CO2 Capture Heat Exchange Unit for Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carbon dioxide capture techniques using temperature swing adsorption processes in fluidized bed columns consume excessive energy for desorbing carbon dioxide from solid phase absorbents, leading to high capture costs.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide capture apparatus with a heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the absorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption and the absorbent after desorption, reducing energy consumption by facilitating efficient sensible heat transfer between the sorption and desorption columns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If temperature swing adsorption process is used to desorb carbon dioxide from solid phase absorbents, then carbon dioxide capture is achieved, but excessive energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sorption column and desorption column into a single integrated apparatus where heat exchange occurs directly between absorbent particles moving between columns. This merging eliminates the need for separate external heating and cooling systems, reducing energy consumption while maintaining capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent serves its own heating and cooling needs by exchanging heat with other absorbent particles during circulation between the sorption and desorption columns. The hot absorbent from the desorption column heats the cold absorbent from the sorption column, creating a self-sustaining thermal cycle that minimizes external energy input.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat exchange unit is added to enable sensible heat transfer, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange function is merged into the natural circulation path of the absorbent between the sorption and desorption columns. The absorbent particles themselves serve as the heat transfer medium, eliminating the need for separate heat exchange equipment and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent performs multiple functions: it captures carbon dioxide in the sorption column, transports heat to the desorption column, and releases heat during desorption. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated heating and cooling systems, simplifying the overall apparatus structure.
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 design reduces energy consumption by enabling at least 80% sensible heat exchange, lowering the energy required for carbon dioxide capture from 40 to 60 J/g to 8 to 12 J/g, and allows for flexible placement of the heat exchange unit based on absorbent characteristics, enhancing heat exchange efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a carbon dioxide sorption column (SC1) provided with a carbon dioxide adsorption unit (110) in which adsorption of carbon dioxide from flue gases occurs
Implementation Method 2
a carbon dioxide desorption column (RC3) connected to the carbon dioxide sorption column (SC1) and provided with a carbon dioxide desorption unit (120) in which desorption of the adsorbed carbon dioxide occurs
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchange unit (130) in which heat exchange occurs between the absorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption and the absorbent after carbon dioxide desorption
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide capture apparatus having a temperature swing adsorption mode for selective separation of carbon dioxide from flue gases. The carbon dioxide capture apparatus comprises: a carbon dioxide sorption column including a carbon dioxide adsorption unit in which adsorption of carbon dioxide from flue gases occurs; a carbon dioxide desorption column connected to the carbon dioxide sorption column and including a carbon dioxide desorption unit in which desorption of the adsorbed carbon dioxide occurs; a carbon dioxide absorbent repeatedly adsorbing and desorbing carbon dioxide while circulating through the carbon dioxide sorption column and the carbon dioxide desorption column; and a heat exchange unit in which heat exchange occurs between the absorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption and the absorbent after carbon dioxide desorption.