CO2 Sequester Module Integrated with Cooling Tower Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CO2 sequester systems face challenges in effectively separating CO2 from ambient air in industrial settings, particularly in stationary plants with cooling towers, requiring a system-level modification to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A CO2 sequester system is integrated with a cooling tower's air inlet and outlet, utilizing a thermally coupled heating system and a temperature control system to heat the CO2 sequester module, which separates CO2 from ambient air by flushing it when the module reaches a threshold temperature, using exothermic reactions and a medium cooling module to optimize the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional CO2 sequester module is implemented in a cooling tower facility, then CO2 separation is achieved, but system complexity and operational challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the CO2 sequester module with the cooling tower system by integrating it into the air handling path. The module is positioned to receive ambient air at the cooling tower air inlet or to process air at the cooling tower air outlet, merging two functions (cooling and CO2 separation) into a unified system that reduces overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling tower air inlet/outlet serves dual purposes: it provides airflow for cooling operations and simultaneously serves as the air handling path for the CO2 sequester module. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate air handling systems for CO2 separation, reducing device complexity
2Quantity of substance
If the CO2 sequester module operates continuously at optimal temperature, then CO2 separation efficiency is maximized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system operates periodically rather than continuously, heating the CO2 sequester module to threshold temperature to flush accumulated CO2, then allowing natural cooling. This periodic heating cycle maintains separation efficiency while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous heating
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the cooling tower's existing cooling capacity to cool the CO2 sequester module between heating cycles, rather than requiring additional active cooling systems. The module self-regulates temperature through the alternating heat-natural cool cycle, minimizing external energy input
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 efficiently separates CO2 from ambient air, enhancing CO2 capture and processing capabilities while integrating with existing cooling tower infrastructure, improving the overall CO2 sequestration efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heating system being thermally coupled to the CO2 sequester module
Implementation Method 2
the heating system comprises at least one exothermic module producing heat through an exothermic reaction process
Implementation Method 3
a medium cooling module thermally coupling the medium and coolant configured to cool the medium based at least on a temperature-reduced coolant
Implementation Method 4
the CO2 sequester module is configured to separate CO2 from the ambient air
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a CO2 sequester system comprising a CO2 sequester module being coupled to at least one of an air inlet and an air outlet of a cooling fan of a cooling tower cooling a coolant entering the cooling tower based at least on the air received into the air inlet of the cooling fan and exited out of the outlet of the cooling fan, wherein the CO2 sequester module is configured to separate CO2 from the ambient air that is at least one of received into the air inlet of the cooling fan and exited out of the outlet of the cooling fan. The present disclosure also relates to a method of separating CO2 from ambient air.