Building Flue-Gas CO2 Capture Through Pressure-Swing Adsorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Carbon dioxide emissions from large buildings, particularly those utilizing combustion energy sources, contribute significantly to global warming and need to be managed efficiently to reduce their impact on climate change.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for controlling combustion processes to maintain optimal oxygen levels, separating and liquefying carbon dioxide from flue gas using pressure swing adsorption, and storing it for reuse or sequestration, while optimizing boiler efficiency and energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If combustion processes are optimized to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, then environmental impact is reduced, but building energy production requirements may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide emissionsVSAvoidbuilding energy production

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures carbon dioxide from combustion flue gas and converts it into useful products such as liquid fuels, chemicals, or for storage, transforming the harmful emission into a beneficial resource while maintaining building energy production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system modifies combustion parameters (oxygen levels, temperature, pressure) to optimize the balance between energy production and carbon dioxide generation, allowing controlled emission reduction without compromising power output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If carbon dioxide separation and capture systems are implemented, then emission reduction is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide emissionsVSAvoidemission processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The emission processing system is divided into distinct functional modules (combustion control unit, flue gas treatment section, carbon dioxide separation unit, product generation system) that can be independently designed, maintained, and scaled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system integrates multiple functions into unified components, such as using the same flue gas stream for both power generation optimization and carbon dioxide capture, reducing overall system complexity through multi-functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If combustion optimization is applied to control oxygen levels, then carbon dioxide capture efficiency improves, but boiler operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide capture efficiencyVSAvoidboiler operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that continuously monitor oxygen levels, combustion efficiency, and carbon dioxide concentration, automatically adjusting combustion parameters to maintain optimal conditions for capture efficiency without requiring complex manual operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The combustion optimization system operates autonomously by self-regulating oxygen levels and combustion rates based on real-time conditions, reducing the need for complex operational interventions while maintaining high capture efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system achieves high carbon dioxide capture and recovery rates, reduces fuel consumption, and enhances overall building energy efficiency by recycling energy and minimizing emissions.

Implementation Method 1

removing at least some of the nitrogen from the flue gas to produce greater than about 95% carbon dioxide using a pressure swing adsorption assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure swing adsorption: Pressure Swing Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

cooling the compressor with a heat transfer fluid and providing the heat transfer fluid to/from a chiller and/or a cooling tower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

providing the flue gas to at least one economizer having at least one set of cooling coils conveying the boiler feed water, the providing cooling the flue gas and heating the boiler feed water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger