Air management system and method of controlling the air management system

Abstract

An air management system (100, 300) including a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) having a supply air conduit (112) for taking in ambient air; and a direct air capture module (120) including one or more adsorbent units (122), each adsorbent unit (122) being actuable to dispose at least one region of the adsorbent unit (122) in the supply air conduit (112) so as to expose the at least one region of the adsorbent unit (122) to a flow of the ambient air along the supply air conduit (122) for adsorption, wherein the direct air capture module (120) is selectively switchable between an active state for supporting adsorption in the supply air conduit (112) and an inactive state for omitting adsorption in the supply air conduit (112) based on one or more properties of the ambient air entering the supply air conduit (112).

Description

AIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE AIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEMTechnical field

[0001] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to an air management system and a method of controlling the air management 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 contribute to 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 an air management system. The air management system including a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system having a supply air conduit for taking in ambient air; and a direct air capture module including one or more adsorbent units. Each adsorbent unit being actuable to dispose at least one region of the adsorbent unit in the supply air conduit so as to expose the at least one region of the adsorbent unit to a flow of the ambient air along the supply air conduit for adsorption. The direct air capture module being selectively switchable between an active state for supporting adsorption in the supply air conduit and an inactive state for omitting adsorption in the supply air conduit based on one or more properties of the ambient air entering the supply air conduit.

[0004] Various embodiments concern a method of controlling an air management system. The method including selectively switching a direct air capture module of the air management system between an active state for supporting adsorption in a supply air conduit of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system of the air management system and an inactive state for omitting adsorption in the supply air conduit of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system of the air management system based on one or more properties of ambient air drawn in through the supply air conduit. The direct air capture module includes one or more adsorbent units, each adsorbent unit being actuable to dispose at least one region of theadsorbent unit in the supply air conduit so as to expose the at least one region of the adsorbent unit to a flow of the ambient air along the supply air conduit for adsorption.Brief description of the drawings

[0005] 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 shows a schematic diagram of an air management system according to various embodiments;- FIG. 2 shows a control strategy of the air management system of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments;- FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an air management system according to various embodiments; and- FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a supply air conduit, an exhaust air conduit, and adsorbent units of the air management system of FIG. 3 according to various embodiments.Detailed description

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0010] Various embodiments generally relate to an air management system. In particular, various embodiments generally relate to an air management system employing the use of direct air capture (DAC) technology to harness the advantage thereof so as to indirectly reduce carbon footprint in the air management system. The indirect carbon footprint reduction may be achieved through energy savings, with a focus on saving latent cooling load of inlet air with the application of DAC.

[0011] According to various embodiments, the air management system may synergistically combine a DAC module with a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning (HVAC) system. Accordingly, various embodiments may provide that the operation of DAC, e.g. the adsorption and the regeneration processes, occur continuously and synchronously in the air management system 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, e.g moisture and 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 shows a schematic diagram of an air management system 100 according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the air management system 100 may include a 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 commercialbuildings so as to provide comfortable and acceptable indoor air quality. The HVAC system 110 may include a supply air conduit 112 for taking in ambient air. The ambient air may be air outside of the HVAC system 110 and the enclosed environment regulated by the HVAC system 110. The drawing in of ambient air may provide a fresh supply of air for the HVAC system 110 to regulate the indoor air quality.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the air management system 100 may include a DAC module 120. The DAC module 120 may include one or more adsorbent units 122. The one or more adsorbent units 122 may be configured to capture one or two or more components of the air, e.g. moisture and / or CO2, via adsorption. For example, the one or more adsorbent units 122 may include adsorbent materials capable of co-adsorption of moisture (H2O) and CO2. According to various embodiments, each adsorbent unit 122 may be actuable to dispose at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 in the supply air conduit 112 of the HVAC system 110. When the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 is in the supply air conduit 112 of the HVAC system 110, the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 may be exposed to a flow of the ambient air along the supply air conduit 112 as the HVAC system 110 draws in fresh supply of ambient air. With the flow of ambient air passing through the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122, adsorption (e.g. of moisture and / or CO2) may occur. Accordingly, an air supply for the HVAC system 110 that has passed through the adsorbent unit 122 of the DAC module 120 may have reduced moisture and / or reduced CO2. According to various embodiments, in order for the DAC module 120 to sustain continuous adsorption for a continuous flow of ambient air along the supply air conduit 112 of the HVAC system 110, the one or more adsorbent units 122 may be actuated so as to move the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 into the supply air conduit 112 for adsorption and out of the supply air conduit 122 for regeneration when the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 is saturated. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the adsorbent unit 122 in solid line shows the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 being moved into the supply air conduit 112 for adsorption, and the adsorbent unit 122 in broken line shows the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 being moved out of the supply air conduit 112 for regeneration, whereby the double arrow illustrates an exemplary movement. Further, when moving the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 out of the supply air conduit 122, another region of the adsorbent unit 122 or another adsorbent unit 122 may be moved into the supply air conduit 112 so as to facilitate continuous adsorption to take place in the supply air conduit 122.

[0014] According to various embodiments, the DAC module 120 may be selectively switchable between an active state and an inactive state (or selectively set in the active state or the inactive state). In the active state, the DAC module 120 may support continuous adsorption in the supply air conduit 112 of the HVAC system 110. Accordingly, the DAC module 120 may actively control, move and / or synchronize the one or more adsorbent units 122 into and out of the supply air conduit 112 of the HVAC system 110 to ensure adsorption continuously take place in the supply air conduit 112 as the HVAC system 110 continuously drawn in ambient air, while regeneration of the one or more adsorbent units 122 continuously takes place outside of the supply air conduit 112. In the inactive state, the DAC module 120 may be inactivated or become dormant or be idling such that adsorption may be omitted or ignored or bypassed or dismissed from the supply air conduit 112 whereby the flow of ambient air may flow through the supply air conduit 112 without adsorption occurring. Hence, the DAC module 120 in the inactive state may not cause adsorption to take place in the supply air conduit 112 and the ambient air may be directly supplied “as is” to the HVAC system 110 without undergoing adsorption. According to various embodiments, when the DAC module 120 is in the inactive state, the one or more adsorbent units 122 may be moved out of the supply air conduit 112 and / or be left in the supply air conduit 112 to become saturated such that adsorption may no longer take place.

[0015] According to various embodiments, the DAC module 120 may be selectively switchable between the active state and the inactive state based on one or more properties of the ambient air entering the supply air conduit 112. Climatic conditions and / or seasonality may result in changes to the one or more properties of the ambient air. The one or more properties of ambient air may include, but not limited to, temperature, dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperature, vapor pressure, relative humidity, specific humidity, dew point temperature, enthalpy, or mixing ratio. Depending on the climate and / or season, there will be variation in the one or more properties of ambient air throughout the year. In particular, fluctuation in the temperature and / or humidity level of the ambient air may affect the performance of the DAC module 120 in the air management system 100 of the various embodiments. Accordingly, the DAC module 120 may be selectively switched between an active state and an inactive state based on one or more properties of the ambient air entering the supply air conduit 112 to adapt to the climatic and seasonal changes for adjusting the operation of the air management system 100 to maximize energy efficiency and maintain indoor comfort. Hence, when the ambient airis of a condition (based on the one or more properties of the ambient air) whereby the synergy between the DAC module 120 and the HVAC system 110 (in operation together), may result in energy savings contributing to both cost-efficiency and environmental sustainability, the DAC module 120 may be set in or switched to the active state. On the other hand, when it is more efficient and energy saving to run the HVAC system 110 without the DAC module 120, the DAC module 120 may be set in or switched to the inactive state.

[0016] According to various embodiments, the DAC module 120 may include a controller 124. The controller 124 may receive the one or more properties of the ambient air as inputs for determining whether the DAC module 120 should be in the active state or the inactive state. Accordingly, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may determine and control the DAC module 120 to be in the active state or the inactive state based on the one or more properties of the ambient air received as inputs. According to some embodiments, the DAC module 120 may include a sensing arrangement 126 disposed along the supply air conduit 112 upstream of the one or more adsorbent units 122 of the DAC module 120. The sensing arrangement 126 may measure the one or more properties of the ambient air and provide the measured data to the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 for determining and controlling whether the DAC module 120 should be in the active state or the inactive state. According to some embodiments, the DAC module 120 may include a user interface whereby a user may manually input the one or more properties of the ambient air for providing to the controller 124 of the DAC module 120. According to some embodiments, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may be connected to a network and the controller 124 may obtain the one or more properties of the ambient air from a meteorological website through the network or from a meteorological station connected to the network.

[0017] According to various embodiments, the DAC module 120 may include one or more actuators 128. The one or more actuators 128 may be coupled to the one or more adsorbent units 122 of the DAC module 120 for actuating and / or moving the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 (or the adsorbent unit 122) into the supply air conduit 112 of the HVAC system 110 for adsorption and out of the supply air conduit 112 of the HVAC system 110 for regeneration. According to various embodiments, when the DAC module 120 is in the active state, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may control the one or more actuators 128 of the DAC module 120 so as to coordinate and synchronize the movement of the one or more adsorbent units 122 to ensure continuous adsorption takes place in the supply air conduit 112.According to various embodiments, when the DAC module 120 is in the inactive state, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may cease control of the one or more actuators 128 of the DAC module 120 so as to leave the one or more actuators 128 of the DAC module 120 in the supply air conduit 112 or out of the supply air conduit 112, or the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may control the one or more actuators 128 of the DAC module 120 to move out of the supply air conduit 112 without returning.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a control strategy 201 of the air management system 100 of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the control strategy 201 may be implemented by the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 for selectively switching the DAC module 120 between the active state and the inactive state (or setting the DAC module 120 in the active state or the inactive state) based on the one or more properties of the ambient air entering the supply air conduit 112. As shown in FIG. 2, the one or more properties of the ambient air may include a temperature of the ambient air, Tamb, and a relative humidity of the ambient air, RHamb. As shown, in step 203, the DAC module 120 may receive the Tamb and RHamb as inputs. For example, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may receive the Tamb and RHamb as inputs. Based on the values of the Tamb and RHamb with reference to a threshold temperature range and / or a threshold humidity respectively, the DAC module 120 (or the controller 124 of the DAC module 120) may determine and control the DAC module 120 to be in the active state or the inactive state. The threshold temperature range may include a range of temperature from a predetermined minimum threshold temperature, Topt - 5 (i.e. an optimum temperature minus a predetermined variation), to a predetermined maximum threshold temperature, Topt + 6 (i.e. the optimum temperature plus a predetermined variation), inclusive. As an example, the threshold temperature range may be from 24°C to 26°C (i.e. Topt = 25°C and 8 = 1°C), or 23°C to 27°C (i.e. Topt= 25°C and 8 = 2°C), or 22°C to 28°C (i.e. Topt= 25°C and 8 = 3°C). As another example, the threshold temperature range may be from 25°C to 27°C (i.e. Topt = 26°C and 8 = 1°C), or 24°C to 28°C (i.e. Topt= 26°C and 8 = 2°C), or 23°C to 29°C (i.e. ToPt = 26°C and 8 = 3°C). As yet another example, the threshold temperature range may be from 23°C to 25°C (i.e. Topt = 24°C and 8 = 1°C), or 22°C to 26°C (i.e. Topt = 24°C and 8 = 2°C), or 21°C to 27°C (i.e. Topt = 24°C and 8 = 3°C). An optimum threshold humidity, RHoPt, may be a single value threshold or a threshold range. As an example, when RHopt is a threshold range, the RHopt may range from 45% to 55%, or 44% to 56%, or 43% to 57%, or42% to 58%, or 41% to 59%, or 40% to 60%. As another example, when RHopt is a single value threshold, the RHopt may be a value within 45% and 55% inclusive.

[0019] Referring to step 231, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 determines that the Tamb is within the threshold temperature range from the predetermined minimum threshold temperature to the predetermined maximum threshold temperature inclusive (i.e. greater or equal to the predetermined minimum threshold temperature, > Topt - 6, and less or equal to the predetermined maximum threshold temperature, < Topt + 6). The controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may then proceed to step 233 and conclude that the ambient air is in a “comfort zone” providing comfortable condition. The “comfort zone” may represent conditions whereby indoor comfort can already be achieved by the ambient air, i.e. falling within a desired comfort temperature and humidity. Accordingly, indoor comfort may be maintained via natural ventilation without additional dehumidification or cooling. Additionally, within the comfort zone, the ambient air may be within the desired comfort temperature while humidity levels may not always align perfectly with comfort standards. However, the ambient conditions within this desired comfort temperature range generally yield moderate humidity levels. Hence, this natural balance may also allow for capitalizing of the ambient environment to regulate indoor conditions with minimal energy consumption. Therefore, when the ambient air is in the “comfort zone”, the DAC module 120 may be kept inactive. Accordingly, with the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 determining the ambient air to be in the “comfort zone”, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may further proceed to step 235 to switch the DAC module 120 to the inactive state (or set the DAC module 120 in the inactive state).

[0020] Referring to step 241, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 determines that the Tamb is greater than the predetermined maximum threshold temperature, > Topt + 6, and RHamb is greater than a predetermined threshold humidity, RHopt (i.e. an optimum relative humidity). The controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may then proceed to step 243 and conclude that the ambient air is in a “cooling and dehumidification zone” whereby the ambient air has high temperatures and elevated humidity levels (akin to hot and humid weather) requiring both cooling and dehumidification for maintaining indoor comfort. In such conditions, the DAC module 120 may remove moisture and CO2 from the ambient air supply so as to reduce the load on the HVAC system 110. As a result, the HVAC system 110 may consume significantly lower energy in such hot and humid environment. Accordingly, with the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 determining the ambient air to be in the “cooling and dehumidification zone”,the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may further proceed to step 245 to switch the DAC module 120 to the active state (or set the DAC module 120 in the active state).

[0021] Referring to step 251, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 determines that the Tamb is less than the predetermined minimum threshold temperature, < Topt - 5. The controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may then proceed to step 253 and conclude that the ambient air is in a “heating zone” whereby the ambient air indicates cold weather conditions that requires heating. In such conditions, the DAC module 120 may enhance energy efficiency. During the adsorption process, the DAC module 120 may harness adsorption heat, which may be employed for heating purposes. The heat absorbed by the flow of ambient air in the supply air conduit 112 may lead to a reduction of energy consumption by the heating coil of the HVAC system 110. Thus, operating the DAC module 120 together with the HVAC system 110 during cold weather conditions may contribute to cost-efficiency and environmental sustainability. Accordingly, with the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 determining the ambient air to be in the “heating zone”, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may further proceed to step 255 to switch the DAC module 120 to the active state (or set the DAC module 120 in the active state).

[0022] However, operating the DAC module 120 during cold weather conditions may potentially risk over-dehumidification of the indoor condition. In light of this risk, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may proceed to step 261 to compares an amount of adsorption heat generated from the adsorption in the supply air conduit 112 against an amount of heating demand of the HVAC system 110. As an example, the amount of adsorption heat may be measured using sensors deployed at the one or more adsorbent units 122 of the DAC module 120 and / or the amount of heating demand may be based on temperature difference between the ambient air and the desired indoor temperature. With the difference between the amount of adsorption heat and the amount of heating demand determined, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may proceed to the next step to adjust the adsorption in the supply air conduit 112 so as to maintain an equilibrium between the amount of adsorption heat and the amount of heating demand. For example, when the amount of adsorption heat is greater than the amount of heating demand, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may proceed to step 263 to (i) actuate or move the one or more adsorbent units 122 to position regions with higher temperatures in the supply air conduit 112 of the HVAC system 110, and / or (ii) adjust the fans of the HVAC system 110 to introduce more cooler ambient air to counterbalance the effects ofoverheating and excessive dehumidification. Further, when the amount of adsorption heat is less than the amount of heating demand, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may proceed to step 265 to control a water sprayer for spraying water into the supply air conduit 112 upstream of the one or more adsorbent units 122 so as to enhance moisture adsorption to increase the amount of adsorption heat. Subsequently, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may proceed to step 267 to maintain optimal operating conditions for the DAC module 120, whereby the amount of adsorption heat is in equilibrium with the amount of heating demand. According to various embodiments, other approach for mitigating over- dehumidification during cold weather conditions may include using specialized sorbents having the capacity to selectively adsorb CO2 while allowing moisture to pass through during cold weather conditions. By implementing such sorbents, the DAC module 120 may provide heating benefits without the adverse impact of over-dehumidification.

[0023] Referring to step 271, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 determines that the Tamb is greater than the predetermined maximum threshold temperature, > Topt + 6, and RHamb is less than the predetermined threshold humidity, RHopt (i. e. the optimum relative humidity). The controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may then proceed to step 273 and conclude that the ambient air is in a “cooling zone” whereby the ambient air indicates hot and dry weather conditions that requires cooling. In such conditions, the DAC module 120 may further evaluate the energy savings in order to determine whether the DAC module 120 should be in the active state or the inactive state. Accordingly, with the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 determining the ambient air to be in the “cooling zone”, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may further proceed to step 275 to compares an amount of energy saving from higher return air ratio (i.e. Esimng) against an amount of additional energy required for cooling due to adsorption heat and regeneration (i.e. ECOohng). When the energy savings from reduced cooling, due to higher return air ratio, outweigh the additional energy needed for regeneration and extra cooling load due to adsorption heat (i.e. Esimng < ECOohng), then it may be sensible to operate the DAC module 120. Accordingly, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may proceed to step 277 to switch the DAC module 120 to the active state (or set the DAC module 120 in the active state). On the other hand, when the weather is milder or the CO2 levels are lower, it may be more efficient to run the HVAC system 110 without assistance from the DAC module 120. Accordingly, the controller 124 of the DAC module 120 may proceed to step 279 to switch the DAC module 120 to the inactive state (or set the DAC module 120 in the inactive state).

[0024] In the various embodiments, the control strategy 201 of the air management system 100 for adjusting the operation of the DAC module 120 by selectively switching the DAC module 120 between the active state and the inactive state based on prevailing weather conditions (i.e. one or more properties of the ambient air entering the supply air conduit 112) may maximize energy savings.

[0025] Referring back to FIG. 1, according to various embodiments, the HVAC system 110 may include an exhaust air conduit 114 for expelling exhaust air into an ambient environment (i.e. external environment). The exhaust air being expelled via the exhaust air conduit 114 may be low quality air or air that has deteriorated. The exhaust air may be drawn out from the indoor environment via the exhaust air conduit 114 and expelled to the ambient environment. According to various embodiments, each adsorbent unit 122 of the DAC module 120 may be actuable to dispose the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 in the exhaust air conduit 114 of the HVAC system 110. When the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 is in the exhaust air conduit 114 of the HVAC system 110, the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 may be exposed to a flow of the exhaust air along the exhaust air conduit 114 as the HVAC system 110 pushes out the exhaust air. With the flow of exhaust air passing through the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122, regeneration of the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 may occur. Accordingly, an expelled air that has passed through the adsorbent unit 122 of the DAC module 120 may carry the moisture and / or the CO2 from the adsorbent unit 122. According to various embodiments, the DAC module 120 may include a heater 129 disposed in the exhaust air conduit 114 to support regeneration of the adsorbent unit 122. The heater 129 may provide heat to the adsorbent units 122 such that moisture and / or CO2 may be released from the adsorbent units 122 for regeneration. According to various embodiments, the DAC module 120 may sustain continuous adsorption and regeneration by actuating the one or more adsorbent units 122 to shuttle the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 (or the adsorbent unit 122) between the supply air conduit 112 for adsorption and the exhaust air conduit 114 for regeneration.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an air management system 300 according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the air management system 300 of FIG. 3 includes all the features of the air management system 100 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, all features, changes, modifications, and variations that are applicable to the air management system 100 of FIG. 1 may also be applicable to the air management system 300 of FIG. 3.Further, elements which are the same as those described earlier are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their corresponding descriptions is omitted for brevity. The following descriptions focusing on the various possible additional features and details.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, in the air management system 300, the supply air conduit 112 and the exhaust air conduit 114 of the HVAC system 110 may be alongside each other according to various embodiments. Further, according to various embodiments, each adsorbent unit 122 of the DAC module 120 may be disposed such that a first half of the adsorbent unit 122 may be in the supply air conduit 112 and a second half of the adsorbent unit 122 may be in the exhaust air conduit 114.

[0028] According to various embodiments, the HVAC system 110 may include a heat exchanger 182 and 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 122 followed by the heat exchanger 182 and the heating / cooling coil 184 before being supplied to the indoor environment. According to various embodiments, the DAC module 120 may include at least two adsorbent units 122 upstream of the heat exchanger 182 and / or the heating / cooling coil 184 of the HVAC system 110.

[0029] 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 HVAC system 110 (see arrow 186). The remaining indoor air may be directed into the exhaust air conduit 114 for flowing out into the ambient environment.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the supply air conduit 112, the exhaust air conduit 114, and the at least two adsorbent units 122 of the air management system 300 of FIG.3 according to various embodiments. As shown, according to various embodiments, the supply air conduit 112 and the exhaust air conduit 114 may be co-located alongside each other within a cylindrical duct 490. Accordingly, the cylindrical duct 490 may be partitioned longitudinally such that half of the cylindrical duct 490 may be the supply air conduit 112 and another half of the cylindrical duct may be the exhaust air conduit 114. Further, according to various embodiments, each adsorbent unit 122 of the DAC module 120 may include a wheel structure. The wheel structure may be filled with adsorbent materials for adsorption of moisture and CO2. As shown, the adsorbent unit 122 in the form of the wheel structure may be disposed with a center of the wheel structure aligned to a longitudinal axis 492 of the cylindrical duct 490.According to various embodiments, the wheel structure of the adsorbent unit 122 may be rotatable to move the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 between an adsorption zone within the supply air conduit 112 for exposure to the flow of the ambient air and a regeneration zone within the exhaust air conduit 114 for exposure to the flow of exhaust air. In other words, the adsorbent unit 122 in the form of the wheel structure may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis 492 of the cylindrical duct 490 such that the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 may rotate through the supply air conduit 112 and the exhaust air conduit 114. The adsorption zone may be a space in the supply air conduit 112 which the adsorbent unit 122 in the form of the wheel structure may occupy and rotate therethrough. Similarly, the regeneration zone may be a space in the exhaust air conduit 114 which the adsorbent unit 122 in the form of the wheel structure may occupy and rotate therethrough. Accordingly, each the adsorbent unit 122 may be actuated or moved via rotating the adsorbent unit 122. Hence, the actuator of the adsorbent unit 122 may impart a rotation motion to the adsorbent unit 112 for the at least one region of the adsorbent unit 122 to rotate through the supply air conduit 112 and the exhaust air conduit 114.

[0031] While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and 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. An air management system (100, 300) comprising a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) having a supply air conduit (112) for taking in ambient air; and a direct air capture module (120) comprising one or more adsorbent units (122), each adsorbent unit (122) being actuable to dispose at least one region of the adsorbent unit (122) in the supply air conduit (112) so as to expose the at least one region of the adsorbent unit (122) to a flow of the ambient air along the supply air conduit (122) for adsorption, wherein the direct air capture module (120) is selectively switchable between an active state for supporting adsorption in the supply air conduit (112) and an inactive state for omitting adsorption in the supply air conduit (112) based on one or more properties of the ambient air entering the supply air conduit (112).

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more properties of the ambient air comprises a temperature of the ambient air and a relative humidity of the ambient air.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the direct air capture module (120) is set in the inactive state when the temperature of the ambient air is within a threshold temperature range from a predetermined minimum threshold temperature to a predetermined maximum threshold temperature inclusive.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the direct air capture module (120) is set in the active state when the temperature of the ambient air is less than the predetermined minimum threshold temperature.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein, the direct air capture module (120) compares an amount of adsorption heat generated from the adsorption in the supply air conduit (112) against an amount of heating demand of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) and adjusts the adsorption to maintain an equilibrium between the amount of adsorption heat generated and the amount of heating demand.

6. The system as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the direct air capture module (120) is set in the active state when the temperature of the ambient air is greater than the predetermined maximum threshold temperature and the relative humidity of the ambient air is greater than a predetermined threshold humidity.

7. The system as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the direct air capture module (120) compares an amount of energy saving from higher return air ratio against an amount of additional energy required for cooling due to adsorption heat and regeneration when the temperature of the ambient air is greater than the predetermined maximum threshold temperature and the relative humidity of the ambient air is less than the predetermined threshold humidity, wherein the direct air capture module (120) is set in the active state when the amount of energy saving is more than the amount of additional energy required for cooling, wherein the direct air capture module (120) is set in the inactive state when the amount of energy saving is equal or less than the amount of additional energy required for cooling.

8. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) has an exhaust air conduit (114) for expelling exhaust air into an ambient environment, wherein each adsorbent unit (122) of the direct air capture module (120) is actuable to dispose the at least one region of the adsorbent unit (122) along the exhaust air conduit (114) so as to expose the at least one region of the adsorbent unit (114) to a flow of the exhaust air along the exhaust air conduit (114) for regeneration of the at least one region of the adsorbent unit (122).

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein each adsorbent unit (122) of the direct air capture module (120) comprises a wheel structure rotatable to move the at least one region of the adsorbent unit (122) between an adsorption zone within the supply air conduit (112) for exposure to the flow of the ambient air and a regeneration zone within the exhaust air conduit (114) for exposure to the flow of exhaust air.

10. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each adsorbent unit (122) is configured to capture moisture and carbon dioxide from the ambient air during adsorption.

11. A method of controlling an air management system (100), the method comprising: selectively switching a direct air capture module (120) of the air management system(100) between an active state for supporting adsorption in a supply air conduit (112) of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) of the air management system (100) and an inactive state for omitting adsorption in the supply air conduit (112) of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) of the air management system (100) based on one or more properties of ambient air drawn in through the supply air conduit (112), wherein the direct air capture module (120) comprises one or more adsorbent units (122), each adsorbent unit (122) being actuable to dispose at least one region of the adsorbent unit (122) in the supply air conduit (112) so as to expose the at least one region of the adsorbent unit (122) to a flow of the ambient air along the supply air conduit (122) for adsorption.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising comparing a temperature of the ambient air with a threshold temperature range having a predetermined minimum threshold temperature and a predetermined maximum threshold temperature, and comparing a relative humidity of the ambient air with a predetermined threshold humidity.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising(i) setting the direct air capture module (120) in the inactive state when the temperature of the ambient air is within the threshold temperature range from the predetermined minimum threshold temperature to the predetermined maximum threshold temperature inclusive; or(ii) setting the direct air capture module (120) in the active state when the temperature of the ambient air is greater than the predetermined maximum threshold temperature and the relative humidity of the ambient air is greater than a predetermined threshold humidity.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising setting the direct air capture module (120) in the active state when the temperature of the ambient air is less than the predetermined minimum threshold temperature,comparing an amount of adsorption heat generated from the adsorption in the supply air conduit (112) against an amount of heating demand of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110), and adjusting the adsorption to maintain an equilibrium between the amount of adsorption heat generated and the amount of heating demand.

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising comparing an amount of energy saving from higher return air ratio against an amount of additional energy required for cooling due to adsorption heat and regeneration when the temperature of the ambient air is greater than the predetermined maximum threshold temperature and the relative humidity of the ambient air is less than the predetermined threshold humidity, and setting the direct air capture module (120) in the active state when the amount of energy saving is more than the amount of additional energy required for cooling, or setting the direct air capture module (120) in the inactive state when the amount of energy saving is equal or less than the amount of additional energy required for cooling.

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