Direct Air Capture System Integrating Calcium Oxide Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current direct air capture (DAC) technologies are limited by high costs and the inability to economically integrate with other useful technologies for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions on a global scale.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for direct capture of carbon dioxide from air, integrating power production and calcium oxide (CaO) generation, utilizing a combination of air contacting units, regeneration units, calcination units, and heat exchangers to simultaneously produce power and CaO, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency through heat integration and carbon neutral operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If direct air capture technology is implemented to remove carbon dioxide from atmospheric air, then carbon emission reduction is achieved, but the cost is high and economic integration with other technologies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines direct air capture with calcium oxide generation and power production into an integrated system. The DAC unit captures CO2 from air, the calcination unit generates CaO while releasing captured CO2, and the power production unit generates electricity using the CaO as fuel. This merging transforms a cost burden into an economically viable system by producing valuable commodities (CaO and power) from the capture process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions simultaneously: CO2 capture from air, CaO generation for industrial use, CO2 concentration for sequestration or utilization, and power production. The CaO serves dual purposes as both a capture agent and a fuel source for power generation, while the system can operate in different modes (capture-only, capture with power production, capture with CaO generation) to adapt to different economic conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional DAC systems are used to capture carbon dioxide, then CO2 removal is achieved, but energy consumption is high and additional emissions handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the high energy consumption of conventional DAC into a benefit by using the captured CO2 and generated CaO as fuel for power production. The calcination process that requires energy input also produces CO2 that can be fed to the power production unit, and the CaO generated can be used as a carbon-free fuel. This transforms the energy burden into a self-sustaining system where the capture process fuels its own operation and generates additional power.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system serves itself by using the CaO generated during calcination as fuel for the power production unit, and using the CO2 captured and concentrated from air as feedstock for the power production process. The system reduces its own energy requirements by internally recycling materials and energy, with the power production unit providing electricity back to the DAC and calcination processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If integrated power production and CaO generation are implemented with DAC, then cost reduction and efficiency enhancement are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated system into distinct functional units: a DAC unit for CO2 capture, a calcination unit for CaO generation, a power production unit for electricity generation, and associated support systems (heat exchangers, compressors, separators). Each unit can be independently designed, operated, and optimized, reducing the management complexity despite the overall system integration. The modular structure allows for flexible configuration and scaling.
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 integration of power production and CaO generation in the system enables efficient capture of carbon dioxide while reducing overall energy consumption and costs, achieving a carbon-negative outcome by utilizing carbon-free power and eliminating the need for additional emissions handling, thus enhancing the effectiveness of carbon capture.
Implementation Method 1
contacting air or another gaseous stream with a caustic agent that is effective to react with at least one moiety (e.g., CO2) in the air or other gaseous stream and thereby remove at least a portion of the at least one moiety from the air or other gaseous stream
Implementation Method 2
heating the calcium carbonate to form calcium oxide and provide a heated gas stream
Implementation Method 3
withdrawing heat from the heated gas stream to form a cooled gas stream
Implementation Method 4
applying the recovered heat to a closed loop power production cycle
Implementation Method 5
reacting a portion of the calcium oxide with water to form calcium hydroxide
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods that combine direct capture of one or more moieties from a gaseous mixture with one or both of calcium oxide production and power production. The systems and methods can utilize combinations of a capture unit, a regeneration unit, a calcination unit, a slaking unit, a heat exchange unit, a separation unit, and a power production unit. The present disclosure provides the ability to remove carbon dioxide and other moieties from air or other gaseous mixtures in a truly carbon negative manner by utilizing electricity from a power production unit that is operated in a carbon neutral or carbon negative manner and simultaneously provide useful products, such as calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide.