Sorbent surfaces for turbulence-enhanced capture and harvest of carbon dioxide

Abstract

A sorbent structure and device for passive collection of atmospheric carbon dioxide is disclosed. The sorbent structure includes a plurality of sorbent surfaces and at least one flow disruptor configured to decrease a thickness of a laminar boundary layer of the sorbent structure. Each sorbent surface comprises a sorbent material. The at least one flow disruptor is shaped such that an airflow passing through the sorbent structure experiences a pressure drop that is between (ρ / 10)v2 and 10ρv2, where ρ is a density of air, and v is a velocity of the airflow inside the sorbent structure. The at least one flow disruptor may be shaped such that the pressure drop experienced by the airflow passing through the sorbent structure is between (ρ / 2)v2 and 3ρv2.

Description

SORBENT SURFACES FOR TURBULENCE-ENHANCED CAPTURE AND HARVEST OF CARBON DIOXIDERELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 63 / 603,291, filed November 28, 2023 and titled “Turbulence-Enhanced Capture and Harvest of Carbon Dioxide,” the entirety of the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Aspects of this document relate generally to the capture of carbon dioxide.BACKGROUND

[0003] The need for technologies to remove carbon dioxide from ambient air has been well established. In addition to conservation, reduced-carbon processes, and on-site capture efforts, a significant amount of carbon dioxide will need to be removed from the atmosphere to avoid a looming climate change crisis.

[0004] Capture of carbon dioxide from ambient air at an affordable price could become a critical tool in managing the anthropogenic carbon cycle. Air capture technology would greatly enhance the options for developing the world’s energy infrastructure and would be a major asset in the fight against climate change. Combined with a carbon dioxide (CO2) storage technology, air capture of CO2 could compensate for CO2 emissions from any source, without requiring changes to the existing infrastructure and without requiring proximity to the point of emission. Air capture technology makes it possible for existing infrastructures to live out their natural life spans, and it permits the continued use of carbon-based fuels in distributed and mobile applications, for example in the transportation sector. With air capture technology, it is possible to continue the use of liquid hydrocarbon fuels while eliminating their climate impact.

[0005] However, in order to have any meaningful impact on the environment, air capture technology will need to be adopted on a large scale. Since the carbon dioxide in the ambient air is very dilute, atmospheric CO2 collectors can quickly overrun a tight energy budget for drawing in and processing air in bulk. While there are some air capture solutions that areable to operate within this tight energy budget, such efficiencies often come at the cost of complicated designs that are expensive to make and difficult to maintain. Conventional carbon dioxide collection devices often exhibit the unfortunate combination of being costly and fragile. These devices often are designed for a specific environment, making it difficult to mass- produce a single design for use in a variety of locations and use cases, further increasing the cost.

[0006] These air capture devices utilize sorbent materials that are able to capture or collect CO2 when exposed to the atmosphere or some other source, and then release the captured CO2 during a harvest or release process that occurs within an enclosure that allows the harvested CO2 to be passed on to downstream processes (e.g., compression, purification, sequestration, use as feedstock, etc.). The collection process and the release process are both driven by the interaction of these sorbent materials with fluids (e.g., the atmosphere, a regeneration medium such as water or steam, etc.).

[0007] Past research and current designs for air capture devices have focused on utilizing laminar flows over the sorbent surfaces. For efficient operation, air flowing over sorbent surfaces has to deliver CO2 to these surfaces at a rate which matches the uptake of these surfaces. The path of the air flowing over the surface needs to cross a laminar boundary layer. It is typical in conventional designs that these sorbent surfaces are packaged or arranged so tightly that the entire flow through the sorbent is laminar. However, the tolerances required for such tight spacing quickly become prohibitively expensive, both to manufacture and to maintain. Large scale adoption of air capture technology will require devices that are economical as well as effective.SUMMARY

[0008] According to one aspect, a sorbent structure for passive collection of atmospheric carbon dioxide includes a plurality of sorbent surfaces and at least one flow disruptor configured to decrease a thickness of a laminar boundary layer of the sorbent structure. Each sorbent surface includes a sorbent material. The at least one flow disruptor is shaped such that an airflow passing through the sorbent structure experiences a pressure drop that is between (p / 10)v2and 10pv2, where p is a density of air, and v is a velocity of the airflow inside the sorbent structure.

[0009] Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The at least one flow disruptor may be shaped such that the pressure drop experienced by the airflow passing through the sorbent structure may be between (p / 2)v2and 3pv2. The sorbent structure may be one of a packed bed, a plurality of sorbent elements each having a first elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than a second dimension and a third dimension, and a plurality of sorbent sheets each having the first elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than the third dimension and a second elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than the third dimension. The sorbent structure may further include a frame to which at least one the plurality of sorbent surfaces may be coupled. The plurality of sorbent surfaces may be releasably coupled to the frame. Each of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may include at least one flow disruptor. The sorbent structure may further include a frame to which the plurality of sorbent surfaces may be coupled. The frame may include the at least one flow disruptor. The at least one flow disruptor may include the sorbent material. The at least one flow disruptor may be proximate to but separate from the plurality of sorbent surfaces. The at least one flow disruptor may be a surface texture that may be one of indented into and protruding out of at least one sorbent surface. The surface texture may include a surface feature that is repeated. The surface feature may have a translational symmetry and a rotational symmetry. The surface feature may be raised out of at least one sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces. The surface feature may be sunken into at least one sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces. The at least one flow disruptor may be an aperture in at least one sorbent surface. Each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may be planar. Each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may have a cross-sectional profile that is non-linear. Each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may have a cross-sectional profile that is zig-zag. Each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may have a cross-sectional profile that may include a plurality of vertices. The at least one flow disruptor may be omnidirectional, inducing anenhanced turbulence that may be substantially equal independent of direction. The plurality of sorbent surfaces may be surfaces of one of a plurality of Raschig rings and a plurality of Pall rings. Each sorbent surface may further include a substrate on which the sorbent material has been deposed. The at least one flow disruptor may include at least the substrate. The at least one flow disruptor may include a first set of flow disruptors and a second set of flow disruptors. The first set of flow disruptors and the second set of flow disruptors may be positioned and oriented such that a fluid passing through the sorbent structure in a first direction may have a different enhanced turbulence than when the fluid passes through the sorbent structure in a second direction that may be different than the first direction. The first direction and the second direction may be orthogonal. The flow disruptors of the first set may be different than the flow disruptors of the second set.

[0010] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a sorbent structure for passive collection of atmospheric carbon dioxide includes a plurality of sorbent surfaces and at least one flow disruptor configured to decrease a thickness of a laminar boundary layer of the sorbent structure. Each sorbent surface includes a sorbent material, and the at least one flow disruptor includes the sorbent material. The at least one flow disruptor is a surface texture having a surface feature that is repeated and shaped such that an airflow passing through the sorbent structure experiences a pressure drop that is between (p / 10)v2and 10pv2, where p is a density of air, and v is a velocity of the airflow inside the sorbent structure.

[0011] Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The at least one flow disruptor may be shaped such that the pressure drop experienced by the airflow passing through the sorbent structure may be between (p / 2)v2and 3pv2. The sorbent structure may be one of a packed bed, a plurality of sorbent elements each having a first elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than a second dimension and a third dimension, and a plurality of sorbent sheets each having the first elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than the third dimension and a second elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than the third dimension. The sorbent structure may further include a frame to which at least one the plurality of sorbent surfaces may be coupled. The plurality of sorbent surfaces may be releasably coupled to the frame. Each of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may include at least one flow disruptor. The surface feature may have a translational symmetry and a rotational symmetry. The surface feature may be raised out of at least one sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces. The surface feature may be sunken into at least one sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces. Each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may be planar. Each sorbentsurface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may have a cross-sectional profile that is non-linear. Each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may have a cross-sectional profile that is zig-zag. Each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may have a cross-sectional profile that may include a plurality of vertices. The plurality of sorbent surfaces may be surfaces of one of a plurality of Raschig rings and a plurality of Pall rings. Each sorbent surface may further include a substrate on which the sorbent material has been deposed. The at least one flow disruptor may include at least the substrate. The at least one flow disruptor may include a first set of flow disruptors and a second set of flow disruptors, wherein the first set of flow disruptors and the second set of flow disruptors may be positioned and oriented such that a fluid passing through the sorbent structure in a first direction may have a different enhanced turbulence than when the fluid passes through the sorbent structure in a second direction that may be different than the first direction. The first direction and the second direction may be orthogonal. The flow disruptors of the first set may be different than the flow disruptors of the second set.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a device for passive collection of atmospheric carbon dioxide includes a vessel having at least one opening and a sorbent regeneration system, and a sorbent structure coupled to the vessel and having a plurality of sorbent surfaces and at least one flow disruptor configured to decrease a thickness of a laminar boundary layer of the sorbent structure. Each sorbent surface includes a sorbent material. At least one of the vessel and the sorbent structure is movable between a collection configuration and a release configuration. The collection configuration includes the sorbent structure being exposed to an atmosphere such that the sorbent material of the sorbent structure captures atmospheric carbon dioxide. The release configuration includes the sorbent structure sufficiently enclosed inside the vessel that the sorbent regeneration system may operate on the sorbent material to release captured carbon dioxide from the sorbent material and form an enriched gas within the vessel. The at least one flow disruptor is shaped such that an airflow passing through the sorbent structure experiences a pressure drop that is between (p / 10)v2and 10pv2, where p is a density of air, and v is a velocity of the airflow inside the sorbent structure.

[0013] Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The at least one flow disruptor may be shaped such that the pressure drop experienced by the airflow passing through the sorbent structure may be between (p / 2)v2and 3pv2. The sorbent structure may be one of a packed bed, a plurality of sorbent elements each having a first elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than a second dimension and a third dimension, and a plurality of sorbent sheets each having the first elongateddimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than the third dimension and a second elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than the third dimension. The sorbent structure may further include a frame to which at least one the plurality of sorbent surfaces may be coupled. The plurality of sorbent surfaces may be releasably coupled to the frame. Each of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may include at least one flow disruptor. The sorbent structure may further include a frame to which the plurality of sorbent surfaces may be coupled. The frame may include the at least one flow disruptor. The at least one flow disruptor may be composed of the sorbent material. The at least one flow disruptor may be proximate to but separate from the plurality of sorbent surfaces. The at least one flow disruptor may be a surface texture that may be one of indented into and protruding out of at least one sorbent surface. The surface texture may include a surface feature that is repeated. The surface feature may have a translational symmetry and a rotational symmetry. The surface feature may be raised out of at least one sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces. The surface feature may be sunken into at least one sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces. The at least one flow disruptor may be an aperture in the sorbent structure. Each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may be planar. Each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may have a cross-sectional profile that is non-linear. Each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may have a cross-sectional profile that is zig-zag. Each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces may have a cross-sectional profile that may include a plurality of vertices. The at least one flow disruptor may be omnidirectional, inducing an enhanced turbulence that may be substantially equal independent of direction. The sorbent structure may be a packed bed. The plurality of sorbent surfaces are surfaces of one of a plurality of Raschig rings and a plurality of Pall rings. Each sorbent surface may further include a substrate on which the sorbent material has been deposed. The at least one flow disruptor may include at least the substrate. The vessel may further include at least one vessel flow disruptor. The collection configuration and the release configuration may both include the sorbent structure located inside the vessel. The collection configuration may include the sorbent structure located outside the vessel and the release configuration may include the sorbent structure located inside the vessel. The airflow may be passive. The airflow may be mechanically driven. The at least one flow disruptor may include a first set of flow disruptors and a second set of flow disruptors, wherein the first set of flow disruptors and the second set of flow disruptors may be positioned and oriented such that a fluid passing through the sorbent structure in a first direction may have a different enhanced turbulence than when the fluid passes through the sorbent structure in a second direction that may be different than the firstdirection. The first direction and the second direction may be orthogonal. The flow disruptors of the first set may be different than the flow disruptors of the second set.

[0014] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

[0015] Aspects and applications of the disclosure are described in the drawings and the detailed description below. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventor is fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventor expressly elects, as its own lexicographer, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless clearly stated otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventor’s intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

[0016] The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

[0017] The inventor is also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

[0018] Further, the inventor is fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intendedto somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . “ or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

[0019] This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and / or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.

[0020] Finally, while this disclosure includes a number of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail particular embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings.

[0022] FIGs. 1A-1C show perspective views of various types of sorbent structures according to some embodiments.

[0023] FIGs. 2A-2D show schematic cross-sectional views of various types of direct air capture (“DAC”) devices according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a fluid-surface interface in front of and behind a flow disruptor according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a sorbent structure having a frame according to some embodiments.

[0026] FIGs. 5 A-5C show top views of sorbent surfaces having flow disruptors that are surface textures according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a top view of flow disruptors that are apertures in a sorbent surface according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIGs. 7A-7C show cross-sectional views of various sorbent surfaces that act as flow disruptors according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a vessel of a turbulence-enhanced DAC device according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIGs. 9A-9E show various views of flow disruptors according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG 10A shows a top view of a sorbent structure according to some embodiments. FIGs. 10B and 10C show side views of sorbent rings of a sorbent structure according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The need for technologies to remove carbon dioxide from ambient air has been well established. In addition to conservation, reduced-carbon processes, and on-site capture efforts, a significant amount of carbon dioxide will need to be removed from the atmosphere to avoid a looming climate change crisis.

[0033] Capture of carbon dioxide from ambient air at an affordable price could become a critical tool in managing the anthropogenic carbon cycle. Air capture technology would greatly enhance the options for developing the world’s energy infrastructure and would be a major asset in the fight against climate change. Combined with a carbon dioxide (CO2) storage technology, air capture of CO2 could compensate for CO2 emissions from any source, without requiring changes to the existing infrastructure and without requiring proximity to the point of emission. Air capture technology makes it possible for existing infrastructures to live out their natural life spans, and it permits the continued use of carbon-based fuels in distributed and mobile applications, for example in the transportation sector. With air capture technology, it is possible to continue the use of liquid hydrocarbon fuels while eliminating their climate impact.

[0034] However, in order to have any meaningful impact on the environment, air capture technology will need to be adopted on a large scale. Since the carbon dioxide in the ambient air is very dilute, atmospheric CO2 collectors can quickly overrun a tight energy budget for drawing in and processing air in bulk. While there are some air capture solutions that are able to operate within this tight energy budget, such efficiencies often come at the cost of complicated designs that are expensive to make and difficult to maintain. Conventional carbon dioxide collection devices often exhibit the unfortunate combination of being costly and fragile. These devices often are designed for a specific environment, making it difficult to mass- produce a single design for use in a variety of locations and use cases, further increasing the cost.

[0035] These air capture devices utilize sorbent materials that are able to capture CO2 when exposed to the atmosphere or some other source, and then release the captured CO2 during a harvest process that occurs within an enclosure that allows the harvested CO2 to be passed on to downstream processes (e.g., compression, purification, sequestration, use as feedstock, etc.). The capture process and the harvest process are both driven by the interaction of these sorbent materials with fluids (e.g., the atmosphere, a regeneration medium such as water or steam, etc.).

[0036] Past research and current designs for air capture devices have focused on utilizing laminar flows over the sorbent surfaces. For efficient operation, air flowing over sorbent surfaces has to deliver CO2 to these surfaces at a rate which matches the uptake of these surfaces. The path of the air flowing over the surface needs to cross a laminar boundary layer. It is typical in conventional designs that these sorbent surfaces are packaged or arranged so tightly that the entire flow through the sorbent is laminar. However, the tolerances required for such tight spacing quickly become prohibitively expensive, both to manufacture and to maintain. Large scale adoption of air capture technology will require devices that are economical as well as effective.

[0037] Contemplated herein are sorbent surfaces and structures designed to take advantage of non-laminar or turbulent flows during CO2 collection (or capture) as well as during release (or harvest). The contemplated sorbent surfaces are designed to enhance turbulence in the airflow, leading to an increased amount of air exposure and thus an increased capture and harvest uptake of CO2. The sorbent material is formed to create turbulence based on the sorbent itself. Advantageous over architectures used in conventional air capture devices, the sorbent surface and sorbent structure geometries contemplated herein are more efficient and cheaper to maintain, because they do not require the tight packing common to other air capture devices. Instead, the contemplated sorbent surfaces may be employed with wider spacing, making them less expensive to manufacture, more durable, as well as easier and cheaper to maintain.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the rough (e.g., disrupted, textured, contoured, non-planar, embossed, etc.) nature of these sorbent surfaces results in turbulence that causes the fluid (i.e., wind, air, steam, etc.) passing by to "tumble". This means more of the fluid is exposed to the sorbent surface during collection and release phases, and the thickness of the laminar boundary layer that is always present at the surface is reduced, meaning the CO2 is limited to diffusion for a smaller part of its journey from the airflow to the sorbent material. Without the created turbulence, the thickness of the laminar boundary layer is set by the spacing between the sorbent surfaces 102. With turbulence, this boundary layer can be thinned, and fluidic interaction with the sorbent surface 102 facilitated.

[0039] By controlling the degree of turbulence one can adjust transport coefficient to create a better match between airside transport of CO2 to the transport of the CO2 into the interior of the sorbent. This permits the efficient use of materials that can absorb / desorb CO2 at a fairly high rate which is defined by the high level of rugosity of the surfaces. Additionally, these surfaces are a better use of space within a capture device.

[0040] The use of the contemplated sorbent surfaces and sorbent structures may make it possible to design an air capture system that can be mass produced for use in a variety of environments having differing average wind speeds, temperature, humidity, and other factors. According to various embodiments, the sorbent surfaces may have bespoke geometry that is designed for that particular sorbent material. This means the surfaces may be shaped for use with a "universal" air capture device such that they create the proper amount of turbulence for that particular material so it may be used efficiently when selected to match a particular use case. Rather than adapt the structure of the device, the sorbent surfaces are customized for the material and selected for the application, making the device easier to mass produce, more versatile, and more modular than conventional systems. Again, the use of the surfaces contemplated herein does not preclude the use of additional turbulence-causing structures or mechanisms; they simply provide benefits that are not otherwise available.

[0041] It should also be noted that while much of the following discussion is done in the context of using these sorbent surfaces and filter topologies in air capture systems directed to collecting atmospheric CO2, they are not limited to just that application. The surfaces and geometries contemplated herein may be used in capture devices adapted for capture from outdoor air, natural air flows, driven air flows, indoor air, exhaust, or any other use case for absorbing a dilute gas using a sorbent material.

[0042] FIGs. 1A-1C show perspective views of various non-limiting examples of sorbent structures 100. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a sorbent structure 100 is a structure comprising a plurality of surfaces having one or more sorbent materials 104. According to various embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 is designed to handle air flow, thermal flows, gas flows, and liquid flows that the sorbent material 104 may be exposed to at different parts of the collection-release cycle, discussed below.

[0043] In some embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 may be composed entirely of sorbent material 104 (i.e., its surfaces would all be considered sorbent surfaces 102). In other embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 may comprise a framework or scaffolding to which sorbent surfaces 102 are attached.

[0044] In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a sorbent surface 102 is a surface comprising a sorbent material 104. In some embodiments, a sorbent surface 102 may be non-planar (e.g., faceted, etc.). In other embodiments, a sorbent surface 102 may be planar. In some embodiments, a sorbent surface 102 may be composed entirely of sorbent material 104. For example, in some embodiments a sorbent material 104 may be formed into a panel that is coupled to the sorbent structure 100. In other embodiment, a sorbentsurface 102 may be made up of a sorbent material 104 that has been directly deposed upon the sorbent structure 100.

[0045] In other embodiments, a sorbent surface 102 may comprise a sorbent material 104 that is deposed upon, or otherwise affixed to, a substrate that gives the surface it's general shape (though not necessarily its texture). That substrate-based sorbent surface 102 is coupled to the sorbent structure 100. Embodiments using a substrate will be discussed further in the context of FIGs. 7 A and 7B, below

[0046] The purpose of the sorbent structure 100 is to facilitate the exposure of the sorbent material 104 to fluids, whether it be an airflow containing the sought-after atmospheric carbon dioxide, steam containing moisture and heat needed to regenerate a moisture-swing material, or any other fluid that is part of the collection-release cycle. According to various embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 expands the interface between fluids and the sorbent material 104 by having one or more channels 106, or pathways into or through the sorbent structure 100 and within which fluids may move. Some channels 106 of a sorbent structure 100 may be naturally occurring (e.g., pathways through a porous solid sorbent material 104, etc.). Other channels 106 may be manufactured and intentionally created through the design of the sorbent structure 100.

[0047] Sorbent-fluid interaction with a sorbent structure 100 may be improved by increasing the number of channels 106 while decreasing their size. However, as previously discussed, this will also increase the cost to manufacture and maintain the resulting DAC device. Contemplated herein are sorbent structures 100 that improve sorbent-fluid interaction without this problem (or to a lesser extent). However, while it is these manufactured channels 106 that are the focus of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the choice of sorbent material 104, the form it is used in, and the associated "natural" channels 106 can also have a significant impact on the performance of a DAC device.

[0048] Advantageously, the sorbent structures 100 contemplated herein may be adapted for use with a wide range of sorbent materials 104 having various forms. FIGs. 1A- 1C are perspective views of various types of sorbent structure 100; they could be thought of as families or types of sorbent structures 100. FIG. 1A shows a non-limiting example of a sorbent structure 100 that is a packed bed 108. A packed bed 108 straddles the line distinguishing the previously discussed natural channels 106 from the deliberate or manufactured channels 106. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a packed bed 108 is a sorbent structure 100 composed of small pieces of sorbent material 104 enclosed such that theycan interact with fluids passing over / through the bed, while preventing the sorbent material 104 from being lost during the collection-release cycle.

[0049] The bed portion of a packed bed 108 may have various forms. The nonlimiting example shown in FIG. 1 A is a tray. Other examples include, but are not limited to, bags, frames, boxes and other hollow shapes, and the like. With respect to interaction with fluids, some beds may have an open face, while others may be made of, at least in part, a fluid- permeable material such as mesh, fabric, porous membranes, and the like.

[0050] The size of the channels in a packed bed 108 are controlled by the size of the pieces of sorbent material 104. In some embodiments, increasing the size of the grains may increase the average size of a channel 106. In some embodiments, the size of a channel 106 may be manipulated through the construction (e.g., size, shape, materials, mesh size, etc.) of the bed that is holding the sorbent material 104.

[0051] Examples of sorbent materials 104 that may be used in a packed bed 108 sorbent structure include, but are not limited to, powders and beads. In some embodiments, the pieces of sorbent material 104 in a packed bed 108 may have similar, though rough, similarities (e.g., a range of grain sizes, etc.). In other embodiments, the sorbent material 104 in a packed bed 108 may be of more precise manufacture. Embodiments of a packed bed 108 comprising a plurality of smaller structures will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGs. 10 A- 10C, below.

[0052] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a sorbent structure 100 comprising a plurality of sorbent elements 110. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a sorbent element 110 has a shape having a first elongated dimension 114 that is at least an order of magnitude larger than a second dimension 118 and a third dimension 120, with these dimensions being orthogonal.

[0053] FIG. 10B shows a non-limiting example of a plurality of sorbent elements 110 that are columns, with channels 106 running between the columns. Other examples of sorbent elements 110 include, but are not limited to, ribbons, wires, strips, bars, coils, and the like.

[0054] FIG. 10C shows a non-limiting example of a plurality of sorbent sheets 112, each having a first elongated dimension 114 and a second elongated dimension 116 that are both at least an order of magnitude larger than a third dimension 120, with the three dimensions being orthogonal. FIG. 10C shows a non-limiting example of a sorbent structure 100 made up of a plurality of sorbent sheets 112 that are a collection of parallel planes. Other examples include, but are not limited to, collections of disks, plates, panels, and the like.

[0055] As shown in these non-limiting examples, in some embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 architectures may be simple. In other embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 architecture may be more complex. See, for example, the Raschig- and Pall-rings- based structures discussed in the context of FIGs. 10A-10C below.

[0056] Some embodiments of a sorbent structure 100 may comprise a mixture of these simple or elemental structures. For example, in some embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 may comprise a plurality of sorbent sheets 112, each having a plurality of sorbent elements 110 coupled to the surface. In other embodiments, thin packed beds 108 may be spaced and arranged like sorbent sheets. Those skilled in the art will recognize that from these basic structures, may different sorbent structure 100 may be designed.

[0057] In some embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 (e.g., packed bed 108, collection of sorbent elements 110, collection of sorbent sheets 112, etc.) may be composed entirely of a sorbent material 104, such that the surfaces of the sorbent structure 100 are inherently also sorbent surfaces 102. In other embodiments parts of a sorbent structure 100 may comprise a sorbent material 104 that is deposed upon, or otherwise affixed to, a body having the corresponding shape.

[0058] It should also be noted that the non-limiting examples shown in FIGs. IB and 1C do not show how the sorbent elements 110 or sorbent sheets 112 are being held in the shown ordered position. In some embodiments, these sorbent structures 100 may comprise a framework to which the elements and / or sheets are coupled, while in other embodiments the entire structure may be composed of sorbent material 104.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the contemplated sorbent structures 100 may be adapted for use with a wide variety of sorbent materials 104, and that depending on the properties of the sorbent, the environment in which it will be used, and the method for regeneration, certain structure architectures may be better suited than others. As a specific example, some anionic exchange resins are brittle and difficult to manufacture in extended structures; these materials may be best suited in a packed bed 108 sorbent structure 100. In some embodiments, the contemplated sorbent structure 100 may even make use of liquid sorbents applied to the surfaces (i.e., sorbent surfaces 102) of the structure.

[0060] As discussed above, the close packing of sorbent surfaces 102 in conventional air capture devices introduces cost and durability problems due to the tight tolerances. The obvious solution to this problem is to spread these surfaces out (i.e., make the channels 106 bigger / wider). However, a cursory calculation will show that the diffusion time across these widened channels 106 is significantly longer than the residence time of air in thechannel 106. Hence, most of the volume cannot deliver its CO2 to the sorbent because the air has left the confined space before a parcel of air could make contact with one or the other sorbent surface 102.

[0061] This problem can be alleviated by stimulating the formation of turbulence in these flow channels 106. This can be accomplished by introducing complex shapes, textures, and other features on or near the sorbent surfaces 102 which tend to mix the air and induce turbulence. In some embodiments, these shaped, turbulence-creating sorbent surfaces 102 may be accompanied by mechanical vanes and the like to add to the turbulence. In other embodiments, the contemplated sorbent surfaces 102 may act on their own. According to various embodiments, the sorbent material 104 is formed to allow sufficient passage of air, to allow air to flow through the entire sorbent structure 100 (i.e., from one end of the capture device to the other) and at the same time creating turbulence to allow air mixture to maximize the exposure to CO2 in the air.

[0062] It should be noted that these basic architectures shown and discussed in FIGs. 1A-1C are not exhaustive. The sorbent structures 100 having enhanced turbulence contemplated herein may have these, and any other geometry where practical design constraints result in flow channels 106 that are too wide for molecular diffusion to transport all the CO2 to the sorbent surfaces 102. However, before exploring the contemplated method for inducing this beneficial turbulence (i.e., flow disruptors), the sorbent structure 100 will be put into the context of one of its uses, within a DAC device.

[0063] FIGs. 2A-2D are schematic cross sectional views of two non-limiting examples of a DAC device 200. Specifically, FIGs. 2A and 2B are schematic views of a nonlimiting example of a DAC device 200 with a stationary sorbent structure 100, shown in the collection configuration 212 and the release configuration 214, respectively. FIGs. 2C and 2D are schematic views of a non-limiting example of a DAC device 200 with a moving sorbent structure 100, shown in the collection configuration 212 and the release configuration 214, respectively. As shown, the DAC device 200 comprises a sorbent structure 100 and a vessel 202, according to various embodiments.

[0064] As previously mentioned, DAC devices operate with a collection-release cycle. The release phase, where captured carbon dioxide 210 is released from the sorbent material 104, occurs within a vessel 202, according to various embodiments. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a vessel 202 is an enclosure that is able to enclose the sorbent structure 100 inside sufficient enough that a sorbent regeneration system 204 may operate on the sorbent material 104. According to various embodiments, the vessel202 comprises at least one opening 206. Some embodiments may also comprise a sorbent regeneration system 204, while in other embodiments the vessel 202 is simply in fluidic and / or thermal communication with a sorbent regeneration system 204.

[0065] According to various embodiments, a DAC device 200 is able to operate in a collection configuration 212 (i.e., capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide 208) and a release configuration 214 (i.e., harvesting the captured carbon dioxide 210). The collection configuration 212 comprises the sorbent structure 100 being exposed to an atmosphere 218 such that the sorbent material 104 of the sorbent structure 100 captures atmospheric carbon dioxide 208. The release configuration 214 comprises the sorbent structure 100 sufficiently enclosed inside the vessel 202 that the sorbent regeneration system 204 may operate on the sorbent material 104 of the sorbent structure 100, to release captured carbon dioxide 210 from the sorbent material 104 and form an enriched gas 216 which is subsequently removed from the vessel 202, according to various embodiments.

[0066] At least one of the vessel 202 and the sorbent structure 100 is movable between the collection configuration 212 and the release configuration 214. In some embodiments, the collection configuration 212 and the release configuration 214 both comprise the sorbent structure 100 located inside the vessel 202. FIGs. 2A and 2B show a non-limiting example of a DAC device 200 having a stationary sorbent structure 100 in the collection configuration 212 and the release configuration 214, respectively. When in the collection configuration 212, the vessel 202 is configured such that the sorbent structure 100 contained inside is exposed to an airflow 226 via the at least one opening 206 of the vessel 202. The nonlimiting example shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B has doors that open and close to move between the collection and release configurations. In other embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 may be placed in fluidic communication with the atmosphere 218 through the opening(s) 206 of the vessel 202 via the operation of a closing mechanism including, but not limited to, hinged doors, valves, sliding panels, rotating enclosure (or rotating within an enclosure), and the like.

[0067] In this specific, non-limiting example, when the doors of the vessel 202 are open, the vessel 202 is in the collection configuration 212 and an airflow 226 is able to enter via an opening 206 and pass through the sorbent structure 100, interacting with the sorbent material 104 such that atmospheric carbon dioxide 208 is captured. When the doors are closed, the vessel 202 is in the release configuration 214. The sorbent regeneration system 204 is able to apply regeneration media 220 to the sorbent structure 100 causing the captured carbon dioxide 210 to be released into the closed vessel 202 forming an enriched gas 216 and preparing the sorbent material 104 for the next collection phase. In this specific, non-limiting examplethe regeneration media 220 is steam 222, often used with moisture swing sorbent materials. The specific regeneration media 220 used depends upon the nature of the sorbent material 104 used. Examples include, but are not limited to, an aqueous solution 224 (see FIG. 2D), heat, vacuum, and any other regeneration media or method known in the art.

[0068] FIGs. 2C and 2D show a non-limiting example of a DAC device 200 having a sorbent structure 100 in the collection configuration 212 and the release configuration 214, respectively. Here, the sorbent structure 100 is relocated when moving between the two configurations, in addition to the opening and closing of the vessel 202. When in the collection configuration 212, the sorbent structure 100 is located at least partially outside the vessel 202 such that it is exposed to the atmosphere and ambient airflows.

[0069] The non-limiting example shown in FIGs. 2C and 2D comprises an actuator 228 that raises the sorbent structure 100 into the collection configuration 212 and subsequently lowers the sorbent structure 100 into the vessel 202 for the release configuration 214. In other embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 may be moved between configurations via other devices and methods including, but not limited to, hydraulics, pneumatics, linear actuators, rotary actuators, and the like.

[0070] In the specific, non-limiting example shown in FIGs. 2C and 2D, the sorbent structure 100 is lifted into the collection configuration 212 and an airflow 226 is able to pass through the sorbent structure 100, interacting with the sorbent material 104 such that atmospheric carbon dioxide 208 is captured. When the sorbent material 104 is laden with captured carbon dioxide 210, the sorbent structure 100 is lowered into the vessel 202 through the opening 206 of the vessel 202. Once the sorbent structure 100 is in the release configuration 214(i.e., the sorbent structure 100 is enclosed inside the vessel 202 sufficient for the sorbent regeneration system 204 to operate on the sorbent material 104), the sorbent material 104 is regenerated.

[0071] In the specific, non-limiting example of a DAC device 200 shown in FIGs. 2C and 2D, the regeneration media 220 is an aqueous solution 224 (i.e., a carbonate brine). Dipping a moisture swing sorbent structure 100 into this aqueous solution 224 converts the carbonate brine into an enriched bicarbonate brine 230 (instead of the enriched gas 216 of FIG. 2B), which can then be subject to further processing, upgrading, regeneration (i.e., electrochemical regeneration), etc. It should be noted that these are non-limiting examples, and that the contemplated sorbent structures 100 and DAC devices 200 may be adapted for operation with any sorbent material and / or regeneration method / media known in the art.

[0072] In some embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 is coupled directly to the vessel 202. For example, in embodiments where the sorbent structure 100 is stationary (e.g., the non-limiting example in FIGs. 2A and 2B, etc.), the sorbent structure 100 is coupled to the inside of the vessel 202. In other embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 may be coupled to the vessel 202 indirectly, and in still other embodiments the sorbent structure 100 may be separate from the vessel 202, only making contact with the regeneration media 220 within the vessel 202 during the release phase.

[0073] In some embodiments, the airflow 226 that passes through the sorbent structure 100 during the collection phase may be passive, simply the natural occurring wind or the airflow due to convection. In other embodiments, the airflow 226 passing through the sorbent structure 100 may be mechanically driven by a fan or blower. Additionally, in some embodiments, the device 200 may be configured such that gas flow inside the vessel 202 is amplified by the use of a fan, blower, heat driven pressure, suction pump, and the like.

[0074] According to various embodiments, various elements may be introduced to the vessel 202, in addition to airflows and / or the sorbent structure 100. Examples include, but are not limited to, moisture (e.g., flooding the vessel 202 with water or some other liquid like a carbonate brine, spaying liquid water, introducing steam, etc.), gas(e.g., a sweep gas for harvesting the enriched gas 216, etc.), heat. Gas or liquid may come in direct contact with the sorbent material 104. The liquid or gas introduced to the vessel 202 may absorb CO2 for transfer to downstream applications. Gas may be removed from the vessel 202 to harvest the CO2 and may be replaced with fresh sweep gas with lower CO2 concentration. The total pressure may be at ambient or may be a vacuum as the CO2 evolves through release and the CO2 moves out of the vessel 202, according to various embodiments.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the device 200 may incorporate heaters to control the temperature of the release phase. The device 200 may include vacuum pumps or other means to remove gas, heat, liquid, etc. from the vessel 202. The device 200 may feed a product stream for direct use or for further processing to increase concentration, purity or pressure. The device 200 may be skid mounted, to minimalize site preparation, or may be used as an independent device 200 without a skid. The device 200 that may be portable and readily change locations.

[0076] The CO2 released from the regenerating sorbent material 104 into the closed vessel 202 is transferred out of the vessel 202 as a product stream (e.g., an enriched gas 216, an enriched brine 230, etc.). Multiple direct air capture devices 200 may be employed together as a system capable of providing a continuous product stream having an upgradedconcentration of CO2. The operation of direct air capture devices 200 and systems may be automated and configured to adapt the capture and regeneration phases based upon ambient conditions for efficient and effective performance.

[0077] As discussed, the primary operating cycle of the contemplated direct air capture devices 200 is toggling back and forth between collection and release phases. Both of these phases are driven by the interaction of the sorbent surfaces 102 (i.e., the sorbent material 104) with a fluid (e.g., the atmosphere 218, liquid water, steam 222, aqueous solution 224, etc.). Advantageously, the contemplated sorbent surface 102 geometries and sorbent structure 100 architectures are adapted to create turbulence that enhances the exposure of the surfaces to fluid passing through the channels 106, whether it be an atmospheric gust of wind or the flow of steam 222 within a vessel 202. The contemplated turbulence-enhanced sorbent structures 100 and surfaces 102 can benefit both the collection process, as well as the release / regeneration process.

[0078] The way each sorbent structure 100 architecture may be adjusted to dial in the desired turbulence differs, depending on the geometries involved. However, they are all subject to the same guiding principal that targets the desired turbulence using the pressure drop experienced across the sorbent structure 100. Take, for example, the packed bed 108 architecture. In an exemplary, non-limiting example of an air capture device 200, the device 200 pulls air through some form of packed bed 108 which binds CO2 that it is being exposed to. The height of the bed when exposed to the atmosphere 218 may be adjusted to provide a compromise between pressure drop 306 across the bed, flow speed, and CO2 collection efficiency. The flow speed is subject to the passive air flow (or the driven flow by mechanical means), and thus the bed collects the CO2 based on the air passing through.

[0079] In the conventional approach, if laminar flows do not provide a sufficient pressure drop, one maintains laminar flow and adds more surface into the device. However, subdividing such channels becomes expensive as the design tolerances become higher and higher. For example, in the case of columns or ribbons, maintaining a reasonable spacing between the sorbent columns is made difficult if gaps are very small. As contemplated herein, a superior option is to stir up turbulence in the channel 106 so as to raise the pressure drop without introducing more surface.

[0080] According to various embodiments, the amount of turbulence created in the channel 106 should be sufficient to drive the pressure drop 306 across the system to the characteristic scale of pv2, where p is the density 308 of air, and v the flow velocity 310 of the air inside the channel 106. Once the pressure drop reaches the critical value of (p / 2) v2,transport of CO2 to the walls has been assured. However, overshooting this will slow the flow speed through the sorbent structure 102 with rapidly diminishing returns, while undershooting will only be capturing a diminishing portion of the CO2 passing through.

[0081] There are a number of ways the architecture of the sorbent structure 100, or the sorbent surfaces 102 themselves, may be manipulated to increase turbulence within the channels 106 and / or across the surface. For example, creating surface inconsistency on the sorbent surfaces 102 that impact airflow 226 will cause the airflow 226 to tumble, increasing exposure of air to the sorbent material 104. An uneven surface of the sorbent material 104 tends to raise turbulence. According to various embodiments, surfaces may be crenelated to the point that one effectively has more surface area than a flat surface would allow.

[0082] As will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGs. 4-9E below, there are a number of different architectures, geometries, and features that can be adapted to create the desired turbulence. These will all be referred to as flow disruptors 300.

[0083] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a non-limiting example of a fluid-surface interface in front of and behind a flow disruptor 300. More specifically, FIG. 3 is showing the impact of a non-limiting example of a flow disruptor 300 on the fluid-surface interface between an airflow 226 and a sorbent surface 102 within a channel 106 that is bounded, in part, by said sorbent surface 102.

[0084] In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a flow disruptor 300 is a structure, feature, shape, texture, or other attribute applied to a sorbent surface 102 or sorbent structure 100 that decreases the thickness 304 of the laminar boundary layer 302 of fluid flowing over the surface, meaning that the laminar boundary layer 302 is thinner than what it would be in the absence of the flow disruptor 300. As the thickness of the laminar boundary layer 302 decreases, the turbulent zone can approach closer to the sorbent surface 102.

[0085] In some embodiments, a sorbent structure 100 may have a plurality of flow disruptors 300, while in other embodiments the sorbent structure 100 may comprise a single flow disruptor 300. In some embodiments, each sorbent surface 102 of a sorbent structure 100 may have at least one flow disruptor 300, while in other embodiments, only a subset of the sorbent surfaces 102 belonging to a sorbent structure 100 comprise one or more flow disruptors 300.

[0086] In some embodiments, the flow disruptor 300(s) may be made of the sorbent material 104 itself. According to various embodiments, the sorbent material 104 may be molded, created from fibers, or otherwise given shape using any method known in the art. Insome embodiments, a flow disruptor 300 may be composed entirely of a sorbent material 104, while in other embodiments a flow disruptor 300 may comprise a sorbent material 104 in addition to other materials giving it form or strength. See, for example, the flow disruptors 300 that comprise a substrate in FIGs. 7A and 7B.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the collection of flow disruptors 300 of a sorbent structure 100 are shaped and positioned such that an airflow 226 passing through the sorbent structure 100 experiences a pressure drop 306 that has a characteristic range of pv2, where p is a density 308 of air, and v is a velocity 310 of the airflow 226 inside the sorbent structure 100. As previously discussed, undershooting and overshooting this range has particular consequences. In some embodiments, flow disruptors 300 may be designed and / or positioned such that the pressure drop 306 is between (p / 10)v2and 10pv2. In other embodiments, flow disruptors 300 may be designed and / or positioned such that the pressure drop 306 is between (p / 2)v2and 3pv2.

[0088] It should be noted that this characteristic range for the pressure drop may be utilized in making different design choices, depending on the nature of the device 200 in which the sorbent structure 100 will be used. For example, in a device 200 meant to be used with driven air, the velocity 310 within the sorbent structure 100 can be changed to adjust the pressure drop 306. The lower the pressure drop 306, the more sorbent material will be packed in to the sorbent structure 100, increasing the cost. The higher the pressure drop 306, the more energy will be used to drive the airflow at the higher speed. Thus, in forced air devices, the cost of the sorbent should be balanced against the cost of electricity, according to various embodiments.

[0089] In passive devices, however, one is at the mercy of natural air flows. According to various embodiments, the characteristic range discussed above may be used with an average windspeed, which will create a pressure drop somewhere between 0 and (p / 2)v2, with v being less than the average windspeed. With this foundation, the passive device and sorbent structure may be adjusted such that, at the average windspeed, the pressure drop is on the order of pv2(e.g., within the previously discussed ranges, etc.).

[0090] It should be noted that the flow disruptors 300 are shaped and positioned such that at least this threshold pressure drop 306 is achieved in light of any turbulence or other influence from the rest of the DAC device 200 that is contributing to the pressure drop 306. In other words, the flow disruptors 300 that may result in a pressure drop 306 that reaches this threshold in one DAC device 200 may not be sufficient in another device, according to various embodiments.

[0091] According to various embodiments, some flow disruptors 300 may be localized on a surface, such as the ridge-shaped flow disruptor 300 shown in FIG. 3, which is essentially a sorbent column laid flat along a sorbent surface. For example, in one embodiment, a similar sorbent ridge may be placed close to the perimeter of a sorbent disk (i.e., a sorbent surface 102), to create turbulence in flows passing over the sorbent disk from any direction. Other flow disruptors 300 may be periodic, may be spread over an area of the surface, and / or may be intrinsic to the shape of the surface itself. Examples of each will be discussed below in the context of FIGs. 4- 10C.

[0092] In some embodiments, the flow disruptors 300 may be located on some or each of the sorbent surfaces 102 of the sorbent structure 100. In other embodiments, flow disruptors 300 may be placed in other locations where they can increase turbulence in fluid flowing over and / or through the sorbent structure 100. In some embodiments, the sorbent structure 100 may comprise one or more flow disruptors 300 that are proximate to, but not part of, the sorbent surfaces 102. For example, in some embodiments the sorbent structure 100 comprises a framework to which sorbent surfaces 102 are attached. The framework around these points of attachment may comprise one or more flow disruptors 300 such that the fluid flowing over it becomes turbulent and the laminar boundary layer running along the sorbent surface 102 is thinned to the desired degree.

[0093] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a sorbent structure 100 comprising a frame 400 to which at least one the plurality of sorbent surfaces 102 is coupled. As previously discussed, the contemplated sorbent structures 100 may be adapted for use with a broad spectrum of sorbent materials 104 having a range of mechanical properties. In some embodiments, a sorbent structure 100 may be composed entirely of solid sorbent material 104. In other embodiments, desired the sorbent material 104 for a particular implementation may lack the needed mechanical strength or ease of manufacture (at the desired thickness) for a practical all-sorbent sorbent structure 100, and needs additional support. In some embodiments, this additional support may be provided by a frame 400.

[0094] In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a frame 400 is a rigid structure configured to be coupled with one or more sorbent surfaces 102 of a sorbent structure 100. The frame 400 functions as a foundation for the coupled surfaces, which may otherwise lack the needed strength to function in the sorbent structure 100. In some embodiments, the sorbent surface(s) 102 may be permanently affixed to the frame 400, while in other embodiments they may be releasably coupled, and able to be removed for maintenance or even replaced.

[0095] In addition to providing a strong foundation to hold the sorbent surfaces 102 in the desired locations, the frame 400 may also provide a foundation for one or more flow disruptors 300. As shown, in some embodiments, the frame 400 may comprise one or more flow disruptors 300 positioned relative to where the sorbent surfaces 102 are coupled to the frame 400 such that they decrease the thickness 304 of the laminar boundary layer 302 flowing over said sorbent surfaces 102. Placing flow disruptors 300 on the frame 400 allows the use of flow disruptor architectures that would be too difficult, too expensive, too fragile, or even impossible if implemented on the sorbent surfaces 102 themselves.

[0096] In this specific, non-limiting example, the sorbent surfaces 102 are too flexible to be able to hold themselves up to form the desired channels 106. The frame 400 allows these flexible sorbent sheets 112 to be used, and also provides a platform for flow disruptors 300 that would otherwise be difficult to reliably form on the sorbent surfaces 102 themselves.

[0097] In this specific example, the sorbent surfaces 102 are woven fabric that has been coated with a sorbent material 104, with the fabric serving as a flexible substrate. The use of substrates will be discussed further in the context of FIGs. 7A and 7B, below. Advantageously, the woven nature of the fabric results in the sorbent surfaces 102 having a roughened texture which increases turbulence and thus increases the pressure drop 306 across the sorbent structure 100. Surface textures and features can be effective flow disruptors 300, according to various embodiments.

[0098] FIGs. 5A-5C are top views of various non-limiting examples of sorbent surfaces 102 having flow disruptors 300 that are surface textures 500. In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a surface texture 500 is a collection of similar or identical deviations in a surface, spread over an area of the surface. According to various embodiments, these deviations, hereinafter referred to as surface features 502, do not substantially alter the general cross-sectional profile of the surface (i.e., a planar surface with a surface texture 500 is still substantially planar). Put differently, the scale of the surface features 502 (i.e., distance into or out from the surface) is no greater than 20% of the thickness of the surface. This is distinguished from the other flow disruptors 300 contemplated herein, which include individual surface disruptions that are localized (i.e., a ridge, a hole, etc.) or extended areas of disruption that are defined by the cross-sectional profile of the surface. However, in some cases, the biggest distinction between a surface texture 500 and some collections of other flow disruptors 300 is a matter of size or relative scale. Since the purposeof all flow disruptors 300 is to create turbulence, there will be a small degree of overlap in the definitions of different types of disruptors.

[0099] In some embodiments, the surface features 502 of a surface texture 500 may be protruding out of the surface, while in others they may be recessed, sunken, or indented into the surface. In still other embodiments, a surface texture 500 may comprise both recessed surface features 502 and protruding surface features 502. The non-limiting examples of surface textures 500 shown in FIGs. 5A-5C may be indented into, or popping out from, the surface. It should be noted that when discussing these surface textures 500, reference is made to "the surface". This is referring to the surface on which the surface texture 500 is found, which may be a sorbent surface 102 or may be some other surface of the sorbent structure 100 (e.g., a surface of a frame 400, etc.) or a surface that is near the sorbent structure 100 (e.g., a surface of the vessel 202, etc.).X

[0100] In some embodiments, a surface texture 500 may have a surface feature 502 that is repeated. See, for example, the surface texture 500 of FIGs. 5A and 5C. In other embodiments, the surface features 502 of a surface texture 500 may be random, or aperiodic. See, for example, the sandpaper-like surface texture 500 of FIG. 5B.

[0101] Additionally, the surface features 502 of a surface texture 500 may have varying degrees of symmetry, according to various embodiments. For example, some surface features 502 may have translational symmetry 504 but no rotational symmetry 506, such as the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 5A. Other surface features 502 may have rotational symmetry 506 but no translational symmetry 504, such as the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 5B. Still others may have both translational symmetry 504 and rotational symmetry 506, such as the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 5C which has six-fold rotational symmetry. These symmetries may be used to create surface textures 500 that provide different turbulence to flows in different directions, or to ensure the turbulence provided is the same in all or most directions, according to various embodiments.

[0102] One benefit of surface feature 502-type flow disruptors 300 is that they may be used in combination with other types of flow disruptors 300, and provide an easy way to fine tune the pressure drop 306 that other flow disruptors 300 may have gotten close to the threshold. Additionally, in some embodiments, surface textures 500 may be easy to fabricate, particularly when used on planar sorbent surfaces 102 that are subsequently coupled to a frame 400.

[0103] Breaks in the continuity of a surface belonging to a sorbent structure 100 are another means of influencing air flow turbulence. FIG. 6 shows a top view of a non -limitingexample of flow disruptors 300 that are apertures 600 in a sorbent surface 102. In this nonlimiting example, air is flowing over the surface from top to bottom, and is made turbulent as it flows around, over, and through the apertures 600 (i.e., the flow disruptors 300). According to various embodiments, these intermittent areas may be thought of as the surface feature 502- type disruptors of FIG. 5 taken to an extreme, and punching a hole through a surface (e.g., a sorbent surface 102, a surface of a frame 400, etc.). In some embodiments, a DAC device 200 may be structured to develop turbulence using intermittent areas the cause the airflow 226 to tumble, which may be used in conjunction with any of the flow disruptors 300 contemplated herein.

[0104] In some embodiments, a sorbent surface 102 may be planar, and may comprise one or more flow disruptors 300 to create the needed turbulence in a passing fluid. In other embodiments, the sorbent surface 102 itself may be shaped to act as a flow disruptor 300. FIGs. 7A to 7C are cross-sectional views of non-limiting examples of various sorbent surfaces 102 that may also be considered to be flow disruptors 300.

[0105] According to various embodiments, a sorbent surface 102 may have a cross- sectional profile 702 that is non-linear. This deviation from non-linearity can be used to introduce enhanced turbulence 706 in a flow passing over the surface. In some embodiments, including the non-limiting examples shown in FIGs. 7A and 7B, a sorbent surface 102 may have a cross-sectional profile 702 that comprises vertices 704, or points of continuity that are non-differentiable.

[0106] Vertices 704 in the cross-sectional profile 702 of a sorbent surface 102 create turbulence in an airflow 226 passing by. In some embodiments, these vertices 704 may be spaced and shaped to cause boundary layer separation to occur in the passing flow, as shown in the non-limiting example of a sorbent surface 102 in FIG. 7A. In some embodiments, these vertices 704 may be separated by segments of surface that are substantially parallel to an elongated dimension of the surface (e.g. the first elongated dimension 114 and / or the second elongated dimension 116).

[0107] Taking this concept to an extreme, in some embodiments, none of the facets of a surface are essentially parallel to all elongated dimensions of the surface (i.e., the first elongated dimension 114 of a sorbent element 110, the first elongated dimension 114 and second elongated dimension 116 of a sorbent sheet 112, etc.). The non-limiting example of a sorbent surface 102 shown in FIG. 7B has a zig-zag cross-sectional profile 702, where each zig and zag becomes a pocket of low pressure enhanced turbulence 706.

[0108] Other embodiments may apply similar principles and harness the enhanced turbulence 706 caused by boundary layer separation using surfaces whose cross-sectional profile 702 is non-linear, continuous, but also differentiable. In other words, surfaces whose deviation from planar is less harsh than surfaces like those shown in FIGs. 7A and 7B. FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of a non-limiting example of a sorbent surface 102 having a sinusoidal cross-sectional profile 702.

[0109] In these non-limiting examples, each vertex, “zig", "zag", or wave may be referred to as a flow disruptor 300 in some embodiments, but referring to the overall shape of the sorbent surface 102 as a flow disruptor 300 would also be appropriate. This is an example of a flow disruptor 300 that creates a roughened (yet continuous) surface on a scale larger than that of a surface texture 500. A rough, wavy, wrinkled, or crenelated surface (e.g., ridges, peaks, waves, chines, etc.) may be shaped to achieve the desired pressure drop 306 within a channel 106 running between two sorbent surfaces 102, according to various embodiments.

[0110] Put differently, roughening the surface with these types of flow disruptors 300 can result in large changes in turbulence (and the overall pressure drop), while roughening the surface with surface textures 500 tends to have a smaller, but more controllable impact. Their combination can provide a greater degree of control, and facilitate the design of sorbent structures 100 and DAC devices 200 that achieve a desired pressure drop 306, according to various embodiments.[OHl] As previously discussed, in some embodiments a sorbent surface 102 may be composed entirely of a sorbent material 104. See, for example, the sorbent surface 102 of FIG. 7C. In other embodiments, a sorbent surface 102 may further comprise a substrate 700 on which the sorbent material 104 has been deposed. See, for example, the sorbent surfaces 102 of FIG. 7A and 7B. The distinction between a frame 400 and a substrate 700 may be small, as both serve to give a sorbent material 104 a desired structure that may not be feasible or practical to achieve with the material alone. For the purposes of discussion, these could be distinguished by how the sorbent material 104 is coupled to the structure (e.g., deposed on a substrate 700, affixed to a frame 400, etc.). However, it should be noted that the features discussed in the context of one of these types of structures may be adapted to be applied with the other.

[0112] For example, as previously discussed, a frame 400 may comprise one or more flow disruptors 300 that are near, but not part of, the sorbent surface 102 coupled to the frame 400. In contrast, a substrate 700 may be used to create flow disruptors 300 within the sorbent surface 102. The substrate 700 gives form to the sorbent material 104. As shown inFIGs. 7A and 7B, vertices 704 or other deviations in a substrate 700 can carry through into the sorbent material 104 subsequently deposed upon it. According to various embodiments, some flow disruptors 300 may comprise a substrate 700 in addition to a sorbent material 104.

[0113] In some embodiments, a substrate 700 may be used to give form to a sorbent material 104 that would not be possible with a skeletal frame 400. As a specific example, in one embodiment, sorbent surfaces 102 are made up of a sorbent liquid (e.g., hygroscopic and strong alkaline liquids / solutions, etc.) coated on a substrate 700 with a zig-zag cross-sectional profile 702. In some embodiments, these sorbent surfaces 102 may be used in conjunction with other flow disruptors 300 contemplated herein including, but not limited to, surface textures 500 (e.g., a textured sorbent material 104 being shaped by the substrate 700, etc.) and apertures 600 (e.g., apertures 600 passing through the sorbent material 104 and substrate 700, etc.).

[0114] According to some embodiments, the flow inside the vessel 202 may be vertical or horizontal. It could be, for example, downward, upward or sideways. Moving downward will naturally carry released gases and regeneration media in the same direction as gravity while upward will require overcoming gravity. The flow during collection is most likely horizontal but vertical or angled may also be used. Additionally, the speed of the fluid flowing over the surfaces may be very different in the collection and release phases. In some embodiments, a sorbent structure 100 may have two different types of flow disruptors 300, each resulting in different degrees of turbulence in flows in different directions or during different phases of the collection-release cycle.

[0115] In some embodiments, a DAC device 200 may comprise one or more flow disruptors 300 that are not part of the sorbent structure 100. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vessel 202 of a turbulence-enhanced DAC device 200. As shown, some of the surfaces of the vessel 202 comprise vessel flow disruptors 800. According to various embodiments, a vessel flow disruptor 800 serves to introduce turbulence to fluid that will be passing by, over, or through the sorbent structure 100. In some embodiments, a vessel flow disruptor 800 may be similar to the flow disruptors 300 discussed in the context of the sorbent structure 100. In other embodiments, a vessel flow disruptor 800 may be more extreme than those used on or within a sorbent structure 100, because the flow they are manipulating is further away from the sorbent surfaces 102. According to various embodiments, these vessel flow disruptors 800 may be adapted to create turbulence during the collection phase, the release phase, or both phases.

[0116] The turbulence created by the flow disruptors 300 and surfaces contemplated herein may have a degree of directionality. Fluid passing over a surface in onedirection may experience a different degree of turbulence than a fluid passing over the same surface in a different direction. FIGs. 9A-9E are various views of non-limiting examples of flow disruptors 300. In some embodiments, the flow disruptor 300(s) may be omnidirectional, meaning they create turbulence that is roughly the same, independent of the direction in which the fluid 900 is flowing over / through the flow disruptor 300(s). FIG. 9A shows a non-limiting example of an omnidirectional flow disruptor 300.

[0117] In other embodiments, a flow disruptor 300 may have a degree of asymmetry, meaning it causes significantly more turbulence in one direction than in another. FIG. 9B shows a non-limiting example of flow disruptors 300 that are directional. As shown, a flow coming from a first direction 906 has meandering channels 106 over the sorbent surface 102 and will be more turbulent than a flow coming from the second direction 908, which has substantially linear and unobstructed channels 106 over the same surface.

[0118] In some embodiments, including the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 9B, direction-dependent turbulence may be achieved using a single type of flow disruptor 300. In other embodiments, direction-dependent turbulence may be achieved using a combination of different flow disruptors 300. FIGs. 9C-9E are various views of a non-limiting example of a sorbent surface 102 comprising a first set 902 and second set 904 of flow disruptors 300. Specifically, FIG. 9C is a top view of the sorbent surface 102 and flow disruptors 300. FIGs. 9D and 9E are cross-sectional views of the sorbent surface 102 showing the first set 902 and second set 904 of flow disruptors 300, respectively. As shown, in some embodiments including this non-limiting example, the flow disruptors 300 of the first set 902 are different than the flow disruptors 300 of the second set 904. In other embodiments, the flow disruptors 300 of the two sets may be identical, and the sets may differ in how said identical flow disruptors 300 are positioned on the sorbent surface 102.

[0119] As shown, the first set 902 of flow disruptors 300 and the second set 904 of flow disruptors 300 are positioned and oriented such that a fluid 900 passing through the sorbent structure 100 in a first direction 906 has a different enhanced turbulence than when the fluid 900 passes through the sorbent structure 100 in a second direction 908. In some embodiments, the first direction 906 and the second direction 908 are orthogonal.

[0120] As previously mentioned, some embodiments may combine some of the primitive sorbent structures 100 discussed in the context of FIGs. 1 A-1C into more complicated structures having more complicated and more turbulent sorbent surfaces 102. FIG. 10A shows a top view of a non-limiting example of a sorbent structure 100 comprising a plurality of flowdisruptors 300 that are based on a collection of links in a chain. It may be considered a hybrid sorbent structure 100, a packed bed 108 of structured sorbent material 104.

[0121] The airflow 226, moving from top to bottom as shown, is made turbulent by the links or rings, which in some embodiments are offset from each other to further increase the turbulence. This flow disruptor 300 may have one, few, or many layers of these links. In some embodiments, this type of flow disruptor 300 may comprise multiple layers of rings that are each in slightly different configurations. As air flows through the channels 106 between rings, the flow is disrupted and turbulence is created. In some embodiments, these rings may have specific forms. FIGs. 10B and 10C are side views of two non -limiting examples of sorbent rings. Specifically, FIG. 10B shows a side view of a Raschig ring, while FIG. 10C shows a side view of a variant of the Raschig ring, a Pall rings, comprising additional holes. The outer surfaces 1004 of these rings may be composed of, or covered with, a sorbent material 104, according to various embodiments.

[0122] It will be understood that implementations are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation of sorbent structures and surfaces for turbulence-enhanced capture and harvest of CO2 may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, although particular surfaces, structures, systems, methods, and / or devices for turbulence-enhanced capture and harvest of CO2 may be disclosed, such components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and / or the like consistent with the intended operation of sorbent structures and surfaces for turbulence-enhanced capture and harvest of CO2 may be used. In places where the description above refers to particular implementations of sorbent structures and surfaces for turbulence-enhanced capture and harvest of CO2, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other sorbent-based passive collection devices and structures.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A sorbent structure for passive collection of atmospheric carbon dioxide, comprising: a plurality of sorbent surfaces and at least one flow disruptor configured to decrease a thickness of a laminar boundary layer of the sorbent structure; wherein each sorbent surface comprises a sorbent material; wherein the at least one flow disruptor is shaped such that an airflow passing through the sorbent structure experiences a pressure drop that is between (p / 10)v2and 10pv2, where p is a density of air, and v is a velocity of the airflow inside the sorbent structure.

2. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one flow disruptor is shaped such that the pressure drop experienced by the airflow passing through the sorbent structure is between (p / 2)v2and 3pv2.

3. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein the sorbent structure is one of a packed bed, a plurality of sorbent elements each having a first elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than a second dimension and a third dimension, and a plurality of sorbent sheets each having the first elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than the third dimension and a second elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than the third dimension.

4. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein the sorbent structure further comprises a frame to which at least one the plurality of sorbent surfaces is coupled.

5. The sorbent structure of claim 4, wherein the plurality of sorbent surfaces is releasably coupled to the frame.

6. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sorbent surfaces comprise at least one flow disruptor.

7. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein the sorbent structure further comprises a frame to which the plurality of sorbent surfaces is coupled, and wherein the frame comprises the at least one flow disruptor.

8. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one flow disruptor comprises the sorbent material.

9. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one flow disruptor is proximate to but separate from the plurality of sorbent surfaces.

10. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one flow disruptor is a surface texture that is one of indented into and protruding out of at least one sorbent surface.

11. The sorbent structure of claim 10, wherein the surface texture comprises a surface feature that is repeated.

12. The sorbent structure of claim 11, wherein the surface feature has a translational symmetry and a rotational symmetry.

13. The sorbent structure of claim 11, wherein the surface feature is raised out of at least one sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces.

14. The sorbent structure of claim 11, wherein the surface feature is sunken into at least one sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces.

15. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one flow disruptor is an aperture in at least one sorbent surface.

16. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces is planar.

17. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces has a cross-sectional profile that is non-linear.

18. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces has a cross-sectional profile that is zig-zag.

19. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces has a cross-sectional profile that comprises a plurality of vertices.

20. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one flow disruptor is omnidirectional, inducing an enhanced turbulence that is substantially equal independent of direction.

21. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sorbent surfaces are surfaces of one of a plurality of Raschig rings and a plurality of Pall rings.

22. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein each sorbent surface further comprises a substrate on which the sorbent material has been deposed.

23. The sorbent structure of claim 22, wherein the at least one flow disruptor comprises at least the substrate.

24. The sorbent structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one flow disruptor comprises a first set of flow disruptors and a second set of flow disruptors, wherein the first set of flow disruptors and the second set of flow disruptors are positioned and oriented such that a fluid passing through the sorbent structure in a first direction has a different enhanced turbulence than when the fluid passes through the sorbent structure in a second direction that is different than the first direction.

25. The sorbent structure of claim 24, wherein the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal.

26. The sorbent structure of claim 24, wherein the flow disruptors of the first set are different than the flow disruptors of the second set.

27. A sorbent structure for passive collection of atmospheric carbon dioxide, comprising: a plurality of sorbent surfaces and at least one flow disruptor configured to decrease a thickness of a laminar boundary layer of the sorbent structure; wherein each sorbent surface comprises a sorbent material, and the at least one flow disruptor comprises the sorbent material;wherein the at least one flow disruptor is a surface texture comprising a surface feature that is repeated and shaped such that an airflow passing through the sorbent structure experiences a pressure drop that is between (p / 10)v2and 10pv2, where p is a density of air, and v is a velocity of the airflow inside the sorbent structure.

28. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein the at least one flow disruptor is shaped such that the pressure drop experienced by the airflow passing through the sorbent structure is between (p / 2)v2and 3pv2.

29. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein the sorbent structure is one of a packed bed, a plurality of sorbent elements each having a first elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than a second dimension and a third dimension, and a plurality of sorbent sheets each having the first elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than the third dimension and a second elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than the third dimension.

30. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein the sorbent structure further comprises a frame to which at least one the plurality of sorbent surfaces is coupled.

31. The sorbent structure of claim 30, wherein the plurality of sorbent surfaces is releasably coupled to the frame.

32. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein each of the plurality of sorbent surfaces comprise at least one flow disruptor.

33. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein the surface feature has a translational symmetry and a rotational symmetry.

34. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein the surface feature is raised out of at least one sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces.

35. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein the surface feature is sunken into at least one sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces.

36. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces is planar.

37. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces has a cross-sectional profile that is non-linear.

38. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces has a cross-sectional profile that is zig-zag.

39. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces has a cross-sectional profile that comprises a plurality of vertices.

40. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein the plurality of sorbent surfaces are surfaces of one of a plurality of Raschig rings and a plurality of Pall rings.

41. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein each sorbent surface further comprises a substrate on which the sorbent material has been deposed.

42. The sorbent structure of claim 41, wherein the at least one flow disruptor comprises at least the substrate.

43. The sorbent structure of claim 27, wherein the at least one flow disruptor comprises a first set of flow disruptors and a second set of flow disruptors, wherein the first set of flow disruptors and the second set of flow disruptors are positioned and oriented such that a fluid passing through the sorbent structure in a first direction has a different enhanced turbulence than when the fluid passes through the sorbent structure in a second direction that is different than the first direction.

44. The sorbent structure of claim 43, wherein the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal.

45. The sorbent structure of claim 43, wherein the flow disruptors of the first set are different than the flow disruptors of the second set.

46. A device for passive collection of atmospheric carbon dioxide, comprising: a vessel comprising at least one opening and a sorbent regeneration system; a sorbent structure coupled to the vessel and comprising a plurality of sorbent surfaces and at least one flow disruptor configured to decrease a thickness of a laminar boundary layer of the sorbent structure; wherein each sorbent surface comprises a sorbent material; wherein at least one of the vessel and the sorbent structure is movable between a collection configuration and a release configuration; wherein the collection configuration comprises the sorbent structure being exposed to an atmosphere such that the sorbent material of the sorbent structure captures atmospheric carbon dioxide; wherein the release configuration comprises the sorbent structure sufficiently enclosed inside the vessel that the sorbent regeneration system may operate on the sorbent material to release captured carbon dioxide from the sorbent material and form an enriched gas within the vessel; and wherein the at least one flow disruptor is shaped such that an airflow passing through the sorbent structure experiences a pressure drop that is between (p / 10)v2and 10pv2, where p is a density of air, and v is a velocity of the airflow inside the sorbent structure.

47. The device of claim 46, wherein the at least one flow disruptor is shaped such that the pressure drop experienced by the airflow passing through the sorbent structure is between (p / 2)v2and 3pv2.

48. The device of claim 46, wherein the sorbent structure is one of a packed bed, a plurality of sorbent elements each having a first elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than a second dimension and a third dimension, and a plurality of sorbent sheets each having the first elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than the third dimension and a second elongated dimension that is at least an order of magnitude larger than the third dimension.

49. The device of claim 46, wherein the sorbent structure further comprises a frame to which at least one the plurality of sorbent surfaces is coupled.

50. The device of claim 49, wherein the plurality of sorbent surfaces is releasably coupled to the frame.

51. The device of claim 46, wherein each of the plurality of sorbent surfaces comprise at least one flow disruptor.

52. The device of claim 46, wherein the sorbent structure further comprises a frame to which the plurality of sorbent surfaces is coupled, and wherein the frame comprises the at least one flow disruptor.

53. The device of claim 46, wherein the at least one flow disruptor is composed of the sorbent material.

54. The device of claim 46, wherein the at least one flow disruptor is proximate to but separate from the plurality of sorbent surfaces.

55. The device of claim 46, wherein the at least one flow disruptor is a surface texture that is one of indented into and protruding out of at least one sorbent surface.

56. The device of claim 55, wherein the surface texture comprises a surface feature that is repeated.

57. The device of claim 56, wherein the surface feature has a translational symmetry and a rotational symmetry.

58. The device of claim 56, wherein the surface feature is raised out of at least one sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces.

59. The device of claim 56, wherein the surface feature is sunken into at least one sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces.

60. The device of claim 46, wherein the at least one flow disruptor is an aperture in the sorbent structure.

61. The device of claim 46, wherein each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces is planar.

62. The device of claim 46, wherein each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces has a cross-sectional profile that is non-linear.

63. The device of claim 46, wherein each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces has a cross-sectional profile that is zig-zag.

64. The device of claim 46, wherein each sorbent surface of the plurality of sorbent surfaces has a cross-sectional profile that comprises a plurality of vertices.

65. The device of claim 46, wherein the at least one flow disruptor is omnidirectional, inducing an enhanced turbulence that is substantially equal independent of direction.

66. The device of claim 46, wherein the sorbent structure is a packed bed, and wherein the plurality of sorbent surfaces are surfaces of one of a plurality of Raschig rings and a plurality of Pall rings.

67. The device of claim 46, wherein each sorbent surface further comprises a substrate on which the sorbent material has been deposed.

68. The device of claim 67, wherein the at least one flow disruptor comprises at least the substrate.

69. The device of claim 46, wherein the vessel further comprises at least one vessel flow disruptor.

70. The device of claim 46, wherein the collection configuration and the release configuration both comprise the sorbent structure located inside the vessel.

71. The device of claim 46, wherein the collection configuration comprises the sorbent structure located outside the vessel and the release configuration comprises the sorbent structure located inside the vessel.

72. The device of claim 46, wherein the airflow is passive.

73. The device of claim 46, wherein the airflow is mechanically driven.

74. The device of claim 46, wherein the at least one flow disruptor comprises a first set of flow disruptors and a second set of flow disruptors, wherein the first set of flow disruptors and the second set of flow disruptors are positioned and oriented such that a fluid passing through the sorbent structure in a first direction has a different enhanced turbulence than when the fluid passes through the sorbent structure in a second direction that is different than the first direction.

75. The device of claim 74, wherein the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal.

76. The device of claim 74, wherein the flow disruptors of the first set are different than the flow disruptors of the second set.

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