Filter unit for use in a separating system

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter unit (10) for use in a separating system, which can be operated in a plurality of operating modes, for separating a climate gas, in particular carbon dioxide, from the ambient air, having a filter structure (12) which comprises one or more filter material strips (16), wherein the one or more filter material strips (16) are designed to absorb the climate gas from the ambient air when ambient air flows around and / or through them.

Description

[0001] Münster, September 17, 2025

[0002] Our reference: HE1205-02WO Official file number: New registration

[0003] Applicant: Hengst SE Nienkamp 55-85 48147 Münster

[0004] Filter unit for use in a separation system

[0005] The invention relates to a filter unit for use in a separation system that can be operated in several operating modes for separating a greenhouse gas from the ambient air, with a filter structure comprising one or more filter material webs, wherein the one or more filter material webs are arranged to capture the greenhouse gas from the ambient air when flowing around and / or through it with ambient air.

[0006] The invention further relates to a separation system for separating a greenhouse gas from the ambient air, comprising at least one air inlet for ambient air, at least one air outlet for ambient air and at least one filter unit, which is at least partially surrounded and / or passed through by the ambient air between the at least one air inlet and the at least one air outlet.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a separation system for separating a greenhouse gas from the ambient air, comprising the step of providing a filter structure which absorbs the greenhouse gas from the ambient air during a flow around and / or through it with ambient air.

[0008] Separation systems for capturing greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases, from ambient air are used, for example, to implement climate protection measures or for raw material recovery. The greenhouse gas captured from the ambient air can be temporarily or permanently stored in a storage reservoir or used in a recycling process where the greenhouse gas is required.

[0009] Typical separation systems usually include a filter that can absorb the greenhouse gas by adsorption and release it by desorption. Such separation systems are known, for example, from WO 2022 / 115773 A1 and US 2023 / 0405512 A1.

[0010] In the prior art, filters are known that exhibit comparatively good adsorption and desorption properties but cause a high differential pressure. Filters are also known that exhibit comparatively poor adsorption and desorption properties but cause only a low differential pressure. However, in many applications, the filter should exhibit good adsorption and / or desorption properties at certain times and cause only a low differential pressure at others.

[0011] The object underlying the invention is therefore to provide a filter unit in which the adsorption and / or desorption properties can be adjusted by changing the resulting differential pressure.

[0012] The problem is solved by a filter unit of the type mentioned above, wherein the one or more filter material webs of the filter structure of the filter unit according to the invention are deformable without damage in the separation system and / or during operation of the separation system to bring about several different, in particular operating-mode-specific, shape states of the filter structure. The absorption of the greenhouse gas by the one or more filter material webs preferably occurs by adsorption. Because different shape states of the filter structure can be set by deforming the one or more filter material webs, the adsorption properties can be adjusted via the shape state of the filter structure in such a way that the resulting differential pressure is suitable for the application or operating scenario.The greenhouse gas to be captured is preferably carbon dioxide, such that the one or more filter material webs are designed to capture carbon dioxide from the ambient air when air flows around and / or through them. The filter structure preferably comprises a carbon dioxide adsorption material. The filter structure preferably comprises a sorbent. The sorbent may contain an amine and have the ability to bind carbon dioxide via adsorption. The greenhouse gas may also be methane, nitrous oxide, or a fluorinated gas.

[0013] The filter structure can preferably be formed into at least one compact shape and at least one bulk shape by deforming one or more filter material webs. The filter structure in the at least one compact shape has a denser material structure than in the at least one bulk shape. The filter structure is preferably formable into a plurality of compact and / or bulk shapes. The one or more compact shapes are smaller or more compact than the one or more bulk shapes. Spacers can be located between the filter material webs. The spacers can be applied to the filter material webs. The spacers can, for example, bead the material in the form of adhesive. The spacers ensure that the filter material webs do not lie directly on top of each other when the filter structure is compacted, but rather that a gap remains, which has a beneficial effect on the differential pressure.

[0014] The operating modes in which the separation system can be operated can include, for example, at least one adsorption mode, in which the greenhouse gas is separated from the ambient air and absorbed by the filter structure, and at least one desorption mode, in which the absorbed greenhouse gas is released into the ambient air and / or a space surrounding the filter structure. In the desorption mode, the filter structure is preferably in a compact form. In the adsorption mode, the filter structure can have various shapes, such as a bulk form, depending on the application and configuration of the separation system.In a preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the filter structure is arranged in a filter area, wherein the several differing shape states of the filter structure, which can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, cause differing shape-state-specific flow resistances in the filter area and / or result in differing shape-state-specific pressure changes across the filter area and / or result in differing shape-state-specific flow paths for the ambient air. By deformation of one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, the flow resistance caused by the filter structure in the filter area can be reduced or increased. In one or more compact shapes, the filter structure preferably causes a higher flow resistance than in the bulk shape.By deforming one or more filter material layers of the filter structure, the pressure drop caused by the filter structure across the filter area can be decreased or increased. In one or more compact forms, the filter structure preferably causes a higher pressure drop across the filter area than in its bulk form. The different form states, which can be achieved by deforming one or more filter material layers of the filter structure, differ with respect to the resulting pressure difference. By deforming one or more filter material layers of the filter structure, the pressure difference caused by the filter structure can be decreased or increased. In one or more compact forms, the filter structure preferably causes a higher pressure difference across the filter area than in its bulk form.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the filter structure is permeable to flow in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The transverse direction runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In a ring filter, the transverse direction can be the radial direction. The shape states of the filter structure, which can be achieved by deforming one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, preferably exhibit different shape-state-specific flow resistances in the longitudinal direction and / or different shape-state-specific flow resistances in the transverse direction. The filter structure is preferably permeated differently in the shape states that can be achieved by deforming one or more filter material webs of the filter structure.The proportions of longitudinal and transverse flow through the filter structure differ depending on the shape states achievable by deforming one or more filter material webs within the filter structure. In an adsorption mode of the separation system, the filter structure is preferably in an elongated shape, and a predominant portion of the flow through the filter structure occurs longitudinally along one or more filter material webs and / or from one end plate to another. The more the filter structure is compressed or compacted, the lower the proportion of longitudinal flow and the higher the proportion of transverse flow. When the filter structure is maximally compacted, the flow through it is predominantly or entirely transverse.If the filter structure is minimally compacted, the filter structure is predominantly or completely longitudinally traversed.

[0016] In another embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the filter structure can be transformed into at least one compact form and at least one bulk form by deforming one or more filter material webs. The flow resistance of the filter structure in the transverse direction is higher in the bulk form than in the compact form. Alternatively or additionally, the flow resistance of the filter structure in the longitudinal direction is lower in the bulk form than in the compact form. The flow resistance of the filter structure in the transverse direction can be lower in the compact form than in the bulk form. The flow resistance of the filter structure in the longitudinal direction can be higher in the compact form than in the bulk form.The flow through the filter structure, when extended, occurs essentially longitudinally, for example axially from bottom to top, and when retracted, in a compact state, essentially transversely, for example radially from inside to outside. In adsorption mode, the filter structure is preferably in its expanded state. In desorption mode, the filter structure is preferably in a compact state. In adsorption mode, the flow through the filter structure, preferably along the longitudinal axis of the filter unit, particularly from bottom to top, is reduced or completely eliminated. When the desorption mode is activated, the filter structure is retracted or compressed. By retracting or...Compression reduces the space occupied by the filter structure. Since this space can be vacuumed or evacuated in the desorption mode of the separation system, a compact state is advantageous. In desorption mode, the filter structure is preferably flowed through radially from the inside out in a compact form. In other embodiments, a compact form can also be set in an adsorption mode to increase the adsorption capacity (for example, in g-CCh / h), in which case a higher differential pressure might have to be accepted.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the several differing states of the filter structure, which can be achieved by deforming one or more material webs of the filter structure, exhibit differing absorption properties for greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide. The absorption properties for carbon dioxide can be altered, for example, improved or worsened, by deforming one or more filter material webs of the filter structure. In one or more compact forms, the filter structure preferably exhibits better absorption properties for carbon dioxide than in its bulk form. In one or more compact forms, desorption is particularly facilitated, for example, by shorter path lengths and a smaller required installation space.In another preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the absorption properties for the greenhouse gas absorption of the filter structure relate to the greenhouse gas absorption rate and / or the specific greenhouse gas absorption capacity. By deforming one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, the carbon dioxide absorption rate and / or the carbon dioxide absorption capacity of the filter structure is preferably increased or decreased. In one or more compact forms, the filter structure preferably exhibits a higher carbon dioxide absorption rate than in the bulk form.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the several differing shape states of the filter structure, which can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs, relate to different compression and / or stretching states of the one or more filter material webs. The filter structure can be non-destructively compressed to compress the one or more filter material webs and / or non-destructively stretched to stretch them. If the one or more filter material webs have folds, the fold spacing is reduced by compressing the filter structure and increased by stretching it.By deforming one or more filter material layers of the filter structure, the compression or stretching of the filter structure is preferably increased or decreased. In the one or more compact forms, the filter structure is preferably more compressed than in the bulk form. In the bulk form, the filter structure is preferably more stretched than in the one or more compact forms.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the several differing form states of the filter structure, which can be achieved by deforming one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, relate to different states of twisting of the filter structure. The one or more filter material webs are preferably twistable without damage. If the one or more filter material webs have folds, the fold spacing and / or the fold edge orientation, or the orientation of the folds, is reduced or increased by twisting the filter structure. Twisting the filter structure preferably also increases or decreases the compression or stretching of the filter structure. In the one or more compact forms, the filter structure is preferably more twisted than in the bulk form.The state of rotation can be changed, for example, by rotating at least one support body of the filter unit, which is connected to the filter structure. The state of rotation can also be changed, for example, by moving the support bodies of the filter unit, to which the filter structure is connected, towards or away from each other. The support bodies can be end discs of the filter unit. The end discs can be annular or circular and have an outer diameter. Preferably, the filter material webs of the filter structure do not extend beyond the outer diameter of the end discs in any of the form states of the filter structure that can be achieved by deforming the filter material webs. Preferably, the outer material edges of the filter material webs are located on the inside and in the immediate vicinity of the outer diameter of the end discs in all form states of the filter structure.The filter material webs do not extend beyond the end plates in either the compact or bulk form, allowing the end plates to form a sealed housing. This can be advantageous, for example, for desorption under vacuum. Furthermore, this design maximizes the available filter space, maximizing the medium and / or active / reactive surface area.

[0020] Furthermore, a filter unit according to the invention is advantageous in which the several differing shape states of the filter structure, which can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, occupy different installation spaces. Alternatively or additionally, the filter structure extends over a filter height and has a cross-sectional perimeter, wherein the several differing shape states of the filter structure, which can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, have different filter heights. The several differing shape states of the filter structures, which can be brought about by deformation of the filter structure, preferably have different or substantially the same cross-sectional perimeters. The installation space requirement of the filter structure is preferably modifiable by deformation of the filter structure.In one or more compact forms, the filter structure preferably occupies less installation space than in the bulk form. When the filter structure is deformed, the cross-sectional area preferably remains constant. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area can change when the filter structure is deformed.

[0021] Furthermore, a filter unit according to the invention is preferred in which the filter material webs are arranged in a circular or ring pattern in several or all of the shape states achievable by deforming the filter material webs of the filter structure. The filter material webs preferably have an inclination angle relative to a transverse direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, for example, a radial direction. The inclination angle is, for example, in a range between 20 degrees and 70 degrees. The filter material webs preferably extend radially through an annular material web area, the radial path being rotated about the longitudinal axis of the filter structure by the inclination angle.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the one or more filter material webs of the filter structure are formed in multiple folds. The multiple differing states of the filter structure, which can be brought about by deformation of the one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, preferably have different pleat spacings. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple differing states of the filter structure, which can be brought about by deformation of the one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, have different fold edge profiles or different fold fold profiles. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple differing states of the filter structure, which can be brought about by deformation of the one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, have different pleat orientations.Alternatively or additionally, the multiple differing states of the filter structure, which can be achieved by deforming one or more filter material webs, exhibit a consistent number of folds and / or a consistent number of fold edges or fold folds. The folds can have creased fold edges or crease-free fold folds. The fold edges or fold folds of the filter structure can extend in different directions. For example, the fold edges or fold folds can form a zigzag pattern.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the pleats of the filter structure overlap in certain areas, wherein the several differing states of the filter structure, which can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, preferably exhibit differing pleat overlap proportions. These differing pleat overlap proportions preferably relate to the web overlap of adjacent filter material webs in the longitudinal direction of the filter structure. As the filter structure becomes more compact, the web overlap of adjacent filter material webs increases in the longitudinal direction, thus increasing the pleat overlap proportion.The folds of the filter structure are preferably nested within each other in certain areas, wherein the several differing shape states of the filter structure, which can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, preferably have differing degrees of nesting.

[0024] Furthermore, a filter unit according to the invention is preferred in which the one or more filter material webs of the filter structure are arranged and designed such that the filter structure can be passed through by the ambient air without flowing through any of the filter material webs. The filter material webs can be arranged in a ring shape around a longitudinal axis of the filter structure. The filter structure preferably has an open material web arrangement. The material web arrangement can be passed through by the ambient air by flowing around the filter material webs and / or by flowing through the filter material webs in a transverse direction, particularly in a radial direction.

[0025] The filter unit according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the filter structure extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the one or more filter material webs extend along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more filter material webs have a zigzag fold along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more filter material webs run within an annular material web area. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more filter material webs extend radially through the annular material web area.

[0026] The filter unit according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the filter structure is configured to release the absorbed greenhouse gas to the ambient air flowing around and / or through the filter structure and / or to a space surrounding the filter structure. The release of the greenhouse gas preferably occurs by desorption. A negative pressure or a vacuum can prevail in the space surrounding the filter structure. The space surrounding the filter structure can be vacuumed or evacuated. The vacuum prevents the purity of the desorbed greenhouse gas from being reduced by dilution with the ambient air, thus extending the service life of the sorbent materials used and increasing the purity of the desorbed greenhouse gas. The filter structure preferably comprises a carbon dioxide desorption material. The filter structure preferably comprises a sorbent.The sorbent may contain an amine and have the ability to release carbon dioxide via desorption.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the several differing states of the filter structure, which can be achieved by deforming one or more filter material layers, exhibit different release properties for greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide. By deforming one or more filter material layers of the filter structure, the release properties for carbon dioxide can be altered, for example, improved or worsened. In one or more compact forms, the filter structure preferably exhibits better release properties for carbon dioxide than in its bulk form. The shorter flow path compared to the bulk form, and especially to conventional filters with a radially closed filter structure, improves the release properties in one or more compact forms.Due to the short flow path, the desorbed gas molecules can be effectively transported away in a compact form within the filter structure.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the release characteristics for greenhouse gas emissions of the filter structure relate to the greenhouse gas release rate and / or the greenhouse gas release capacity. By deforming one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, the carbon dioxide release rate and / or the carbon dioxide release capacity of the filter structure is preferably increased or decreased. In one or more compact forms, the filter structure preferably exhibits a higher carbon dioxide release rate than in the bulk form.

[0029] Furthermore, a filter unit according to the invention is preferred in which the filter structure can be brought into an absorption state by setting one or more absorption-specific state parameters, in which the filter structure absorbs the refrigerant gas from the ambient air when exposed to and / or passing through it. Alternatively or additionally, the filter structure can be brought into a release state by setting one or more release-specific state parameters, in which the filter structure releases the refrigerant gas into the ambient air flowing around and / or passing through the filter structure or into a space surrounding the filter structure. The absorption-specific state parameters and / or the release-specific state parameters can relate to the temperature of the filter structure, the ambient temperature of the filter structure, or the air pressure in the filter area.Bringing the filter structure into the absorption state can be initiated, for example, by setting an absorption-specific temperature range and / or an absorption-specific pressure range. Bringing the filter structure into the release state can be initiated, for example, by setting a release-specific temperature range and / or an release-specific pressure range. The absorption and release of the refrigerant gas preferably takes place within the framework of a "Temperature Swing Adsorption" (TSA) process, a "Temperature Vacuum Swing Adsorption" (TVSA) process, or a "Pressure Swing Adsorption" (PSA) process.

[0030] The filter unit according to the invention is further advantageously developed by one or more support bodies to which the filter structure is fixed. A support body can be an upper end plate. A support body can be a lower end plate. The filter structure can be connected to the one or more support bodies by a material bond, a form bond, and / or a force bond. If the filter unit has several support bodies, these can be movable relative to one another, thereby deforming one or more filter material webs. A change in the distance between the support bodies can cause deformation of one or more filter material webs.Increasing the distance between the support bodies stretches or unfolds the one or more filter material webs, while decreasing the distance compresses or folds them. One or more support bodies can have a thread by which they can be moved to deform the filter material webs. In one embodiment, a support body can be formed by a housing that surrounds the filter structure, at least partially, along its circumference.

[0031] Furthermore, a filter unit according to the invention with a vacuum-resistant filter lid and / or a vacuum-resistant filter base is preferred. The filter structure is preferably fixed to the vacuum-resistant filter lid. The one or more filter material layers can be connected to the vacuum-resistant filter lid by force-fit, form-fit, and / or material bond. The filter structure can be fixed to the vacuum-resistant filter base. The one or more filter material layers can be connected to the vacuum-resistant filter base by force-fit, form-fit, and / or material bond. In a desorption mode of the separation system, a vacuum or negative pressure is preferably generated in the area of ​​the filter structure. In this case, the filter lid functions as a vacuum lid that seals off the vacuum area. Special contours on the lid provide the necessary stability for this purpose.The filter cover may have one or more cover gaskets to seal the vacuum area. The filter cover may have one or more locking contours. These locking contours prevent excessive twisting of the filter structure. The filter base may have one or more receiving contours. These receiving contours secure the filter unit in the separation system, preventing it from being unintentionally carried along. If the filter base is a vacuum chamber, it functions as part of a vacuum chamber. The filter base may have one or more base gaskets to seal the vacuum area.

[0032] Furthermore, a filter unit according to the invention is advantageous in which the filter base comprises flow-through openings through which ambient air can be introduced into and / or discharged from the spaces between filter material layers. The flow-through openings can, for example, be slot-shaped. The flow-through openings ensure a low differential pressure. If the filter base has flow-through openings, the pressure chamber can be closed by means of a separate bottom cover.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the filter unit according to the invention has a fixing area for securing the filter unit to a deformation device of the separation system. Via the deformation device of the separation system and the fixing area of ​​the filter unit, one or more filter material webs of the filter structure can be deformed non-destructively to achieve different morphological states of the filter structure. The fixing area can include a thread for receiving a threaded rod of the separation system. The fixing area can be positioned centrally. To deform one or more filter material webs of the filter structure, the fixing area of ​​the filter unit can correspond to the threaded rod of the separation system.

[0034] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a separation system of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the at least one filter unit of the separation system according to the invention is designed according to one of the embodiments described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the separation system according to the invention, reference is therefore first made to the advantages and modifications of the filter unit according to the invention.

[0035] The separation system is preferably a direct air capture (DAC) system. The separation system may include one or more flow generators. The separation system may be configured to generate a negative pressure or a vacuum in the area of ​​the filter unit. The negative pressure or vacuum in the area of ​​the filter unit is preferably generated in a discharge mode of the separation system, whereas in an adsorption mode of the separation system, no negative pressure or vacuum exists in the area of ​​the filter unit.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the separation system according to the invention has an actuated deformation device which is configured to non-destructively deform one or more filter material webs of the filter structure in the separation system and / or during operation of the separation system in order to bring about different, in particular operating-mode-specific, shape states of the filter structure. The deformation device can have an actuating mechanism by means of which the one or more filter material webs of the filter structure are mechanically deformed. The deformation device can have an actuating pneumatic system by means of which the one or more filter material webs of the filter structure are pneumatically deformed.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, the separation system according to the invention has a controllable actuating device for actuating the deformation device. Alternatively or additionally, the separation system has a control device which is configured to actuate the actuating device to change the shape of the filter structure. The control device is preferably an electronic control device. For example, a swing process can be implemented via the actuating device, in which the separation system cyclically switches between greenhouse gas uptake and greenhouse gas release, for example, carbon dioxide uptake and carbon dioxide release.

[0038] Furthermore, a separation system according to the invention is preferred in which the control device is configured to control the deformation device in a desorption mode of the separation system such that the filter structure is compacted. Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to control the deformation device in an adsorption mode of the separation system such that the filter structure is compacted. The separation system can have several desorption modes, wherein the shape states of the filter structure differ from one another in the several desorption modes. The filter structure can assume different compact shapes in the several desorption modes. The separation system can have several adsorption modes, wherein the shape states of the filter structure differ from one another in the several adsorption modes.The filter structure can assume different compact forms in the various adsorption modes.

[0039] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a method of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein, within the framework of the method according to the invention, non-destructive deformation of one or more filter material webs of the filter structure takes place in the separation system and / or during the operation of the separation system to bring about several different, in particular operating-mode-specific, shape states of the filter structure. The method preferably relates to the operation of the separation system for separating carbon dioxide from the ambient air. The separation system used within the framework of the method according to the invention is preferably designed according to one of the embodiments described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the method according to the invention, reference is therefore first made to the advantages and modifications of the separation system according to the invention.

[0040] The method according to the invention is advantageously further developed by deforming one or more filter material webs of the filter structure to establish a form-state-specific flow resistance in a filter area in which the filter structure is located. Alternatively or additionally, deforming one or more filter material webs of the filter structure causes a form-state-specific pressure change across the filter area in which the filter structure is located. Alternatively or additionally, deforming one or more filter material webs of the filter structure establishes a form-state-specific absorption property for the absorption of refrigerant gases by the filter structure and / or a form-state-specific release property for the release of refrigerant gases by the filter structure.

[0041] Furthermore, a method according to the invention is preferred in which the deformation of one or more filter material webs of the filter structure involves compressing or stretching the filter structure. By compressing or stretching the filter structure, the shape of the filter structure is changed, so that, for example, the space requirement of the filter unit and / or the filter height of the filter unit and / or the cross-sectional area of ​​the filter unit change.

[0042] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows a filter unit according to the invention with a filter structure located in a volumetric form in a perspective view;

[0043] Fig. 2 shows the filter unit depicted in Fig. 1 in a side view;

[0044] Fig. 3 shows the filter unit depicted in Fig. 1 in a sectional view;

[0045] Fig. 4 shows the filter unit depicted in Fig. 1 in a perspective view.

[0046] A representation showing only one of several filter material webs;

[0047] Fig. 5 shows the filter unit depicted in Fig. 1 in a perspective view, with the filter structure brought into a compact form;

[0048] Fig. 6 shows the filter unit depicted in Fig. 5 in a side view;

[0049] Fig. 7 shows the filter unit depicted in Fig. 5 in a sectional view; and

[0050] Fig. 8 shows the filter unit depicted in Fig. 5 in a perspective view, with only one of several filter material webs shown.

[0051] Figures 1 to 4 show a filter unit 10 with a filter structure 12 designed as a material web arrangement. In the illustrated state, the filter structure 12 is in an extended volume form. The filter structure 12 can be brought into different states of shape by non-destructively deforming the filter material webs 16 of the filter structure 12. The different states of shape of the filter structure 12 can be operating-mode-specific states, which can be set by a separation system for separating a greenhouse gas, for example carbon dioxide, from the ambient air in specific operating modes.

[0052] The depicted volume shape of the filter structure 12 can be set by the separation system, for example, in an adsorption mode. In adsorption mode, the filter webs 16 of the filter structure 12 absorb the greenhouse gas from the ambient air flowing around them. In adsorption mode, in which the filter structure 12 is in its volume shape, the ambient air flows through the filter structure 12 longitudinally, i.e., from bottom to top or from top to bottom.

[0053] The filter unit 10 comprises two support bodies 14a, 14b, wherein the filter material webs 16 of the filter structure 12 are fixed to the support bodies 14a, 14b. The support body 14a is a lower end disc, which functions as a vacuum-resistant filter base. The support body 14b is an upper end disc, which functions as a vacuum-resistant filter cover. In a desorption mode of the separation system in which the filter unit 10 is used, a vacuum is generated in the area of ​​the filter structure 12. The support bodies 14a, 14b, designed as filter base and filter cover, can seal the vacuum area appropriately, and may include seals (not shown) on the support bodies 14a, 14b.

[0054] The support bodies 14a, 14b have flow openings through which the ambient air can be introduced into spaces between the filter material webs 16 and discharged from spaces between the filter material webs 16.

[0055] The lower end-face edges of the material webs 16 are attached to the support body 14a. The upper end-face edges of the material webs 16 are attached to the support body 14b. In the illustrated embodiment, the end-face edges of the filter material webs 16 are bonded to the support bodies 14a and 14b. In other embodiments, the end-face edges of the filter material webs 16 can also be connected to the support bodies 14a and 14b by frictional, form-fitting, and / or other material-bonded means.

[0056] The filter material webs extending between the support bodies 14a, 14b are folded multiple times in a zigzag pattern and arranged and designed such that the filter structure 12 is passable by the ambient air in the radial direction without airflow through the filter material webs 16. The filter material webs 16 are arranged in a ring around a longitudinal axis of the filter structure 12. The filter material webs 16 run within an annular material web area and extend radially through this annular material web area. The distance between adjacent filter material webs 16 increases radially from the inside to the outside, so that adjacent radial webs are further apart at the outside than at the inside.

[0057] The filter material webs 16 each have several fold edges 18a-18c. The fold edges 18a-18c of all filter material webs 16 are located in spaced-apart fold planes E1-E3. The distances A1-A4 between the support body 14a and fold plane E1, between fold planes E1 and E2, between fold planes E2 and E3, and between fold plane E3 and the support body 14b are identical, so that the web sections 20a-20d of the filter material webs 16 each extend over the same proportion of the filter height H of the filter structure 12. The fold planes E1-E3 run parallel to the support bodies 14a, 14b.

[0058] Due to the zigzag folding of the filter material webs 16, the web sections 20a-20d exhibit a web inclination angle α relative to a vertical or the longitudinal axis of the filter structure 12. The web sections 20a-20d are alternately inclined clockwise and counterclockwise, or forwards and backwards. The web inclination angle α in the volumetric shape of the filter structure 12 preferably lies in a range between 0.1 degrees and 30 degrees, particularly preferably between 1 and 10 degrees. In principle, the web sections can have different web inclination angles α, even in other embodiments. For example, every second web section has the same web inclination angle, with successive web sections having different web inclination angles, for example, 30 degrees and 18 degrees. Alternatively, several or all web inclination angles of each respective web section can differ from one another.All web inclination angles are preferably in a range between 0.1 degrees and 30 degrees, particularly preferably between 1 and 10 degrees. The filter material webs 16 also have an inclination angle β relative to the radial direction. The inclination angle β remains constant at the support bodies 14a and 14b and is, for example, in a range between 20 degrees and 70 degrees. The filter material webs 16 thus extend radially through an annular material web area, the radial path being rotated about the longitudinal axis of the filter structure 12 by the inclination angle β. In principle, the web sections can have different inclination angles β, even in other embodiments.

[0059] The filter material webs 16 of the filter structure 12 are formed from at least one sorbent material. The filter material webs 16 can include magnetic nanoparticles. The magnetic nanoparticles can induce heat of desorption via a magnetic field.

[0060] The sorbent material may contain an amine and have the ability to bind carbon dioxide via adsorption and release carbon dioxide via desorption.

[0061] The filter unit 10 further comprises a fixing area 22 for fixing the filter unit 10 to a deformation device of the separation system, via which the filter material webs 16 of the filter structure 12 can be deformed non-destructively to bring about different shape states of the filter structure 12.

[0062] By non-destructively deforming the filter material webs 16, the filter structure 12 can be brought into a compact form, which is shown in Figures 5 to 8. By bringing the filter structure 12 into the compact form, the filter height H was reduced, so that reduced distances A1-A4 between the support bodies 14a, 14b and the fold planes E1-E3 were also established.

[0063] The filter structure 12 has a cross-sectional perimeter, whereby the several differing form states of the filter structure 12, which can be brought about by deformation of the filter structure 12, including the volume form and the compact form, have essentially identical cross-sectional perimeters on the fold planes E1-E3. In this case, the cross-sectional perimeters in the region of the fold planes E1-E3 correspond to the cross-sectional perimeters of the support bodies 14a, 14b.

[0064] When the filter structure 12 was transferred from the bulk form to the compact form, the inclination angle β of the filter material webs 16 was maintained. The web inclination angle α of the web sections 20a-20d of the filter material webs 16 was increased when the filter structure 12 was transferred from the bulk form to the compact form and lies in a range between 20 degrees and 70 degrees in the compact form.

[0065] In its compact form, the filter structure has a denser material structure than in its bulk form. The web sections 20a-20b of the filter material webs 16 are nested within one another, with the differing forms of the filter structure 12, which can be brought about by deformation of the filter material webs 16, exhibiting different degrees of nesting. In the compact form, the filter material webs 16 are more tightly nested within one another than in the bulk form.

[0066] The compact form of the filter structure 12 shown is set by the separation system, for example, in a desorption mode. In the desorption mode of the separation system, there is a negative pressure or a vacuum in the space surrounding the filter structure 12. When the desorption mode is set, the filter structure 12 is compressed. This compression reduces the space occupied by the filter structure 12. In the desorption mode, the filter structure, in its compact form, is subjected to radial flow from the inside out. Reference numeral

[0067] 10 filter units

[0068] 12 Filter structure

[0069] 14a, 14b Supporting body

[0070] 16 filter material webs

[0071] 18a-18c Folding edges 20a-20d Web sections 22 Fixing area

[0072] A1-A4 Spacing E1-E3 Fold planes H Filter height a Web inclination angle ß Skew angle

Claims

- 24 - Claims 1. Filter unit (10) for use in a separator system operable in several operating modes for separating a greenhouse gas, in particular carbon dioxide, from the ambient air, with a filter structure (12) comprising one or more filter material webs (16), wherein the one or more filter material webs (16) are arranged to capture the greenhouse gas from the ambient air during a flow around and / or through them with ambient air; characterized in that the one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) are deformable without damage in the separator system and / or during the operation of the separator system to bring about several different, in particular operating mode-specific, shape states of the filter structure (12).

2. Filter unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter structure (12) is arranged in a filter area, wherein the several differing shape states of the filter structure (12), which can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12), cause differing shape-state-specific flow resistances in the filter area; and / or cause differing shape-state-specific pressure changes across the filter area; and / or cause differing shape-state-specific flow paths for the ambient air.

3. Filter unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filter structure (12) is permeable in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction, wherein the deformation of one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) The filter structure (12) can be brought about in different shape states, exhibiting shape-state-specific flow resistances in the longitudinal direction and / or shape-state-specific flow resistances in the transverse direction.

4. Filter unit (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the filter structure (12) can be transformed into at least one compact form and at least one volume form by deformation of one or more filter material webs (16), wherein the flow resistance of the filter structure (12) in the transverse direction is higher in the volume form of the filter structure (12) than in the compact form of the filter structure (12); and / or the flow resistance of the filter structure (12) in the longitudinal direction is lower in the volume form of the filter structure (12) than in the compact form of the filter structure (12).

5. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the several differing shape states of the filter structure (12) which can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) have differing absorption properties for the absorption of greenhouse gases, in particular carbon dioxide absorption.

6. Filter unit (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the absorption properties for the greenhouse gas absorption of the filter structure (12) relate to the greenhouse gas absorption rate and / or the specific greenhouse gas absorption capacity.

7. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the several differing from one another and by deformation of one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) form states of the filter structure that can be brought about (12) different compression states and / or stretching states of one or more filter material webs (16).

8. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the several differing shape states of the filter structure (12) which can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) relate to different twisting states of the filter structure (12).

9. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the several different shape states of the filter structure (12) that can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) occupy different installation spaces; and / or the filter structure (12) extends over a filter height (H) and has a cross-sectional circumference, wherein the several different shape states of the filter structure (12) that can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) have different filter heights (H).

10. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the filter material webs (16) are arranged in a circular or ring pattern in several or all shape states that can be brought about by deformation of the filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12).

11. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the one or more filter material webs (16) are formed in a multiple folded filter structure (12), wherein the multiple differing and - 27 - Form states of the filter structure (12) that can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) preferably have different pleat spacings; and / or have different pleat edge profiles or different pleat fold profiles; and / or have different pleat orientations; and / or have a matching number of pleats; and / or have a matching number of pleat edges and / or a matching number of pleat folds.

12. Filter unit (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the folds of the filter structure (12) overlap in certain areas, wherein the several different shape states of the filter structure (12) that can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) preferably have different fold overlap proportions.

13. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) are arranged and designed such that the filter structure (12) is passable through the ambient air without flowing through a filter material web (16).

14. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter structure (12) extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein one or more filter material webs (16) extend along the longitudinal axis; and / or have a zigzag fold along the longitudinal axis; and / or run within an annular material web area; and / or - 28 - extend radially through a ring-shaped area of ​​material webs.

15. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the filter structure (12) is configured to release the absorbed climate gas to the ambient air flowing around and / or through the filter structure (12) and / or a space surrounding the filter structure (12).

16. Filter unit (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that the several different shape states of the filter structure (12) which can be brought about by deformation of one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) have different release properties for greenhouse gas release, in particular carbon dioxide removal.

17. Filter unit (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the release properties for the greenhouse gas release of the filter structure (12) relate to the greenhouse gas release rate and / or the greenhouse gas release capacity.

18. Filter unit (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the filter structure (12) is set to an intake state in which the filter structure (12) absorbs the greenhouse gas from the ambient air when surrounded and / or passed through it by setting one or more intake-specific state parameters, and / or to a release state in which the filter structure (12) releases the greenhouse gas into the ambient air flowing around and / or through the filter structure (12) or into a space surrounding the filter structure (12), by setting one or more release-specific state parameters. - 29 - can be spent.

19. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by one or more support bodies (14a, 14b) to which the filter structure (12) is fixed.

20. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a vacuum-resistant filter cover, wherein the filter structure (12) is preferably fixed to the filter cover; and / or a vacuum-resistant filter base, wherein the filter structure (12) is preferably fixed to the filter base.

21. Filter unit (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that the filter base comprises flow openings through which the ambient air can be introduced into spaces between filter material webs (16) and / or discharged from spaces between filter material webs (16).

22. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a fixing area (22) for fixing the filter unit (10) to a deformation device of the separation system, via which the one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) can be deformed non-destructively to bring about the different shape states of the filter structure (12).

23. Separation system for separating a greenhouse gas, in particular carbon dioxide, from the ambient air, comprising at least one air inlet for ambient air; at least one air outlet for ambient air; and at least one filter unit (10) which is at least partially surrounded and / or passed through by the ambient air between the at least one air inlet and the at least one air outlet; - 30 - characterized in that the at least one filter unit (10) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

24. Separation system according to claim 23, characterized by an actuable deformation device which is configured to deform one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) in the separation system and / or during the operation of the separation system in a non-destructive manner in order to bring about different, in particular operating mode-specific, shape states of the filter structure (12).

25. Separation system according to claim 24, characterized by a controllable actuating device for actuating the deformation device; and a control device which is configured to actuate the actuating device for changing the shape state of the filter structure (12).

26. Separation system according to claim 25, characterized in that the control device is configured to control the deformation device in a desorption mode of the separation system such that the filter structure (12) is brought into a compact form; and / or to control the deformation device in an adsorption mode of the separation system such that the filter structure (12) is brought into a volume form.

27. Method for operating a separation system for separating a greenhouse gas, in particular carbon dioxide, from the ambient air, in particular a separation system according to one of claims 23 to 26, comprising the step: - 31 - Providing a filter structure (12) which captures the greenhouse gas from the ambient air during a flow around and / or through it; characterized by the step: non-destructive deformation of one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) in the separation system and / or during the operation of the separation system to bring about several different, in particular operating mode-specific, shape states of the filter structure (12).

28. Method according to claim 27, characterized in that by deforming one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) a shape-state-specific flow resistance is set in a filter area in which the filter structure (12) is located; and / or a shape-state-specific pressure change is caused across the filter area in which the filter structure (12) is located; and / or a shape-state-specific absorption property for the absorption of the greenhouse gas by the filter structure (12) is set; and / or a shape-state-specific release property for the release of the greenhouse gas by the filter structure (12) is set.

29. Method according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the deformation of one or more filter material webs (16) of the filter structure (12) involves compressing or stretching the filter structure (12).

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