Direct Air Capture Collector Wall for Low-Energy CO2 Adsorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing direct air capture (DAC) systems face challenges in efficiently capturing carbon dioxide from atmospheric air due to low concentration and large volumes, requiring large infrastructure with high thermal mass and complex flow control mechanisms that increase energy consumption and costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular separation station with stationary separation units arranged in a vertical collector wall structure, utilizing a common air propelling device and sliding doors for coordinated operation, reducing thermal mass and complexity while maintaining high flow efficiency and redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If large volumes of atmospheric air are processed to capture CO2, then CO2 capture efficiency is improved, but infrastructure size and thermal mass increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture efficiencyVSAvoidinfrastructure thermal mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independent separation units (10, 11, 12, 13) arranged in parallel, each capable of processing air streams separately. This segmentation allows the system to handle large volumes of air through multiple smaller channels rather than one large channel, reducing the thermal mass of each individual unit while maintaining overall high productivity for CO2 capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex flow control mechanisms are used, then operational flexibility is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidflow control mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamically adjustable flow control mechanisms including variable speed fans (101, 102, 103, 104) and adjustable flow distributors that can adapt airflow distribution in real-time based on operational requirements. This dynamic control provides operational flexibility without requiring complex mechanical flow control structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical flow control mechanisms with electronically controlled systems including variable speed fans and electronically adjustable flow distributors. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving operational flexibility through electronic control systems that can be programmed and adjusted without mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If traditional separation units are used, then CO2 adsorption is improved, but pressure drop and energy demand increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 adsorption capacityVSAvoidenergy demand for air flow

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements local optimization of airflow characteristics through specifically designed flow distributors that create uniform flow distribution across the sorbent material surface. This local quality improvement ensures efficient CO2 adsorption throughout the entire sorbent bed while minimizing dead zones and flow channeling, thereby reducing the overall pressure drop and energy demand for air movement without compromising CO2 adsorption capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 proposed design achieves efficient carbon dioxide capture with reduced energy demand, lower construction and maintenance costs, and improved reliability by decoupling air propelling devices, allowing for synchronized operation and optimized airflow.

Implementation Method 1

The adsorption process normally takes place at ambient atmospheric conditions at which air is streamed through the sorbent material and a portion of the CO2 contained in the air is chemically and/or physically bound/adsorbed at the surface of or within the adsorbents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

During subsequent CO2 desorption, the adsorbent material is normally heated and, optionally, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide surrounding the sorbent can be reduced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Data Source

PatentUS20250381511A1Direct air capture device

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 CLIMEWORKS AG

AI summary

Separation station with a plurality of separation units for separating carbon dioxide and/or water vapour from ambient air, wherein each separation unit having at least one contiguous and sealing circumferential wall circumferentially enclosing at least one cavity, the at least one contiguous and sealing circumferential wall defining an upstream opening and an opposed downstream opening, the cavity containing at least one gas adsorption structure for adsorbing the at least one gaseous component, preferably under ambient pressure and/or temperature conditions The plurality of separation units is arranged in at least one essentially vertical collector wall structure, laterally enclosing one single common separation station cavity, and wherein to the upper side, the separation station cavity is covered and closed by at least one cover unit with at least one air propelling device.