Conductive Carbon Network for CO2 Sorbent Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carbon dioxide capture technologies face inefficiencies in both point source emissions and direct air capture, requiring improvements in both efficiency and effectiveness to mitigate rising atmospheric CO2 levels effectively.
Innovation Solution
A structured material assembly comprising a three-dimensional substrate with a conductive carbon network and a CO2 sorbent, where the sorbent is coated on the substrate and responsive to energy input for efficient CO2 desorption, utilizing a phenolic resin to form the conductive carbon network and incorporating sorbents like sodium carbonate for enhanced CO2 capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional CO2 capture technologies are used, then CO2 removal is achieved, but energy efficiency is low and energy losses are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the CO2 sorbent material with the thermal energy storage material into a single integrated composite coating on the substrate. This merging allows the same material layer to both capture CO2 and store thermal energy for later desorption, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by integrating the CO2 sorbent (e.g., sodium carbonate) with thermal energy storage materials (e.g., phase change materials) in a single coating layer. This composite structure enables simultaneous CO2 capture and thermal energy storage, improving energy efficiency during the desorption cycle.
2Productivity
If high temperature heating is used for CO2 desorption, then CO2 release is effective, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing thermal energy in the composite coating during the CO2 capture phase. The thermal energy storage material pre-absorbs heat during low-demand periods, which is then readily available during desorption to release CO2 without requiring high-temperature external heating, thus reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transitions of the thermal energy storage material (e.g., phase change from solid to liquid and back) to store and release thermal energy efficiently. During desorption, the phase change material releases stored latent heat to the CO2 sorbent, enabling effective CO2 release at lower temperatures and reducing overall energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy sources are used, then sustainability improves, but energy efficiency and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to store excess thermal energy from renewable sources during periods of high energy availability and automatically release it during periods of low availability. The thermal energy storage composite coating serves the system's own heating needs for CO2 desorption, making the system self-sufficient and reliable when using intermittent renewable energy sources.
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
This approach enables efficient CO2 capture and desorption with reduced energy losses, allowing for the use of renewable energy sources and achieving higher overall energy efficiency in CO2 removal from both point sources and ambient air.
Implementation Method 1
heating the cured substrate and cured phenolic resin to a temperature in a range of about 600° C. to about 1100° C. in an inert environment thereby pyrolyzing the phenolic resin, forming a conductive carbon network
Implementation Method 2
a CO2 sorbent, where the sorbent is coated on the substrate and responsive to energy input for efficient CO2 desorption
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming an integrated composite comprises providing a three-dimensional substrate having at least one channel; coating the substrate with a phenolic resin, wherein coating comprises dispersing the phenolic resin on the substrate, impregnating the phenolic resin in the substrate or a combination of both; curing the substrate and the phenolic resin; heating the cured substrate and cured phenolic resin to a temperature in a range of about 600° C. to about 1100° C. in an inert environment thereby pyrolyzing the phenolic resin, forming a conductive carbon network on, in, or both on and in the substrate; and coating a support material on, in, or both on and in the substrate to form an integrated composite.