Air management system comprising a direct air capture module and method of controlling the air management system

Abstract

An air management system (100, 400) comprising a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) having a supply air conduit (112) for taking in ambient air; 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; and a controller (124) arranged in data communication with the direct air capture module (120) to selectively switch the direct air capture module 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), the selectively switching based on an operating frequency; wherein the controller (124) comprises a processor (160), the processor (160) configured to determine an energy-saving parameter of the direct air capture module (120) based on one or more operating parameters and one or more environmental parameters of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110).

Description

AIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING A DIRECT AIR CAPTURE MODULE 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 efficiently and economically. 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.

[0003] Further, sorbents used in DAC units may be exposed to cyclic processes of adsorption and desorption, which gradually lead to their degradation over time. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and the number of cycles they undergo contribute to this wear and tear. As sorbents deteriorate, the capacity of a DAC module / unit to adsorb CO2 and moisture diminishes, necessitating frequent replacements. The replacement of sorbent materials represents a substantial operational cost, along with logistical and environmental implications associated with disposing of spent sorbents.

[0004] There exists a need to provide an air management system that manages the replacement of sorbent materials in DAC units effectively.Summary

[0005] The present disclosure seeks to provide an effective application and management of DAC technology in HVAC systems, including, but not limited to, effective management of the lifespan or longevity of sorbent materials. Various aspects of the present disclosure seek to provide a technical solution, in the form of an air management system, to optimize sorbent utilization, reduce replacement frequency, and / or lower operational costs.

[0006] Various embodiments concern an air management system. The air management system may comprise a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system having a supply air conduit for taking in ambient air; a direct air capture module comprising 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; and a controller arranged in data communication with the direct air capture module to selectively switch the direct air capture module between an active state for supporting adsorption in the supply air conduit and an inactive state for omitting adsorption in the supply air conduit, the selectively switching based on an operating frequency; wherein the controller comprises a processor, the processor configured to determine an energy-saving parameter of the direct air capture module based on one or more operating parameters and one or more environmental parameters of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system.

[0007] Various embodiments concern a controller arranged in data communication with the direct air capture module to selectively switch the direct air capture module between an active state for supporting adsorption in the supply air conduit and an inactive state for omitting adsorption in the supply air conduit, the selectively switching based on an operating frequency; wherein the controller comprises a processor, the processor configured to determine an energysaving parameter of the direct air capture module based on one or more operating parameters and one or more environmental parameters of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system.

[0008] Various embodiments concern a method of controlling an air management system, the method comprising: receiving one or more operating parameters and one or more environmental parameters of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system of the air management system; determining, based on the one or more operating parameters and the one or more environmental parameters of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, an energy-saving parameter of a direct air capture module of the air management system; selectively switching the direct air capture module of the air management system between an active state for supporting adsorption in a supply air conduit of the 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 the determined energy-saving parameter.Brief description of the drawings

[0009] 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 flow diagram of a method of operating the air management system of FIG. 1 to manage the lifespan of the adsorbent units of the DAC module;- FIG. 3A shows a material assessment, characterization, and scoring model for the identification of various parameters associated with sorbent materials, considering factors such as material cost, durability, and adsorption effectiveness;- FIG. 3B shows an embodiment of the breakthrough behaviour analysis module in deriving a breakthrough characteristic curve;- FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an air management system according to various embodiments;- FIG. 5A show schematic diagrams of a supply air conduit, an exhaust air conduit, and adsorbent units of the air management system of FIG. 3 according to various embodiments; and- FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C show particular embodiments of the adsorbent unit of the present disclosure, the adsorption unit comprising a wheel structure.Detailed description

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0014] As used herein, the term “data” may be understood to include information in any suitable analog or digital form, for example, provided as a file, a portion of a file, a set of files, a signal or stream, a portion of a signal or stream, a set of signals or streams, and the like. The term data, however, is not limited to the aforementioned examples and may take various forms and represent any information as understood in the art.

[0015] As used herein, the term “module” refers to, or forms part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); an electronic circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip. The term module may include memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor.

[0016] As used herein, the term “processor” refers to a circuit, including analog circuits or components, digital circuits or components, or hybrid circuits or components. Any other kind of implementation of the respective functions which will be described in more detail below may also be understood as a "circuit" according to an alternative embodiment. A digital circuit may be understood as any kind of a logic implementing entity, which may be special purpose circuitry or a processor executing software stored in a memory, or a firmware.

[0017] As used herein, the terms ‘first’, ‘second’, ‘third’, and so on, are used for purposes of clarity and do not imply order or precedence.

[0018] 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 thecarbon 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.

[0019] According to various embodiments, the air management system may synergistically combine a DAC module with a heating, ventilation and 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 (i.e. dehumidification) 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 a 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.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an air management system 100 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 commercial buildings so as to provide regulated indoor air. 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 by the supply air conduit 112 may provide a fresh supply of air for the HVAC system 110 to regulate the indoor air quality.

[0021] 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 to perform various functions, such as, but not limited to, a carbon dioxide adsorption function and / or a dehumidification function. 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 coadsorption of moisture, e.g. water 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.

[0022] 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 adsorptionin 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.

[0023] 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 air is 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, theDAC 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.

[0024] 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 one or more operating parameters and one or more environmental parameters of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110). 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 one or more parameters 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.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the selectively switching of the DAC module 120 may be based on an operating frequency, the operating frequency may be dynamically adjusted depending on one or more parameters of the DAC module 120, such as an energy efficiency measure or parameter of the DAC module 120. In some embodiments, the operating frequency may be related to a rotational speed.

[0026] 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 ofthe 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 of the one or more actuators 128 of the DAC module 120 to move out of the supply air conduit 112 without returning.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the controller 124 may comprise a processor 160, the processor 160 configured to determine an energy-saving parameter of the direct air capture module 120 based on one or more operating parameters and one or more environmental parameters of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system 110.

[0028] 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 theadsorbent unit 122) between the supply air conduit 112 for adsorption and the exhaust air conduit 114 for regeneration.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method 200 of operating the air management system 100 for managing the lifespan of the adsorbent units 122 of the DAC module 120. In some embodiments, the method 200 may be implemented as executable software instructions capable of being executed by the processor 160 or a module thereof.

[0030] In step 202, the one or more operating parameters and the one or more environmental parameters may be received from various sources, such as one or more sensors (not shown).

[0031] The one or more environmental parameters may include a temperature measurement of the ambient air, Tamb, a carbon dioxide concentration measurement [CCh amb, and a relative humidity of the ambient air, RHamb. The one or more operating parameters may include an electrical voltage Vamb to operate the DAC module, an operating frequency, which may be a rotational parameter trot associated with the selectively switching, a regeneration temperature (Treg), a species composition / mass fraction of moisture, and CO2 concentration in the incoming air (X), and / or a degradation factor, defined as the current performance of the sorbent over the initial performance (G). In some embodiments, the degradation factor may be a normalized value defined within the range of 0 to 1. The degradation factor G may be implemented as a threshold value after optimization, for example, 0.55, such that when the degradation factor associated with the adsorption unit 122 is below this threshold value, the adsorption unit 122 is prompted to be replaced. Based on the values of the operating parameters and the environmental parameters, and with reference to various thresholds, such as threshold temperature range and / or a threshold humidity, 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.

[0032] In step 204, the processor 160 of the controller 124 may be configured to determine an energy-saving parameter of the DAC module 120 based on the one or more operating parameters and the one or more environmental parameters. The energy-saving parameter may be computed based on a comparison with a reference air capture module. In some embodiments, the reference air capture module may be a conventional air capture module, which may be a non-direct air capture module, and the energy-saving parameter Escmng may be expressed mathematically as Equation (1) as follows:wherein the energy-saving parameter ESaving(f) at a particular operating time t is based on the energy consumed by a reference air capture module ECOnv at the particular operating time / , and the energy consumed by the DAC module EDAC( ) at the particular operating time t.

[0033] In step 206, the processor 160 is configured to: compute a first ratio of the energysaving parameter at a particular operation time Esavmg(f), with respect to, the energy-saving parameter at a reference time t = 0 compute a first threshold k, and compare the first ratio with the first threshold k.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first ratio and the comparison may be mathematically expressed as Equation (2) as follows:Wherein the Esavin^t=ff) represents the energy-saving parameter at a reference time t=0.

[0035] In step 208, the processor 160 is configured to determine whether the first ratio is greater than the first threshold. In a positive determination that the first ratio is greater than the first threshold, the processor is further configured to determine whether the energy-saving parameter decreases for a first pre-determined time period after the particular operation time. This may be based on a computation of the first derivative, as mathematically expressed as Equation (3) as follows. It may be contemplated that second order derivative may be used as a further verification.

[0036] In step 210, in a positive determination that the energy-saving parameter decreases for a first pre-determined time period after the particular operation time, the processor 160 is configured to send a control signal to the controller 124 to increase the operating frequency. This may correspond to an increase in a rotation frequency, and / or a corresponding decrease in rotational time.

[0037] In step 212, in a negative determination that the first ratio is greater than the first threshold, the processor (160) is further configured to compute a second threshold, andcompare the first ratio with the second threshold based on the inequality mathematically expressed in Equation (4), as follows.

[0038] In step 214, in a positive determination that the first ratio is greater than the second threshold, the processor 160 is further configured to determine whether the energy-saving parameter further decreases for a second pre-determined time period after the first predetermined time period; and in a positive determination that the energy-saving parameter decreases for a second pre-determined time period after the first pre-determined time period, the processor 160 is configured to send a control signal to the controller 124 to decrease a supply speed of taking in ambient air. The determination of the second pre-determined time period may be based on a computation of the first derivative with respect to the second predetermined time period, as mathematically expressed as Equation (3). It may be contemplated that a second order derivative or higher order derivatives may be used as further verifications.

[0039] In step 216, in a positive determination that the energy-saving parameter decreases for a second pre-determined time period after the first pre-determined time period, the processor 160 is configured to send a control signal to the controller 124 to decrease a supply speed of taking in ambient air. The supply speed may correspond to a suction speed of a suction device to draw ambient air into the supply air conduit 112.

[0040] In step 218, in a negative determination that the first ratio is greater than the second threshold kmm, the processor 160 is further configured to send an adsorption material replacement notification.

[0041] In step 220, the processor 160 may be configured to provide a replacement suggestion of one or more of the adsorbent units 122, the replacement suggestion comprises a selection of at least one suitable adsorbent material based on the operational requirements. The at least one suitable adsorbent material may be selected from a material database 222. The entries of the material database 222 may be populated by a material scoring list 224.

[0042] Referring back to FIG. 2, the method 200 may be an iterative process wherein the adjusted / decreased supply speed in step 216, and the increased operating (rotation frequency) in step 210 is feedback to the input one or more operating parameters and / or one or more environmental parameters.

[0043] FIG. 3A shows a material assessment, characterization and scoring model 300 for the identification of various complex aspects of sorbent materials, considering criteria or factors such as material cost, durability, and adsorption effectiveness. The material assessment, characterization and scoring model 300 may be used to determine a material score, which may then be used to determine the selection of a replacement adsorbent. FIG. 3B shows an embodiment of the breakthrough behaviour analysis module 302 in deriving a breakthrough characteristic curve.

[0044] The material assessment, characterization and scoring model 300 may be related to the selection of at least one suitable adsorbent material based on a material scoring database (e.g. database 222). Each suitable sorbent / adsorbent material may be assigned a material score, the material score determined based on at least one of a material cost, a durability parameter, and an adsorption effectiveness parameter. The effectiveness of these adsorption materials may vary significantly based on factors such as ambient conditions, material degradation over time, and overall durability. Such variability may pose challenges in consistently achieving high energy savings. Therefore, the development of a material assessment and characterization model, coupled with performance mapping based on operation and environmental parameters, may be important. In this regard, a comprehensive model as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B provide a holistic evaluation of potential sorbent candidates, aimed towards providing a detailed insight into the performance of each sorbent material (candidate) under different conditions. The performance mapping system is then used to establish a dynamic connection between material performance scores and system energy savings, enabling real-time adaptation and material selection. The model aims to bridge the gap between material properties and system performance, optimizing energy savings in the air management system 100 and mitigating the risks associated with material degradation.

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more sensors (labeled SO, SI, S2, S3 in FIG. 3B and FIG. 5C) may be positioned within the DAC module 120 and / or the HVAC system 110 to facilitate the measurement of important operating parameters such as CO2 and moisture uptake during various operational runs. The sensors SO, SI, S2, S3 may be suitably positioned to monitor breakthrough behavior, offering insights into adsorption saturation. Another sensor S4 may be positioned downstream to track a state of the regeneration process. After cooling, SO may assess a temperature for efficient adsorption in subsequent phases. This sensorarrangement provides comprehensive data on the system's adsorption, regeneration, and cooling processes.

[0046] Referring back to FIGS. 3 A and 3B, the model 300 comprises a breakthrough behaviour analysis module 302, a degradation analysis module 304, and a regeneration and characterization module 306.

[0047] The breakthrough behaviour analysis module 302 as shown in FIG. 3B may be used to acquire and analyze a breakthrough characteristic data, shown as a breakthrough characteristic curve 312, which defines or describes the behaviour of a specific sorbent material via identification of a critical point 314 which signifies the end of an adsorption process. By integrating the breakthrough curve over an adsorption cycle time tclit, the total CO2 and moisture adsorption per cycle (denoted mads) may be obtained. Subsequently, the mads parameter may be recorded for each cycle. Over time, the mads value may remain stable for a certain period as the adsorption process ends before reaching 100% breakthrough. The breakthrough characteristic curve 312 may be integrated via a function (see Equation (6) below) over an adsorption cycle time tcntto obtain an adsorption over time curve 313, which comprises an adsorption region 313a, a regeneration region 313b, and a cooling region 313c. In some embodiments, the integration may include an inclusion of a buffer parameter 6 to optimize the system performance. An energy saving curve 351 may be used for the determination of the buffer parameter 6 corresponding to the adsorption cycle time tcrit. The curve 313 may be analyzed to based on a degradation analysis (see Equation (7)) to obtain three points, 318, 319, 320. Point 318 corresponds to a point where the adsorbent material can no longer effectively adsorb enough moisture, resulting in a rapid decline in total energy savings. Point 319 corresponds to the point that provides a buffer before the performance decline becomes significant, and point 320 corresponds to the adsorbent lifetime (tn / etime), such that one the tiifetime is reached, a replacement of the adsorbent material is suggested. In some embodiments, a time parameter tsimay be determined before the performance of the air management system 100 or the DAC module 120 has reached a minimum requirement during operation.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3A, the behaviour analysis module 302 may receive operating parameters and environmental parameters (ambient conditions), and determine (via a computation or calculation module 315) the critical point 314 (Ccrit) based on the mathematical expression in Equation (5), as follows:Wherein C / Co represents a plot of the C / Co curve over time, and tcrit is the adsorption cycle time.

[0049] The integration of the breakthrough curve over an adsorption cycle time tCnt may be performed using an integration module 316 based on the mathematical expression in Equation (6), as follows:wherein p denotes the density of air, and Q denotes the heat per unit time.

[0050] The integrated mads value may be sent to an output module 317 for further determination of a degradation curve 352.

[0051] The degradation analysis module 304 is configured to receive the output from the output module 317 for the determination of a degradation measurement graphically represented as a degradation curve 352, determined by a degradation determination module 322, based on Equation (7) as follows.

[0052] Wherein De denotes the degradation factor.

[0053] The value of De may be processed by comparison modules 323 and 324. Comparison module 323 compares the De with a threshold G. Based on the comparison module 323, when the degradation indicator De is smaller than 1, the time is recorded as ta signifying the point when CO2 and moisture adsorption during operation begins to decrease with time (that can be detected by the monitoring system).

[0054] The comparison module 324 is configured to compare whether the degradation indicator or factor continues to decrease and drops below a threshold G which is less than 1 (corresponding to kmin), wherein the comparison module 324 will be configured to indicate that the amount of moisture adsorption per cycle may no longer meet dehumidification requirements.

[0055] The output of the comparison module 324 may be sent to a material change alarm module 325, which is configured to determine if the sorbent material should be changed. The degradation indicator or factor dropping below the threshold G may indicate that the sorbentmaterial is to be changed and a material lifetime, denoted as tiifetime, is recorded. The alarm may be triggered to notify operators to replace the sorbent material.

[0056] In parallel, the regeneration and characterization module 306 is configured to monitor regeneration settings (e.g. based on the regeneration temperature Treg and heating rate Qreg asinputs). The regeneration settings may then be translated to isotherms at which the amount of CO2 and moisture remained in the sorbent (mreg) after regeneration are recorded. Then, the various parameters mreg, together with material cost, ta and tiifetime may be sent to a material scoring system 350 for further assessment and characterization. The isotherms during regeneration may be determined by the regeneration temperature and heating rate. In some embodiments, the determination of mreg based on the regeneration temperature and heating rate may be based on an adsorption vs. pressure graph 307 to identify an operating range of the DAC module 120.

[0057] The scoring system 350 may comprise three inputs: material cost 362, durability, and adsorption effectiveness.

[0058] The material cost input 362 allows for budgetary considerations and ensures that the selected sorbent materials align with the project's financial constraints. By making informed decisions regarding cost effective materials, The DAC and the HVAC systems may be developed within budget to ensure that the system operates efficiently not only in terms of energy savings but also in a financially sustainable manner.

[0059] The durability dimension comprises the taand tiifetime values output from the module 304. The durability dimension in the scoring model facilitates the selection of robust materials that can endure the rigors of long-term operation. By choosing durable sorbents, maintenance frequency and downtime are minimized, translating into higher system availability and lower operational costs.

[0060] The adsorption effectiveness dimension comprises the mreg and tavalues output from the modules 304, 306. The adsorption effectiveness may refer to the ability of CO2 and moisture adsorption of a certain material. The tavalue may be the time when adsorption amount is actually affected by degradation. The mregvalue may be used to mark a lower boundary of the adsorption process provided with the regeneration settings. Hence, these two parameters may indirectly define the adsorption span. Materials with superior adsorption properties can capture pollutants effectively which translates directly into increased energy savings within DAC and HVAC systems. This dimension ensures that the DAC technology integrated into HVACsystems consistently operates at peak efficiency, promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly building environments. Within these dimensions, each aspect is assessed using a scoring system 354 that comprise a normalized scale of -1 to 1, signifying a range between poor / bad (-1) to excellent (1) performance in material cost (a), durability (b), and adsorption effectiveness (c). The normalization may be based on referencing the actual maximum and minimum values, as well as the distribution of values associated with different materials. The individual scores may then be considered together via an aggregation module 356. The aggregation module 356 may comprise an aggregation method (e.g. weighted sum) in which the weight a, fl, y, for each input based on their significance in achieving the energy-saving objective is assigned, utilizing insights from the database 222, and where the sum of a+ fl + y = 1. With the overall score for each material, the scoring list can be made based on the specific system being operated and specific local ambient conditions. Then, after the material lifetime is reached, the operators are able to choose the optimum sorbent for their systems. In some embodiments, the overall score may be assigned as a weighted sum, i.e. aa+ flb + yc. In some embodiments, the overall score may be normalized between -1 and 1.

[0061] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an air management system 400 according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the air management system 400 of FIG. 4 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 400 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.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, in the air management system 400, 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.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the HVAC system 110 may include a heat exchanger 182 and a heating / cooling coil 184. As shown in FIG. 4, the ambient air drawn into the supply air conduit 112 may pass through the adsorbent units 122 followed by the heatexchanger 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] FIG. 5A 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 400 of FIG. 4 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 590. Accordingly, the cylindrical duct 590 may be partitioned longitudinally such that half of the cylindrical duct 590 may be the support 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 592 of the cylindrical duct 590. 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 592 of the cylindrical duct 590 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 adsorbentunit 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.

[0066] In some embodiments shown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, each wheel structure may be divided into eight equal portions, each portion corresponding to 45 degrees (45°). Up to four positions 511, 512, 513, 514 corresponding to different respective saturation levels, i.e. 0-25%, 25-50%, 50-75%, and 75-100% may be used to handle adsorption, denoted A. A position 515 may be shielded by a heater (consistent heating at 60 degrees Celsius °C, with small holes for discharge) during regeneration. To optimize energy efficiency, three positions 516, 517, to 518 may be cooled at 60 to 40°C, 40°C to ambient temperature, and free cooling buffer using indoor exhaust air. This cooling ensures that the air reaching position 511 for adsorption is at room temperature with minimal energy use. In some embodiments, the wheel structure may be configured to rotate 45° with each cycle, shifting segments clockwise as shown by the arrows, which enables simultaneous adsorption, regeneration, and cooling. Such an arrangement facilitates continuous DAC module operation in the HVAC system 110. As shown in FIG. 5C, sensors SO, SI, S2, S3, S4 may be suitably positioned on the adsorption zone and regeneration zone (or on parts of the wheel structure corresponding to the adsorption zone and regeneration zone).

[0067] 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, 400) comprising a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) having a supply air conduit (112) for taking in ambient air; 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; and a controller (124) arranged in data communication with the direct air capture module (120) to selectively switch the direct air capture module 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), the selectively switching based on an operating frequency; wherein the controller (124) comprises a processor (160), the processor (160) configured to determine an energy-saving parameter of the direct air capture module (120) based on one or more operating parameters and one or more environmental parameters of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more environmental parameters comprises a temperature of the ambient air, a carbon dioxide concentration of the ambient air, and a relative humidity of the ambient air.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more operating parameters include an electrical voltage to operate the direct air capture module (120), a rotational parameter associated with the selectively switching, a regeneration temperature, a species composition / mass fraction of moisture, and CO2 in the incoming air, and a degradation factor of the one or more adsorbent units (122).

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy-saving parameter is computed based on comparison with a reference air capture module.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the processor (160) is configured to: compute a first ratio of the energy-saving parameter at a particular operation time, with respect to, the energy-saving parameter at a reference time; compute a first threshold; and compare the first ratio with the first threshold.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein in a positive determination that the first ratio is greater than the first threshold, the processor is further configured to determine whether the energy-saving parameter decreases for a pre-determined time period after the particular operation time; and wherein in a positive determination that the energy-saving parameter decreases for a pre-determined time period after the particular operation time, the processor (160) is configured to send a control signal to the controller (124) to increase the operating frequency.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein in a negative determination that the first ratio is greater than the first threshold, the processor (160) is further configured to compute a second threshold, and compare the first ratio with the second threshold.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein in a positive determination that the first ratio is greater than the second threshold, the processor (160) is further configured to determine whether the energy-saving parameter decreases for a pre-determined time period after the particular operation time; and wherein in a positive determination that the energy-saving parameter decreases for a second pre-determined time period after the first pre-determined time period, the processor (160) is configured to send a control signal to the controller (124) to decrease a supply speed of taking in ambient air.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein in a negative determination that the first ratio is greater than the second threshold, the processor (160) is further configured to send an adsorption material replacement notification.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the processor (160) is configured to provide a replacement suggestion of one or more of the adsorbent units (122), the replacement suggestion comprises a selection of at least one suitable adsorbent material.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the at least one suitable adsorbent material is selected based on a material scoring data, and wherein the material scoring data is determined based on a material cost, a durability parameter, and an adsorption effectiveness parameter.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the durability parameter and the adsorption effectiveness parameter of the at least one suitable adsorbent material is derived based on a breakthrough characteristic of the at least one suitable adsorbent material.

13. The system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the material scoring data comprises a weighted sum of the material costs, the durability parameter, and the adsorption effectiveness parameter.

14. A controller (124) for selectively switching a direct air capture module (120) between an active state for supporting adsorption in a supply air conduit (112) and an inactive state for omitting adsorption in the supply air conduit (112), the selectively switching based on an operating frequency, 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; and wherein the controller (124) comprises a processor (160), the processor (160) configured to determine an energy-saving parameter of the direct air capture module (120) based on one or more operating parameters and one or more environmental parameters of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110).

15. A method (200) of controlling an air management system (100, 400), the method comprising:receiving (202) one or more operating parameters and one or more environmental parameters of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110) of the air management system (100, 400); determining (204), based on the one or more operating parameters and the one or more environmental parameters of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (110), an energy-saving parameter of a direct air capture module (120) of the air management system; selectively switching the 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 the 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 the determined energy-saving parameter.

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