Direct Air Capture Energy Storage for Continuous CO2 Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct air capture (DAC) systems face challenges in operating continuously due to intermittent renewable energy sources, requiring efficient energy storage solutions for both electrical and thermal energy to maintain continuous carbon dioxide capture and regeneration processes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an energy storage unit that combines intermittent renewable energy with excess energy from parallel or downstream industrial processes, using thermal and electrical storage to provide a continuous supply of steam and power to the DAC unit, optimizing operation through the use of low and high-pressure steam, hot water, and heat transfer fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DAC systems use intermittent renewable energy sources (wind, solar), then the environmental sustainability is improved, but the continuous operation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing energy storage units that accumulate electrical and thermal energy in advance during periods of high renewable energy availability. This stored energy is then deployed during periods of low renewable energy output, ensuring continuous DAC operation without interruption. The storage units are pre-charged when renewable energy is abundant to bridge the intermittency gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces energy storage units as intermediary components between the intermittent renewable energy sources and the DAC system. These storage units act as mediators that decouple the variability of renewable energy from the continuous operation requirements of the DAC process, absorbing energy fluctuations and providing stable power and heat supply.
2Productivity
If DAC systems are designed for continuous operation, then the carbon dioxide capture productivity is improved, but the energy storage requirement and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electrical energy storage and thermal energy storage into a unified energy management system that serves the DAC process. By combining these storage types and integrating them with the renewable energy sources and DAC unit, the system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate, independent storage systems. The combined approach optimizes space and resource utilization while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage units are designed with multi-functionality, serving both electrical power storage and thermal energy storage needs of the DAC system. This universal approach allows a single integrated system to address multiple energy requirements, reducing the number of separate components needed and thereby lowering overall system complexity while supporting continuous high-productivity operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If waste heat from industrial processes is used to generate power for DAC, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the thermal energy availability for direct DAC use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal energy from industrial processes into different utilization pathways. Instead of converting all waste heat to power, the system divides the thermal energy stream: portion is converted to electrical power through heat engines to drive DAC operations, while another portion is retained as available thermal energy for direct use in sorbent regeneration and other thermal processes within the DAC system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the temperature and pressure parameters of waste heat based on specific DAC process requirements. The system modifies thermal energy parameters to match the needs of different DAC unit operations, optimizing both power generation efficiency and direct thermal utilization. This allows the same waste heat source to satisfy multiple thermal demands at different parameter levels.
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
Enables continuous operation of DAC systems with minimal downtime, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing the robustness of the system by supplementing intermittent renewable energy with excess industrial energy, ensuring consistent thermal and electrical energy supply for carbon dioxide capture and regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage unit for receiving, storing and continuously discharging energy; wherein the energy storage unit receives a first supply of energy from an intermittent renewable source of energy
Implementation Method 2
optimizing operation through the use of low and high-pressure steam, hot water, and heat transfer fluids
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides direct air capture (DAC) systems and processes for operating such systems that can operate continuously to remove carbon dioxide from an atmosphere under power from a wide range of intermittent renewable energy sources, and which is supplemented with recycled or excess energy derived from a parallel industrial process.