Closed Compartment CO2 Recycling for Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Closed inhabited compartments like spacecraft face challenges in efficiently managing carbon dioxide, which is both a metabolic byproduct and a valuable resource, requiring innovative solutions for its utilization and recycling to minimize external supply and logistical costs.
Innovation Solution
A closed environmental compartment system with a life support system that includes a work chamber for extraction and purification processes using carbon dioxide as a solvent, where CO2 is supplied directly from the life support system, and a CO2 absorbent material like macro-porous ion-exchange resin is used to bind and regenerate CO2, allowing for its reuse in supercritical or near-supercritical states for various processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carbon dioxide is continuously removed from the compartment atmosphere by the life support system, then the carbon dioxide concentration is kept under critical values, but the carbon dioxide is typically vented or stored without useful utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful metabolic waste product (carbon dioxide) into a beneficial resource by supplying it to the work chamber for extraction and purification processes. The life support system's CO2 removal function is coupled with a CO2-consuming process, transforming waste removal into resource utilization and eliminating the need to vent or store CO2 without purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the life support system serves dual purposes: maintaining atmospheric safety by removing CO2 and simultaneously providing CO2 as a raw material for industrial processes in the work chamber. This integrates environmental control with resource production, making the system more efficient and reducing waste.
2Quantity of substance
If external supply of carbon dioxide is minimized for closed compartment operations, then logistical challenges and costs are reduced, but the system requires sophisticated internal recycling and reuse mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the life support system's CO2 removal function directly feeds the work chamber's CO2 consumption process. The system serves itself by internally recycling metabolic CO2 back into useful processes, eliminating dependence on external CO2 supplies and reducing the need for complex external logistics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the life support system with the work chamber system by directly coupling their CO2 flows. The line system connecting these subsystems creates an integrated architecture where CO2 management is unified, reducing the need for separate storage, handling, and supply systems that would increase complexity.
3Productivity
If carbon dioxide is used as a solvent in extraction and purification processes in a work chamber, then valuable resources are produced and external supplies are reduced, but the system requires direct coupling and automatic transport mechanisms between life support and work chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the work chamber to directly receive CO2 from the life support system through pre-established line connections. The system is designed in advance with integrated CO2 transport pathways, eliminating the need for complex real-time routing or intermediate storage mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the line system as an intermediary element that directly connects the life support system to the work chamber. This intermediary infrastructure enables automatic CO2 transport without requiring complex control systems or manual intervention, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high productivity.
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 system enables efficient and continuous utilization of carbon dioxide, reducing the need for external supplies, enhancing resource management, and providing a versatile platform for multiple applications within the compartment, such as purification and extraction processes.
Implementation Method 1
a CO2 absorbent material like macro-porous ion-exchange resin is used to bind and regenerate CO2
Implementation Method 2
allowing for its reuse in supercritical or near-supercritical states for various processes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a closed environmental compartment to accommodate humans, e.g. a spacecraft, with a life support system (14) configured to remove metabolic carbon dioxide (CO2) from its internal atmosphere, and with at least one work chamber (16), which is configured for a performance of an extraction and/or purification process with carbon dioxide (CO2) as a solvent, wherein the carbon dioxide (CO2) required for the extraction and/or purification process in the work chamber (16) is supplied by the life support system (14).