Coal-Based Electrothermal Swing Adsorption for Wastewater GHG Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing aqueous greenhouse gases from wastewater, such as granulated activated carbon, are inefficient and energy-intensive, and do not effectively capture and concentrate methane, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide in a cost-effective manner.
Innovation Solution
An electrothermal swing adsorption system utilizing coal-based activated carbon monoliths with a cyclical adsorption and desorption process, where carbon monoliths in two chambers operate in a continuous cycle to capture and release greenhouse gases, with the application of an electrical current to raise the temperature of the carbon monoliths for desorption, reducing energy consumption and increasing cycle life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If granulated activated carbon is used to remove aqueous greenhouse gases from wastewater, then the removal process can be performed, but the method is inefficient and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by applying electrical current to heat the carbon monolith during desorption, enabling efficient release of captured greenhouse gases. This parameter change transforms the carbon monolith from a saturated state to a regenerated state, solving the energy-intensive problem of conventional methods by providing direct and efficient heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional thermal desorption methods with electrical heating by applying current directly to the carbon monolith. This substitution of heating mechanism improves energy efficiency and allows for precise control of the desorption process, addressing the energy consumption issue while maintaining removal efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional methods are used to capture greenhouse gases, then capture can occur, but the method does not effectively concentrate the gases in a cost-effective manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs carbon monoliths with controlled porosity and surface properties that selectively adsorb greenhouse gases from wastewater. The porous structure provides high surface area for gas capture while the material can be regenerated and reused, reducing operational costs and improving cost-effectiveness compared to conventional single-use methods.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing temperature through electrical heating, the system enables concentration of greenhouse gases during the desorption phase. The heated carbon monolith releases concentrated greenhouse gas streams that can be captured and utilized, improving both capture effectiveness and cost-efficiency through potential gas utilization.
3Ease of operation
If carbon monoliths are heated for desorption, then greenhouse gases can be released, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes external heating systems with direct electrical heating of the carbon monolith by applying current through it. This eliminates heat transfer losses and provides direct, efficient heating only where needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective desorption capability and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The carbon monolith serves dual functions: adsorbing greenhouse gases during cooling phases and self-heating during desorption when electrical current is applied. The system uses the carbon monolith's own electrical resistance to generate heat, eliminating the need for separate external heating systems and reducing energy consumption.
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 significant reduction of aqueous greenhouse gases from wastewater with lower energy consumption and operational costs compared to traditional methods, offering a cost-competitive solution for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The electrothermal swing adsorption apparatus receives a feed of a wastewater with at least one greenhouse gas dissolved therein, outputs a purified water flow stream, and outputs a concentrated aqueous greenhouse gas flow stream
Implementation Method 2
with the application of an electrical current to raise the temperature of the carbon monoliths for desorption
Implementation Method 3
the at least one carbon monolith of the second chamber desorbs greenhouse gases simultaneously as the at least one carbon monolith of the first chamber adsorbs aqueous greenhouse gases
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one example, an electrothermal swing adsorption system includes an electrothermal swing adsorption apparatus. The electrothermal swing adsorption apparatus includes a first chamber comprising at least one carbon monolith and a second chamber comprising at least one carbon monolith. The electrothermal swing adsorption apparatus receives a feed of a wastewater with at least one greenhouse gas dissolved therein, outputs a purified water flow stream, and outputs a concentrated aqueous greenhouse gas flow stream.