Direct air capture module for use with a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system

Abstract

A direct air capture module (120) for use with a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) having a duct (190), the direct air capture module (120) including an arrangement of a first adsorbent unit (122A) mountable to the duct (190) within a first segment of the duct (190) and a second adsorbent unit (122B) mountable to the duct (190) within a second segment of the duct (190), with the first adsorbent unit (122A) being upstream of the second adsorbent unit (122B). Each of the first adsorbent unit (122A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) being rotatable relative to the duct (190) about a rotational axis (121). The first adsorbent unit (122A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) having adsorbent material disposed in a manner to interface with a flow of air directed through the duct (190) for adsorption of a first component of the air and a second component of the air.

Description

DIRECT AIR CAPTURE MODULE FOR USE WITH A HEATING, VENTILATION AND / OR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMTechnical Field

[0001] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to a direct air capture (DAC) module. In particular, various aspects of this disclosure relate to a DAC module for use with a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning (HVAC) system.Background

[0002] Conventional direct air capture (DAC) technology focuses primarily on capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere in an efficient and economical manner. The captured CO2 are then stored underground or utilized in various applications, such as carbon-neutral fuel production or carbon-negative processes. While the DAC technology has shown promising potential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhance carbon sequestration efforts, and contributing to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future, little has been done to advance the application of DAC technology other than storage and / or utilization of captured CO2.Summary

[0003] Various embodiments concern a direct air capture module for use with a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system having a duct. The direct air capture module including an arrangement of a first adsorbent unit and a second adsorbent unit mountable to the duct of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, the first adsorbent unit being mountable within a first segment of the duct and the second adsorbent unit being mountable within a second segment of the duct. Each of the first adsorbent unit and the second adsorbent unit being rotatable relative to the duct about a rotational axis extending respectively through the first adsorbent unit and the second adsorbent unit, the rotational axis extending longitudinally of the duct. Each of the first adsorbent unit and the second adsorbent unit including adsorbent material disposed in a manner to interface with a flow of air directed through the duct for adsorption of a first component of the air and a second component of the air. An amount of the first component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit upstream of the second adsorbent unit being higher than an amount of the first component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit, and an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit upstream of the second adsorbent unit being less than anamount of the second component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit.

[0004] Various embodiments concern an air management system including the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system and the direct air capture module.

[0005] Various embodiments concern a method of direct air capture within a duct of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system. The method including directing a flow of air through an arrangement of a first adsorbent unit and a second adsorbent unit mounted to the duct of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system for adsorption of a first component of the air and a second component of the air, the first adsorbent unit mounted within a first segment of the duct and the second adsorbent unit mounted within a second segment of the duct, each of the first adsorbent unit and the second adsorbent unit being rotatable relative to the duct about a rotational axis extending respectively through the first adsorbent unit and the second adsorbent unit, the rotational axis extending longitudinally of the duct, each of the first adsorbent unit and the second adsorbent unit including adsorbent material disposed in a manner to interface with the flow of air directed through the duct. An amount of the first component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit upstream of the second adsorbent unit being higher than an amount of the first component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit, and an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit upstream of the second adsorbent unit being less than an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit.Brief description of the drawings

[0006] The invention will be better understood with reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the non-limiting examples and the accompanying drawings, in which:- FIG. 1 A shows a side schematic view of a direct air capture module within a duct of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, according to various embodiments;- FIG. IB shows a cross-sectional view of the direct air capture module, within the duct, taken along line A-A of FIG. 1A, according to various embodiments;- FIG. 2A shows a side schematic view of the direct air capture module within the duct of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, the duct being partitioned into a supply air conduit and an exhaust air conduit, according to various embodiments;- FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the direct air capture module within the duct of FIG. 2A, according to various embodiments;- FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an air management system, according to various embodiments; and- FIG. 4 shows a diagram depicting adsorbent material shaped in a wave pattern, according to various embodiments.Detailed description

[0007] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The various embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

[0008] Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar features in the other embodiments. Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the other embodiments, even if not explicitly described in these other embodiments. Furthermore, additions and / or combinations and / or alternatives as described for a feature in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar feature in the other embodiments.

[0009] In the context of various embodiments, the articles “a”, “an” and “the” as used with regard to a feature or element include a reference to one or more of the features or elements.

[0010] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0011] Various embodiments generally relate to a direct air capture (DAC) module which may be combined with a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning (HVAC) system. Accordingly, various embodiments may provide that the operation of DAC, e.g. theadsorption and the regeneration processes, occur continuously and synchronously so as to ensure uninterrupted operation of the HVAC system for providing a comfortable indoor environment for occupants. According to various embodiments, the DAC module may capture components of the air, for example, moisture and / or carbon dioxide (CO2), via adsorption, from ambient air being drawn into (or supplied) to the HVAC system. The adsorption of the moisture may reduce the latent cooling load of the HVAC system. Further, the adsorption of the CO2 may reduce an indoor CO2 level, which may in turn increase the utilization of return air by the HVAC system resulting in higher return air ratio. The higher return air ratio may reduce the amount of fresh ambient air being drawn and cooled by the HVAC. The reduction in latent cooling load and the reduction in the amount of fresh ambient air to be cooled may lead to energy savings which may contribute to indirect carbon footprint reduction. According to various embodiments, the DAC module may also be configured to regenerate and release the captured CO2 back into the atmosphere in order to provide a continuous operation of DAC without expensing energy for CO2 storage or utilization. Therefore, the various embodiments are capable of achieving indirect carbon footprint reduction through energy savings and provide a sustainable and resource-efficient approach to air treatment by adsorption of moisture and CO2 and by regeneration thereof.

[0012] FIG. 1 A shows a side schematic view of a DAC module 120 within a duct 190 of a HVAC system 110, according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. IB shows a cross-sectional view of the DAC module 120, within the duct 190, taken along line A-A of FIG. 1A, according to various embodiments.

[0014] According to various embodiments, there may be provided the DAC module 120 for use with the HVAC system 110. Specifically, the DAC module 120 may be provided or fitted (e.g. removably fitted) to (or within) the duct 190 of the HVAC system 110. The HVAC system 110 may be configured to regulate and move heated / cooled air in an enclosed indoor environment for residential or commercial buildings so as to provide comfortable and acceptable indoor air quality. As some non-limiting examples, the duct 190 may be part of an air distribution system of the HVAC system 110, a framework of an Air Handling Unit (AHU) of the HVAC system 110 (e.g. a duct along or within the AHU), etc. Furthermore, the duct 190 may be, but is not limited to being, a cylindrical duct 190, in other words, defining a cylindrical internal space and having a circular cross-sectional area.

[0015] According to various embodiments, the DAC module 120 may include a first adsorbent unit 122 A and a second adsorbent unit 122B. While various embodiments may be described with reference to the DAC module 120 as having two adsorbent units 122, it is envisaged that, in other implementations, the DAC module 120 may include any other plural number of (e.g. three or more) adsorbent units.

[0016] According to various embodiments, the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B may be, but is not limited to being, identical to each other (e.g. in terms of shape, size, and / or material composition, etc.). For example, with reference to FIG. IB, each adsorbent unit 122 A, 122B may include or may be a wheel structure. Accordingly, each adsorbent unit 122A, 122B may be cylindrical in shape (e.g. resembling a wheel, circular plate, puck, etc., and / or may correspond to a shape or cross-sectional area of a lengthwise segment of the cylindrical duct 190). According to various embodiments, the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B may include adsorbent material for adsorption of components of the air, for example, moisture (H2O) and / or CO2. For example, each wheel structure may be filled with adsorbent material for adsorption of components of the air, for example, moisture and / or CO2. According to various other embodiments, each adsorbent unit 122 A, 122B may be composed of a circular slab of adsorbent material. Each adsorbent unit 122A, 122B having the adsorbent material may be a full-bodied and / or integrally formed adsorbent unit 122A, 122B. Accordingly, a central region (or central portion) of each adsorbent unit 122 A, 122B may be free from any substantially-sized linear openings or linear through-holes (apart from any irregular pores of the adsorbent material, e.g. when the adsorbent material is porous). According to various embodiments, the adsorbent material may be configured for and / or may be capable of adsorption (e.g. co-adsorption) and regeneration of at least two distinct (or different) components of the air that is directed across or passed through the adsorbent unit 122A, 122B (e.g. in a direction parallel to its central axis or a rotational axis 121, described later). In particular, as an example, the adsorbent material may be capable of co-adsorption and regeneration of moisture and CO2. In other words, the adsorbent material may be capable of capturing or adsorption of both moisture and CO2 from air directed across the adsorbent unit 122 A, 122B. According to various embodiments, the adsorbent material may be configured with high moisture and CO2 adsorption capacities. According to various other embodiments, the adsorbent material may be configured for moisture adsorption, with some capacity forC02adsorption. According to various embodiments, the adsorbent material may be porous and / or may be a homogeneous adsorbent material (or material composite). As a non-limiting example, the adsorbent material may be or may include zeolite (or zeolite material).

[0017] According to various embodiments, the first adsorbent unit 122 A may be mountable to the duct 190 of the HVAC system 110, within a first segment (e.g. a first lengthwise segment) of the duct 190 of the HVAC system 110. The second adsorbent unit 122B may be mountable to the duct 190 of the HVAC system 110, within a second segment (e.g. another lengthwise segment) of the duct 190 of the HVAC system 110. Accordingly, the second adsorbent unit 122B may be downstream (e.g. along a flow of supply air into a building) and / or aligned with the first adsorbent unit 122A, within the duct 190 (e.g. a linear duct 190).

[0018] The adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit 122A and the second adsorbent unit 122B may be capable of adsorption of components (e.g. at least two components) of the air, such as moisture and CO2, from air that is directed or that flows across both the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B within the duct 190 (e.g. in a direction parallel to their central axes or a rotational axis 121, described later). Specifically, according to various embodiments, the first adsorbent unit 122 A may be employed primarily for (e.g. to primarily target) adsorption of at least a first component of the air (e.g. moisture) from air (e.g. supply air) directed across it, while a second (downstream) adsorbent unit 122B (or any one or more adsorbent units downstream of the first adsorbent unit 122 A) may be employed primarily for adsorption of at least the second component of the air (e.g. CO2) from the air (e.g. dryer air) which passed through and is leaving the first adsorbent unit 122A. For instance, the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit (122A) may be capable of sorbing, removal, or adsorption (that is, at least partial, substantial, or complete removal or adsorption) (herein, the terms “sorbing”, “removal”, and “adsorption” may be used interchangeably) of the first component of the air (e.g. moisture) as the air is initially directed or passed through the first adsorbent unit (122A), and the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit (122B) may be capable of sorbing, removal, or adsorption (that is, at least partial, substantial, or complete removal or adsorption) of a second component of the air (e.g. CO2, or any other component distinct from the first component of the air) as the air (i.e. leaving or exiting the first adsorbent unit (122A)) is subsequently directed or passed through the second adsorbent unit (122B). More specifically, according to variousembodiments, with the first adsorbent unit (122A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) respectively mounted to the duct (190), the first adsorbent unit (122A) may be upstream of the second adsorbent unit (122B) relative to a direction of a flow of air directed through the first adsorbent unit (122A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) within the duct (190). In this arrangement, the flow of the air would pass through the first adsorbent unit (122A) before, subsequently, passing through the second adsorbent unit (122B). In this configuration, the air passing through the first adsorption unit (122A) may undergo adsorption of at least the first component of the air, via the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit (122A), such that the air leaving the first adsorption unit (122A) may have a decreased amount of the first component of the air. Furthermore, the air leaving the first adsorption unit (122A) and having the decreased amount of the first component of the air, which subsequently passes through the second adsorbent unit (122B), may undergo a higher degree of adsorption of the second component of the air, via the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit (122B), compared to the air which passed through the first adsorption unit (122A). Thus, according to various embodiments, an amount of the first component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit (122A) (e.g. an amount of the first component of the air adsorbed per unit weight of the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit (122A), whereby the amount of the first component of the air may be measured in terms of moles, grams, volume, etc.) upstream of the second adsorbent unit (122B) may be higher than an amount of the first component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit (122B) (e.g. an amount of the first component of the air adsorbed per unit weight of the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit (122B), whereby the amount of the first component of the air may be measured in terms of moles, grams, volume, etc.). Furthermore, an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) (e.g. an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed per unit weight of the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit (122A), whereby the amount of the second component of the air may be measured in terms of moles, grams, volume, etc.) upstream of the second adsorbent unit (122B) may be less than an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit (122B) (e.g. an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed per unit weight of the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit (122B), whereby the amount of the second component of the air maybe measured in terms of moles, grams, volume, etc.). Accordingly, the adsorbent units 122A, 122B may cooperate to perform (e.g. concurrently perform) adsorption of at least two distinct components of the air (or components from a same and / or a single airflow, e.g. flowing in a single direction, across the adsorbent units 122A, 122B). In this manner, the second adsorbent unit 122B (i.e. positioned downstream of the first adsorbent unit 122 A within the duct 190) may capture at least the second component of the air (e.g. CO2) with enhanced effectiveness and efficiency, thereby augmenting the overall adsorption performance of the DAC module 120.

[0019] FIG. 2 A shows a side schematic view of a DAC module 120 within a duct 190 of the HVAC system 110, the duct 190 being partitioned into a supply air conduit 112 and an exhaust air conduit 114, according to various embodiments. FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the DAC module 120 within the duct 190 of FIG. 2 A, according to various embodiments.

[0020] According to various embodiments, an internal space of the duct 190 may include or may define the supply air conduit 112 (e.g. pathway) for a first airflow (e.g. for taking in ambient air) and the exhaust air conduit 114 for a second airflow (e.g. for exhaust air to be expelled into an ambient environment). The supply air conduit 112 and the exhaust air conduit 114 may be alongside each other, according to various embodiments. For example, according to various embodiments, the duct 190 may be partitioned (e.g. by a partition or baffle 105) longitudinally or lengthwise, such that a portion (e.g. half) of the duct 190 may be the supply air conduit 112 and another portion (e.g. another half) of the duct 190 may be the exhaust air conduit 114.

[0021] With reference to FIG. 2A, the first adsorbent unit 122A and the second adsorbent unit 122B may respectively extend substantially across the first segment and the second segment of the duct 190. In this manner, a region (e.g. half or a portion) of the first adsorbent unit 122A may be in (e.g. so as to be within only) the supply air conduit 112, while another region (e.g. remaining half or remaining portion) of the first adsorbent unit 122 A may be in the exhaust air conduit 114. Likewise, a region (e.g. half or a portion) of the second adsorbent unit 122B may be in the supply air conduit 112, while another region (e.g. remaining half or a remaining portion) of the second adsorbent unit 122B may be in the exhaust air conduit 114.

[0022] According to various embodiments, each of the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B may be rotatable relative to the duct 190 about a rotational axis 121. Hence, each of the first adsorbent unit 122A and the second adsorbent unit 122B may be rotated (e.g. independently) relative to the duct 190 about the rotational axis 121. The rotational axis 121 (e.g. a linear rotational axis 121) may be extending respectively through both the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B, in particular, through a center of each of the first adsorbent unit 122A and the second adsorbent unit 122B. Furthermore, the rotational axis 121 may be extending longitudinally or lengthwise of the duct 190. According to various embodiments, the rotational axis 121 may be parallel and / or coincident with a longitudinal axis 190a of the duct 190. According to various embodiments, the DAC module 120 may include one or more actuators (not shown). The one or more actuators may be coupled to the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B of the DAC module 120 for actuating (e.g. rotating) each of the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B. Accordingly, each adsorbent unit 122 A, 122B may be actuated or rotated via rotating the adsorbent unit 122 A, 122B. Hence, the one or more actuators may impart a rotation motion to each (or any one or both) adsorbent unit 122 A, 122B to cause respective regions (or each region) of the adsorbent unit 122 A, 122B to rotate (e.g. selectively / independently rotate) through, or cycle sequentially between, the supply air conduit 112 and the exhaust air conduit 114. According to various embodiments, the first adsorbent unit 122 A may be rotated or actuatable independently of the second adsorbent unit 122B, and vice versa.

[0023] According to various embodiments, the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B may be disposed in a manner to interface with a flow of air directed through the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B (e.g. in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 121). In particular, when the duct 190 is partitioned into the supply air conduit 112 and the exhaust air conduit 114, the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B may be disposed in a manner (i) to interface with a flow of supply air that is directed through the first and second adsorbent units 122A, 122B (e.g. in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 121) for adsorption of components of the air, such as moisture and CO2, when the adsorbent material is cycled or moved (e.g. rotated) into the supply air conduit 112 of the duct 190 and (ii) to interface with a flow of exhaust (or return) air that is directed through the first andsecond adsorbent units 122A, 122B when the adsorbent material is cycled into the exhaust air conduit 114 of the duct 190. As an illustration, the aforementioned regions of the first and second adsorbent units 122A, 122B (i.e. that may initially be within the supply air conduit 112) may be capable of moisture and CO2 adsorption from a flow of supply air that flows across those regions of the first and second adsorbent units 122A, 122B (e.g. in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 121). Thereafter (e.g. after those regions are saturated with CO2 and / or moisture), those regions of the first and second adsorbent units 122A, 122B may be cycled to the exhaust air conduit 114 (e.g. where they may be heated, for instance, by a heating arrangement, a heater, heated stream of air, etc.) to regenerate those regions of the first and second adsorbent units 122 A, 122B, before they may be cycled to the supply air conduit 112 again (e.g. for a new adsorption cycle). Accordingly, the DAC module 120, according to the various embodiments, may sustain continuous adsorption and regeneration by actuating each of the adsorbent unit 122 A, 122B to shuttle each region of the adsorbent unit 122 between the supply air conduit 112 for adsorption and the exhaust air conduit 114 for regeneration.

[0024] According to various embodiments, each of the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B may be configured to be rotatable about the rotational axis 121 at a plurality of discrete rotational steps. Hence, each of the first adsorbent unit 122A and the second adsorbent unit 122B may be rotated about the rotational axis (121) at a plurality of discrete rotational steps. As some non-limiting examples, each discrete rotational step of each adsorbent unit 122A, 122B may correspond to approximately 45°, 90°, any value less than 180°, 180°, or any suitable value. Additionally, according to various embodiments, a rotation frequency of each adsorbent unit 122A, 122B may be aligned with a regeneration time (e.g. occurring within the exhaust air conduit 114). In particular, as an example, a frequency of rotation of each adsorbent unit 122A, 122B by a single discrete rotational step may be based on a duration it takes for regeneration of the adsorbent material of the adsorbent unit 122 A, 122B to be performed or complete. Accordingly, adsorption and regeneration processes may occur continuously and synchronously with the DAC module 120 within the HVAC system 110. According to various embodiments, synchronization of the adsorption time / phase and regeneration time / phase may result in maintenance of an efficient regeneration process and may uphold overall performance of the DAC module 120 within the HVAC system 110. According to various embodiments, each adsorbent unit122A, 122B may be, but is not limited to being, rotatable in a single (e.g. clockwise) rotational direction.

[0025] According to various embodiments, each adsorbent unit 122A, 122B may be heated within the exhaust air conduit 114, for regenerating the adsorbent material, at or to a temperature that falls within a range of 40°C to 70°C, in particular, within a range of 50°C to 60°C or, more specifically, at or to a temperature of 60°C (or substantially 60°C). According to various embodiments, at these temperatures, the regeneration process may at least release most or all moisture trapped within the adsorbent material. As a result, the entire regeneration process may be less energy-intensive, requiring lower heat input and operating temperatures.

[0026] As an example, the exhaust or return air, within the exhaust air conduit 114, which is directed across the first and second adsorbent units 122A, 122B may be at the temperature that falls within the range of 40°C to 70°C. Accordingly, this stream of (relatively hot) exhaust or return air within the exhaust air conduit 114 may heat the adsorbent units 122 A, 122B (e.g. regions thereof) within the exhaust air conduit 114 to the temperature for regeneration.

[0027] As another example, according to various embodiments, the DAC module 120 may include (e.g. optionally or further include) a heating arrangement 129 (see FIG. 3) to support regeneration of the adsorbent units 122A, 122B (e.g. when the adsorbent units 122A, 122B is saturated after adsorption of components of the air). The heating arrangement 129 may provide heat to the adsorbent units 122 A, 122B such that the component(s) the of air, such as moisture and / or CO2, may be released from the adsorbent units 122A, 122B for regeneration. The heating arrangement 129 may be mountable to the duct 190 of the HVAC system 110, within the exhaust air conduit 114 of the duct 190 of the HVAC system 110. For instance, the heating arrangement 129 may include a first heater disposed in the exhaust air conduit 114 of the duct 190 in or along a sector of the first segment of the duct 190 (i.e. where the first adsorbent unit 122A may be situated) and a second heater disposed in the exhaust air conduit 114 of the duct 190 in or along a sector of the second segment of the duct 190 (i.e. where the second adsorbent unit 122B may be situated). According to various embodiments, the heating arrangement 129 may be operable to heat the aforementioned sectors of the first segment and the second segment of the duct 190 in a manner such that the aforementioned sectors of the first segment and the second segment of the duct 190 withthe heating arrangement 129 may define a pair of heating-and-regeneration zones. As an example, the pair of heating-and-regeneration zones may respectively correspond to (e.g. cover or encompass) a pair of wedge-shaped sectors (e.g. identically or similarly shaped and / or sized sectors) of the first segment and the second segment of the duct 190. Furthermore, the pair of heating-and-regeneration zones may be aligned with each other along the exhaust air conduit 114 of the duct 190. Accordingly, according to various embodiments, the heating arrangement 129 may be configured to heat at least a sub-region of the region of the first adsorbent unit 122 A within the exhaust air conduit 114 and a subregion of the region of the second adsorbent unit 122B within the exhaust air conduit 114, which are within the pair of heating-and-regeneration zones. According to various embodiments, the heating arrangement 129 may be configured to heat the heating-and- regeneration zones (and corresponding sub-regions of the adsorbent units 122 A, 122B therewithin) at the temperature that falls within the range of 40°C to 70°C for regeneration. According to various embodiments, rotating each of the first adsorbent unit (122A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) (e.g. independently) about the rotational axis (121) may be based on a duration for the regeneration of the sub-region of the region of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the sub-region of the region of the second adsorbent unit (122B).

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a side schematic diagram of an air management system 100, according to various embodiments.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the HVAC system 110 having the duct 190 and the DAC module 120 mounted to the HVAC system 110 may together form, or be part of, an air management system 100.

[0030] With reference to FIG. 3, according to various embodiments, the air management system 100 (or the HVAC system 110 of the air management system 100) may further include a heat exchanger 182 and / or a heating / cooling coil 184. As shown in FIG. 3, the ambient air drawn into the supply air conduit 112 may pass through the adsorbent units 122A, 122B followed by the heat exchanger 182 and the heating / cooling coil 184 before being supplied to the indoor environment. As shown, the DAC module 120 may include at least two adsorbent units 122A, 122B upstream of the heat exchanger 182 and / or the heating / cooling coil 184. In other words, the heat exchanger 182 and / or the heating / cooling coil 184 may be positioned downstream of the second adsorbent unit 122B of the DAC module 120.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the HVAC system 110 may draw indoor air from the indoor environment and channel some indoor air as return air to the heat exchanger 182 and / or the heating / cooling coil 184 of the air management system 100 (or the HVAC system 110 of the air management system 100) (see arrow 186). The remaining indoor air may be directed into the exhaust air conduit 114 for flowing out into the ambient environment.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the air management system 100 (or the DAC module 120 itself) may further include a controller 124 (see FIG. 3) configured to control any one or more or all components of the DAC module 120, such as the first and second adsorbent units 122A, 122B (e.g. to control rotation or rotational steps thereof), the heating arrangement 129, the actuators, etc. According to various embodiments, the controller 124 and / or any one or more or all other components of the DAC module 120 may be in communication (e.g. interconnected) with the HVAC system’s 110 controls, thereby ensuring synchronized operation and seamless communication. Such integration may allow for efficient monitoring and regulation, optimizing energy consumption and performance.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a diagram depicting adsorbent material of an adsorbent unit 122 shaped in a wave pattern, according to various embodiments.

[0034] According to various embodiments, each of the first adsorbent unit 122A and the second adsorbent unit 122B may include sheets of the adsorbent material arranged or packed together. The sheets of the adsorbent material may be oriented substantially parallel to the rotational axis 121 of each of the first adsorbent unit 122A and the second adsorbent unit 122B. Each sheet of the adsorbent material may be in the form of an undulated sheet or formed in (or according to, following, etc.) a wave pattern, as shown in FIG. 4. More specifically, a shape (e.g. wavy shape) of each sheet of the adsorbent material of each of the first adsorbent unit 122A and the second adsorbent unit 122B may resemble a sine wave having a series of smooth continuous curves. According to various embodiments, each sheet of the adsorbent material having the form of the wave pattern may have at least one peak formation 25 (or a plurality of peak formations) and at least one trough formation 26 (or a plurality of trough formations), as shown in FIG. 4, which are alternating each other from a first side 21 (or surface) of the adsorbent unit 122A, 122B to an opposite second side 22 of the adsorbent unit 122 A, 122B. According to various embodiments, the first side 21 of the adsorbent unit 122A, 122B and the opposite second side 22 of the adsorbent unit 122A,122B may be perpendicular to the rotational axis 121. In this manner, the sheets of the adsorbent material having the form of the wave pattern may lead to a more extensive surface area and a longer airflow path for air directed across each of the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B, thereby leading to improved adsorption and / or regeneration efficiency. Furthermore, the sheets of the adsorbent material having the form of the wave pattern, having smooth curves, may lead to a more gradual transition for air as it flows through or across each of the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B, thereby reducing pressure drop and minimizing any energy consumption. The sinusoidal channels (e.g. of the wave pattern) may also facilitate uniform airflow distribution across the surface (or surfaces) of each of the first adsorbent unit 122 A and the second adsorbent unit 122B as well as maximize contact between the air and the adsorbent material.

[0035] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modification, variation in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A direct air capture module (120) for use with a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) having a duct (190), the direct air capture module (120) comprising: an arrangement of a first adsorbent unit (122A) and a second adsorbent unit (122B) mountable to the duct (190) of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110), the first adsorbent unit (122 A) being mountable within a first segment of the duct (190) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) being mountable within a second segment of the duct (190); wherein each of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) is rotatable relative to the duct (190) about a rotational axis (121) extending respectively through the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B), wherein the rotational axis (121) extends longitudinally of the duct (190); wherein each of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) comprises adsorbent material disposed in a manner to interface with a flow of air directed through the duct (190) for adsorption of a first component of the air and a second component of the air; and wherein an amount of the first component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) upstream of the second adsorbent unit (122B) is higher than an amount of the first component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit (122B), and an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) upstream of the second adsorbent unit (122B) is less than an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit (122B).

2. The direct air capture module (120) of claim 1, wherein the first component of the air is moisture; andwherein the second component of the air is carbon dioxide.

3. The direct air capture module (120) of claim 1, wherein each of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) comprises sheets of the adsorbent material, each sheet being shaped in a wave pattern comprising at least one peak formation (25) and at least one trough formation (26) which are alternating each other from a first side (21) of the adsorbent unit (122 A, 122B) to an opposite second side (22) of the adsorbent unit (122 A, 122B), wherein the first side (21) of the adsorbent unit (122A, 122B) and the opposite second side (22) of the adsorbent unit (122 A, 122B) are perpendicular to the rotational axis (121) thereof.

4. The direct air capture module (120) of claim 1, wherein the duct (190) is partitioned longitudinally into a supply air conduit (112) and an exhaust air conduit (114); wherein a region of the first adsorbent unit (122A) is within the supply air conduit (112) while another region of the first adsorbent unit (122A) is within the exhaust air conduit (114); and wherein a region of the second adsorbent unit (122B) is within the supply air conduit (112) while another region of the second adsorbent unit (122B) is within the exhaust air conduit (114).

5. The direct air capture module (120) of claim 4, further comprising: a heating arrangement (129) mountable to the duct (190) of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) within the exhaust air conduit (114) of the duct (190); wherein the heating arrangement (129) is configured to heat at least a sub-region of the region of the first adsorbent unit (122A) within the exhaust air conduit (114) and asub-region of the region of the second adsorbent unit (122B) within the exhaust air conduit (H4).

6. The direct air capture module (120) of claim 5, wherein the heating arrangement (129) is configured to heat at least the sub-region of the region of the first adsorbent unit (122A) within the exhaust air conduit (114) and the sub-region of the region of the second adsorbent unit (122B) within the exhaust air conduit (114) to a temperature that falls within a range of 40°C to 70°C.

7. The direct air capture module (120) of claim 1, wherein each of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) comprises a zeolite material.

8. The direct air capture module (120) of claim 1, wherein each of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) is configured to be rotatable about the rotational axis (121) at a plurality of discrete rotational steps.

9. An air management system (100) comprising: a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) having a duct (190); and a direct air capture module (120) comprising: an arrangement of a first adsorbent unit (122 A) and a second adsorbent unit (122B) mounted to the duct (190) of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110), the first adsorbent unit (122A) mounted within a first segment of the duct (190) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) mounted within a second segment of the duct (190),wherein each of the first adsorbent unit (122A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) is rotatable relative to the duct (190) about a rotational axis (121) extending respectively through the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B), wherein the rotational axis (121) extends longitudinally of the duct (190), wherein each of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) comprises adsorbent material disposed in a manner to interface with a flow of air directed through the duct (190) for adsorption of a first component of the air and a second component of the air, and wherein an amount of the first component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit (122A) upstream of the second adsorbent unit (122B) is higher than an amount of the first component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit (122B), and an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit (122A) upstream of the second adsorbent unit (122B) is less than an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit (122B).

10. The air management system (100) of claim 9, further comprising: a heat exchanger (182) downstream of the second adsorbent unit (122B) of the direct air capture module (120).

11. A method of direct air capture within a duct (190) of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110), the method comprising: directing a flow of air through an arrangement of a first adsorbent unit (122 A) and a second adsorbent unit (122B) mounted to the duct (190) of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) for adsorption of a first component of the air and a second component of the air, wherein the first adsorbent unit (122A) is mounted within a first segment of the duct (190) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) is mounted within asecond segment of the duct (190), wherein each of the first adsorbent unit (122A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) is rotatable relative to the duct (190) about a rotational axis (121) extending respectively through the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B), wherein the rotational axis (121) extends longitudinally of the duct (190), wherein each of the first adsorbent unit (122A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) comprises adsorbent material disposed in a manner to interface with the flow of air directed through the duct (190); wherein an amount of the first component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit (122A) upstream of the second adsorbent unit (122B) is higher than an amount of the first component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit (122B), and an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the first adsorbent unit (122A) upstream of the second adsorbent unit (122B) is less than an amount of the second component of the air adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the second adsorbent unit (122B).

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: rotating each of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) about the rotational axis (121) at a plurality of discrete rotational steps.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: independently rotating each of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) respectively about the rotational axis (121) to cause a region of the adsorbent unit (122 A, 122B) to cycle between a supply air conduit (112) of the duct (190) and an exhaust air conduit (114) of the duct; wherein the duct (190) is partitioned longitudinally into the supply air conduit (112) and the exhaust air conduit (114).

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:heating at least a sub-region of the region of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and a sub-region of the region of the second adsorbent unit (122B) respectively within the exhaust air conduit (114) to a temperature that falls within a range of 40°C to 70°C for regenerating the sub-region of the region of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the subregion of the region of the second adsorbent unit (122B).

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: independently rotating each of the first adsorbent unit (122A) and the second adsorbent unit (122B) about the rotational axis (121) based on a duration for the regeneration of the sub-region of the region of the first adsorbent unit (122 A) and the subregion of the region of the second adsorbent unit (122B) respectively.

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