressure generated in the housing 12 ensures good airtightness between the housing 12 and the blower 19. This reduces the load on the fourth hinge shaft 58 to which the blower 19 is attached, and also reduces the amount of air leaking from the gap between the housing 12 and the blower 19. In addition, the fixing device for fixing the blower 19 to the exhaust section 17 can be simplified.

[0075] In addition, the first hinge shaft 43 is positioned with its axis oriented vertically, and the first lid member 15 is attached to the first hinge shaft 43. Thus, the first lid member 15 can rotate horizontally laterally around the first hinge shaft 43. Furthermore, the second hinge shaft 44 is positioned with its axis oriented vertically, and the rectifier 16 is attached to the second hinge shaft 44. Thus, the rectifier 16 can rotate horizontally laterally around the second hinge shaft 44. As a result, for example, the gravitational load when the first lid member 15 and the rectifier 16 are rotated horizontally laterally around the first hinge shaft 43 and the second hinge shaft 44, respectively, can be reduced compared to when the first lid member 15 and the rectifier 16 are rotated vertically. Therefore, the first lid member 15 and the rectifier 16 can be rotated horizontally laterally with less power.

[0076] Furthermore, the third hinge shaft 57 is positioned with its axis oriented vertically, and the second cover member 18 is attached to the third hinge shaft 57. Thus, the second cover member 18 can rotate horizontally laterally around the third hinge shaft 57 as its axis. Also, the fourth hinge shaft 58 is positioned with its axis oriented vertically, and the blower 19 is attached to the fourth hinge shaft 58. Thus, the blower 19 can rotate horizontally laterally around the fourth hinge shaft 58 as its axis. This reduces the gravitational load when the second lid member 18 and the blower 19 are rotated horizontally laterally around the third hinge shaft 57 and the fourth hinge shaft 58, respectively, compared to when they are rotated vertically. Therefore, the second lid member 18 and the blower 19 can be rotated horizontally laterally with less power.

[0077] Furthermore, the rotation of the first hinge shaft 43 is controlled by the first electric motor 81. The rotation of the second hinge shaft 44 is controlled by the second electric motor 83. Therefore, when bringing the first lid member 15 and the rectifier 16 into contact with the contact surface 14a of the intake section 14, the torque (load) of the first electric motor 81 and the torque (load) of the second electric motor 83 can be appropriately controlled. This ensures optimal operation when moving the first lid member 15 and the rectifier 16.

[0078] In addition, the rotation of the third hinge shaft 57 is controlled by the third electric motor 85. Furthermore, the rotation of the fourth hinge shaft 58 is controlled by the fourth electric motor 87. Therefore, when bringing the second lid member 18 and the blower 19 into contact with the contact surface 17a of the exhaust section 17, the torque (load) of the third electric motor 85 and the torque (load) of the fourth electric motor 87 can be appropriately controlled. This ensures appropriate operation when moving the second lid member 18 and the blower 19.

[0079] It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above embodiment describes an example in which the blower 19 is installed on the exhaust port 55 side, but it is not limited to this. As other examples, the blower 19 may be installed on both the exhaust port 55 side and the intake port side, or the blower 19 may be installed only on the intake port side.

[0080] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment includes an example in which a first sealing material 42 is provided on the contact surface 14a of the intake section 14 and a second sealing material 56 is provided on the contact surface 17a of the exhaust section 17, the invention is not limited to this. As another example, for instance, the first sealing material 42 and the second sealing material 56 may not be provided on the contact surfaces 14a and 17a.

[0081] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 10 Recovery device 12 cabinets 15. First lid member (other lid members) 16 Rectifier 18. Second lid member (lid member) 19 Blower 35 Solid adsorbents 41 Air intake (opening) 43. First hinge axis (hinge) 44. Second hinge axis (hinge) 55 Exhaust vent (opening, at least one of the openings) 57 Third hinge axis (hinge) 58. Fourth hinge axis (hinge) 81 First Electric Motor 83. Second Electric Motor 85 Third Electric Motor 87. Fourth Electric Motor

Claims

1. A recovery device for recovering specific molecules from the atmosphere, A housing having a solid adsorbent that adsorbs the aforementioned specific molecule placed inside, The enclosure comprises at least one pair of openings through which air flows, A blower is provided in at least one of the aforementioned openings, The blower is attached by a hinge so as to rotate in one direction from the opening on the side where the blower is installed and detach from the opening on the side where the blower is installed. A recovery device characterized in that the opening on the side where the blower is provided is equipped with a lid member attached by a hinge so as to be detachable from the opening on the side where the blower is provided by rotating in a direction other than the one direction.

2. The opening is an air intake port for drawing the air into the interior of the housing and an exhaust port for exhausting the air from the interior of the housing. The recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blower is provided on the exhaust port side.

3. A rectifier and other cover members are provided on the intake port side. The rectifier is mounted by a hinge so as to rotate in one direction from the intake port and be detachable from the intake port. The recovery device according to claim 2, characterized in that the other lid member is attached by a hinge so as to be detachable from the air intake by rotating in a direction other than the one direction from the air intake.

4. The aforementioned opening is provided on the side surface of the housing. The recovery device according to claim 2, characterized in that the respective hinges are mounted with their axes oriented vertically so that the blower and the lid member rotate to the side of the opening.

5. The recovery device is equipped with a motor, The recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge's rotation is controlled by the motor.

Citation Information

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