Co 2 separation module for a co 2 separation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a CO2 separation module (18) for a CO2 separation device (10) for separating CO2 from a supplied gas flow (14), in particular an air flow (14) of an environment, comprising a stacked arrangement having two air-permeable fabric layers (42), between which a sorption layer (44), in particular an air-permeable sorption layer (44), is adjoiningly arranged, wherein the fabric layers (42) are each designed to be breathable and moisture-regulating in order to conduct moisture away from the sorption layer (44).

Description

[0001] R.411917

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] CO2- for a CO2-

[0006] State of the art

[0007] The invention relates to a CO2 separation module for a CO2 separation device for separating CO2 (carbon dioxide) from a supplied gas stream, in particular an air stream from an environment, with a stacked arrangement comprising two air-permeable fabric layers, between which an, in particular air-permeable, sorption layer is adjacently arranged, and a CO2 separation device for separating CO2 from a supplied gas stream, in particular an air stream from an environment, with at least one chamber and at least one such CO2 separation module arranged therein.

[0008] To limit the warming of the Earth's atmosphere, so-called DAC (Direct Air Capture) systems are used to separate or remove CO2 (carbon dioxide) from the air.

[0009] Since the binding of CO2 and, if present, water to an adsorbent material depends on temperature, pressure, concentration, humidity, etc., all adsorption and desorption systems cyclically establish different conditions in order to separate CO2 through the resulting hysteresis. To adjust the desorption conditions, the adsorbent material must be temporarily sealed off from the environment and is therefore located in a chamber.

[0010] The chamber typically goes through the following steps cyclically:

[0011] (1) Adsorption of ambient air with the chamber open;

[0012] (2) Sealing the chamber and heating the adsorber material and the metallic chamber structure; R.411917

[0013] - 2 -

[0014] (3) Desorption of the CO2 and the bound water by supplying heat (e.g. in a range of greater than or equal to 90°C to less than or equal to 120°C, on average therefore approx. 105°C) under exclusion of oxygen to avoid degradation of the adsorber material, and at reduced pressure (e.g. in a range of greater than or equal to 50 mbar to less than or equal to 400 mbar) and pumping out the CO2 and the water vapor by means of a vacuum pump;

[0015] (4) active cooling of the adsorber material and the chamber and optionally drying of the adsorber material to below a critical temperature (e.g. in a range of greater than or equal to 50°C to less than or equal to 60°C) below which contact with ambient air no longer leads to increased degradation of the adsorber material by atmospheric oxygen;

[0016] (5) Opening the chamber to the environment, cooling to ambient temperature and thus resuming adsorption of CO2 and water from the ambient air.

[0017] For a CO2 separation or sorption process, thin layers of a sorbent are advantageous to minimize pressure losses. However, since these layers also bind water from the atmosphere through co-adsorption in the case of CO2 adsorption and release it during desorption, they are exposed to high moisture levels and the associated changes in material length.

[0018] WO 2014 / 170184 A1 and WO 2018 / 210617 disclose a gas separation device with stacked layers, which have a rigid frame on which flexible cloths are stretched on both sides. Particulate sorbent is arranged inside the layers and can be filled in through holes provided in the frame.

[0019] Disclosure of the invention

[0020] The present invention relates to a CO2 separation module of the type described in the introduction, wherein the fabric layers are each breathable and moisture-regulating in order to wick moisture away from the sorption layer. R.411917

[0021] - 3 -

[0022] The present invention further relates to a CO2 separation device for separating CO2 from a supplied gas stream, in particular an air stream from an environment, comprising at least one chamber and at least one CO2 separation module arranged therein according to the type described above.

[0023] The present invention also relates to the use of breathable and moisture-regulating fabric layers for directing moisture away from a, in particular air-permeable, sorption layer of a CO2 separation module for a CO2 separation device for separating CO2 from a supplied gas stream, in particular an air stream of an environment, with a stacked arrangement comprising two such air-permeable fabric layers, between which the, in particular air-permeable, sorption layer is adjacently arranged, or of a CO2 separation module of the type described above in a CO2 separation device for separating CO2 from a supplied gas stream, in particular an air stream of an environment.

[0024] According to the invention, it is therefore proposed that the fabric layers are each designed to be breathable and moisture-regulating in order to wick moisture away from the sorption layer. In other words, in addition to the air permeability disclosed in the prior art, the fabric layers also possess breathable and moisture-regulating properties, whereby the moisture can be effectively and efficiently wicked or transported away from the sorption layer to an outer surface of the fabric layers exposed to the gas flow, and at the same time, optimal gas exchange can take place.

[0025] Consequently, the CO2 separation module according to the invention ensures rapid drying of the CO2 separation agent at the known high air flow rate in a CO2 separation device or direct air capture (DAC) device, and optimizes the CO2 separation and yield. R.411917

[0026] - 4 -

[0027] It should be noted that the tissue layers are understandably impermeable to the sorption layer or a sorbent of the sorption layer, especially if this is granular, particulate or fibrous.

[0028] It is advantageous if the fabric layers each comprise or are designed to comprise at least one breathable and moisture-regulating multi-layer fabric, in particular a double-layer fabric. It is especially advantageous if the multi-layer fabrics, in particular the double-layer fabrics, comprise individual layers of interwoven water-binding threads and water-repellent threads. Within the scope of the present invention, the term "thread" shall also include fibers and / or yarns.

[0029] In other words, instead of a single woven textile layer, as used according to the prior art, a multiple woven or double woven layer is used, which has several or two superimposed layers of fabric that are joined together at various points during weaving.

[0030] Preferably, the inner layer, relative to and adjacent to the sorption layer, is primarily / predominantly water-repellent, and in particular comprises primarily / predominantly water-repellent threads. Furthermore, the outer layer is primarily / predominantly water-binding, and in particular comprises primarily / predominantly water-binding threads. Advantageously, the threads of the outer layer relative to the sorption layer are thicker than the threads of the inner layer adjacent to the sorption layer. Alternatively or additionally, the number of threads in the outer layer relative to the sorption layer is greater than the number of threads in the inner layer adjacent to the sorption layer. Furthermore, the individual layers of the multi-layer fabric, in particular the double-layer fabric, are advantageously connected for moisture regulation by means of moisture-transporting or...Water-binding warp threads are connected to each other. Therefore, for example, a four- or five-thread construction can be used for the double layer of fabric (R.411917).

[0031] - 5 - will be. The outermost single layer is the single layer over which the gas flow or air flow flows.

[0032] In this process, the moisture or water is initially absorbed by the water-binding threads in the single layer adjacent to the moist sorption layer, similar to a wicking effect. The moisture-transporting warp threads connect this single layer to the outer single layer, thus transporting the water away from the sorption layer to the outside. Since the threads in the outer single layer are preferably thicker, or the weave provides more threads in this layer, the surface area accessible to water is larger. Water can therefore be released via the increased free surface area, but the wicking effect limits the backflow when wetted. This creates a difference in absorption capacity, which ensures that moisture constantly migrates to the outer single layer via the connecting warp threads. The moisture gradient is maintained because of the strong gas or...The airflow over the outside continuously evaporates water. This ensures optimal dehumidification of the sorption layer through directed material transport, resulting in both moisture and water transport away from the sorption layer to be dried and an increase in the surface area on the outside of the fabric layers.

[0033] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the sorption layer comprises at least one sorbent which is granular and / or particulate and / or fibrous. The sorption layer is specifically designed to separate CO2 from the supplied gas stream, particularly air stream, by flow over and / or through it.

[0034] The sorbent is designed to separate CO2 from a supplied gas or air stream. The sorbent is solid. In particular, the sorbent can comprise a solid (appropriately functionalized) sorbent, e.g., an adsorbent and / or an absorbent. Accordingly, the sorbent can, for example, have a granular and / or particulate and / or fibrous solid as a support structure with a base material selected from the group consisting of: resins, polymers, ceramics, zeolites, silicates, organometallic compounds, R.411917

[0035] - 6 - organic materials such as cellulose or activated carbon, and combinations thereof. The base material can in turn be specifically functionalized with amines, potassium carbonate, or other components designed to chemically or physically bind CO2.

[0036] The sorbent can comprise or be in the form of a granular ion exchange resin. For example, the sorbent can comprise or consist of granular Lewatit VP OC 1065 or Zeolite X13.

[0037] The CO2 separation module and the CO2 separation device are designed and configured for separating CO2 from a supplied gas stream, in particular an air stream, from an environment (preferably the CO2 separation device). The CO2 separation module is specifically designed to separate CO2 from the supplied gas stream, in particular an air stream, by overflow and / or throughflow. The CO2 separation device is preferably designed as a direct air capture (DAC) device or system.

[0038] Within the scope of the present invention, the term "supply" or "supplied" primarily refers to an actively initiated or caused, and thus technically controlled or regulated, supply of the gas or air flow by means of a blower unit or fan unit of the CO2 separation device. However, the term "supply" or "supplied" can also encompass a passively initiated or caused supply of the gas or air flow without departing from the scope of the present invention. Consequently, the air flow can be supplied in any manner, e.g., naturally (as wind).

[0039] The CO2 separation device has at least one chamber in which the CO2 separation agent is received or contained. The CO2 separation device preferably has a plurality of chambers, which can be arranged adjacent to one another and / or side by side, or, if installed separately, fluidically connected to each other.

[0040] At least one chamber is preferably used for the alternating cyclical execution of the CO2 separation process and the CO2 R.411917

[0041] - 7 -

[0042] Release process designed, i.e., in other words, that the chamber or the multitude of chambers are operated, or can be operated, individually or in groups in parallel in a CO2 release mode and in a CO2 separation mode ("fixed bed"). Here, the CO2 release mode and the CO2 separation mode are carried out cyclically. The basic operating principle of the CO2 separation device can, for example, be analogous to the aforementioned WO 2020 / 212146 A1.

[0043] The CO2 release process is carried out under reduced pressure and at a temperature higher than ambient. Accordingly, the CO2 release process is preferably carried out using a pump unit or vacuum unit to release CO2 bound in the sorbent, which was previously bound as a result of a CO2 separation process, in particular a sorption process. The CO2 is, understandably, temporarily bound. Within the scope of the present invention, the term "release" encompasses any meaningful method of releasing or expelling CO2 (carbon dioxide) from the sorbent, wherein a dissolution and / or release and / or discharge of CO2 molecules from the sorbent occurs. In this process, the CO2 is released or dissolved from the sorbent, particularly by introducing energy or heat into it.

[0044] The CO2 release mode is preferably a desorption mode. Accordingly, the release of CO2 can be achieved in particular by means of at least one of the following processes or combinations thereof:

[0045] - chemical desorption process

[0046] - physical desorption process

[0047] The CO2 separation mode is carried out at a higher pressure, in particular ambient pressure, and a lower temperature, in particular ambient temperature, compared to the CO2 release mode. Within the scope of the present invention, the term "separation" encompasses any meaningful method of separating or removing CO2 (carbon dioxide) from the gas or air stream, wherein R.411917

[0048] - 8 - a binding and / or adhesion and / or storage and / or uptake of CO2 molecules to a sorbent takes place.

[0049] The CO2 separation mode is preferably a sorption mode, which in particular comprises an adsorption process and / or an absorption process. Accordingly, the separation of the CO2 can be carried out in particular by means of at least one of the following processes or combinations thereof:

[0050] - chemical adsorption process

[0051] - physical adsorption process

[0052] - chemical absorption process

[0053] - physical absorption process

[0054] The CO2 separation device can include a valve unit with a plurality of valves, particularly controllable ones, to close the chamber for the CO2 release mode. The valve unit can include an inlet valve, which is arranged in an inlet channel for the supplied or drawn-in gas or air flow and is configured to close the inlet channel and isolate the chamber upstream. The valve unit can further include an outlet valve, which is arranged in an outlet channel for the CO2-reduced gas or air flow and is configured to close the outlet channel and isolate the chamber downstream. The valve unit can also include a CO2 discharge valve, which is arranged in a CO2 discharge channel for removing separated CO2 and is configured to open the CO2 discharge channel in order to selectively discharge the separated / bound and re-released CO2 from the chamber.

[0055] The CO2 separation device may further comprise at least one of the following units:

[0056] - Blower unit, in particular with a large number of fans for supplying the gas or air flow;

[0057] - Steam generator for providing steam for the CO2 release mode or desorption mode;

[0058] - Inerting unit for supplying an inert gas stream, such as nitrogen, oxygen-free air and / or water vapor, to remove oxygen prior to the CO2 release mode or desorption mode to protect the CO2 combustion medium from chemical degradation; R.411917

[0059] - 9 -

[0060] - Heating unit for additional heating of the sorbent for the CO2 release mode or desorption mode;

[0061] - Cooling unit for additional cooling of the sorbent for the CO2 separation mode or sorption mode;

[0062] - Material conveying unit for conveying the sorbent through the chamber;

[0063] - Sensor unit for CO2 separation and CO2 release modes;

[0064] - Control unit for controlling and / or regulating the CO2 separation and CO2 release mode.

[0065] The control unit can be configured to be connected to other control units and / or a central control unit of the CO2 separation device or a higher-level system via wireless transmission such as WLAN, Bluetooth, Near-Field Communication, etc. It should be noted that, within the scope of this application, the term "control" also includes regulating the respective device and / or unit.

[0066] The CO2 separation device is preferably designed as a stationary unit. In particular, the CO2 separation device can be part of a building climate control system, especially integrated into a climate control system within a building. The chambers of the CO2 separation device can be integrated into the building's air conditioning circuit.

[0067] Drawings

[0068] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0069] Fig. 1 shows a basic structure of a CO2 system according to the invention.

[0070] Separating device; and

[0071] Fig. 2 schematic section of an embodiment of a CO2 separation module according to the invention.

[0072] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the elements shown in the various figures and acting similarly are referred to as identical or similar R.411917

[0073] - 10 -

[0074] Reference symbols are used, without repeating the description of the elements.

[0075] Fig. 1 shows a basic structure of a CO2 separation device, which is designated as a whole by reference numeral 10. The CO2 separation device 10 is designed to separate CO2 (carbon dioxide) from an air stream 14 supplied by a blower unit 12 by means of cyclically executable CO2 separation modes or CO2 sorption modes and CO2 release modes or CO2 desorption modes.

[0076] For this purpose, the CO2 separation device 10 has a chamber 16 with a CO2 separation module 18 according to the invention. The chamber 16 has an inlet valve 20 on an inlet channel 22 for the aspirated airflow 14, which is configured to close the inlet channel 22 and isolate the chamber 16 upstream. The chamber 16 further has an outlet valve 24 on an outlet channel 26 for the CO2-reduced airflow 14', which is configured to close the outlet channel 26 and isolate the chamber 16 downstream. The chamber 16 also has a CO2 valve 28, which is arranged in a CO2 discharge channel 30 and is designed to open the CO2 discharge channel 30 in order to discharge separated, i.e. sorbed and released, i.e. desorbed CO2 and, if applicable, water vapor from the chamber 16.

[0077] The CO2 separation device 10 also includes a heating and cooling unit 32 for heating and cooling the CO2 separation module 18 and a steam generation unit 34 for providing steam for the CO2 release mode or desorption mode.

[0078] The separated CO2 and water vapor are pumped out of chamber 16 by means of a pump unit 36 ​​or vacuum pump 36, with a water vapor condenser 38 being connected upstream of the pump unit 36 ​​or vacuum pump 36.

[0079] The CO2 separation device 10 also includes a control unit 40 for controlling the CO2 separation device 10 and / or the CO2 separation and CO2 release modes. R.411917

[0080] - 11 -

[0081] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a CO2 separation module 18 according to the invention in a sectional side view. The CO2 separation module 18 has a stacked arrangement with two fabric layers 42 and an air-permeable sorption layer 44 with a granular adsorbent arranged between them. The two fabric layers 42 are arranged adjacent to the sorption layer 44.

[0082] According to the invention, the fabric layers 42 are each breathable and moisture-regulating in order to wick moisture away from the sorption layer to the outside. The fabric layers 42 are designed as breathable and moisture-regulating double-layered fabrics 42. The double-layered fabrics 42 in turn comprise individual layers 46a, b, each comprising water-binding threads 48 and water-repellent threads 50 interwoven by means of carrier threads 47.

[0083] The inner layer 46a, located relative to and adjacent to the sorption layer 44, is primarily water-repellent, whereas the outer layer 46b is primarily water-binding and has thicker threads 48, 50 than the inner layer 46a in order to create a moisture gradient. Furthermore, the layers 46a, b are interconnected by moisture-transporting warp threads 52 for moisture regulation.

Claims

R.411917 - 12 - Claims 1. CO2 separation module (18) for a CO2 separation device (10) for separating CO2 from a supplied gas stream (14), in particular an air stream (14) from an environment, with a stacked arrangement comprising two air-permeable fabric layers (42), between which an, in particular air-permeable, sorption layer (44) is adjacently arranged, characterized in that the fabric layers (42) are each designed to be breathable and moisture-regulating in order to direct moisture away from the sorption layer (44).

2. CO2 separation module (18) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the fabric layers (42) each comprise at least one breathable and moisture-regulating multi-layer fabric (42), in particular a double-layer fabric (42).

3. CO2 separation module (18) according to claim 2, characterized in that the multiple fabric layers (42), in particular the double fabric layers (42), comprise single layers (46a, b) comprising interwoven water-binding threads (48) and water-repellent threads (50).

4. CO2 separation module (18) according to claim 3, characterized in that the inner layer (46a) relative to the sorption layer (44) and adjacent to the sorption layer (44) is mainly water-repellent, in particular has mainly water-repellent threads (50), and the outer layer (46b) is mainly water-binding, in particular has mainly water-binding threads (48).

5. CO2 separation module (18) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the threads (48, 50) of the single layer (46b) located on the outside relative to the sorption layer (44) are thicker than the threads (48, 50) of the single layer (46a) located on the inside and adjacent to the sorption layer (44) and / or the number of threads (48, 50) of the single layer (46a) located on the outside relative to the sorption layer is greater than the number of threads (48, 50) of the single layer (46b) located on the inside and adjacent to the sorption layer (44). R.411917 - 13 - (44) outer single layer (46b) is greater than the number of threads (48, 50) of the inner single layer (46a) adjacent to the sorption layer (44).

6. CO2 separation module (18) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the individual layers (46a, b) of the multi-layer fabric layer (42), in particular double-layer fabric layer (42), are connected to each other for moisture regulation by means of moisture-transporting warp threads (52).

7. CO2 separation module (18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sorption layer (44) comprises at least one sorbent which is granular and / or particulate and / or fibrous.

8. CO2 separation device (10) for separating CO2 from a supplied gas stream (14), in particular an air stream (14) from an environment, comprising at least one chamber (16) and at least one CO2 separation module (18) arranged therein according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Use of breathable and moisture-regulating fabric layers (42) for directing moisture away from a, in particular air-permeable sorption layer (44) of a CO2 separation module (18) for a CO2 separation device (10) for separating CO2 from a supplied gas stream (14), in particular air stream (14) of an environment, with a stacked arrangement comprising two such air-permeable fabric layers (42), between which the, in particular air-permeable sorption layer (44) is adjacently arranged, or of a CO2 separation module (18) according to one of claims 1 to 7 in a CO2 separation device (10) for separating CO2 from a supplied gas stream (14), in particular air stream (14) of an environment.

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