Design for the DAC and HVAC integration prototype and same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems, particularly Direct Air Capture (DAC) systems, face challenges with high energy consumption, interruptions in air flow during CO2 regeneration, and the need for sorbents with long lifetimes and affordable costs.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a new DAC configuration using two adjacent filters and dampers that allow for uninterrupted air supply during CO2 regeneration, a state-of-the-art filter design for precise control of humidity and CO2 concentration, simulations to optimize energy consumption and efficiency, and the use of microwave heating for efficient CO2 regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heating is used for CO2 regeneration, then the regeneration process is simple to implement, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal conduction heating with microwave electromagnetic radiation for sorbent regeneration. The microwave heating system uses a magnetron to generate microwave energy that penetrates the sorbent bed, causing molecular vibration and rapid heating throughout the volume simultaneously, eliminating the need for external heating chambers and thermal conduction processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of water molecules within the sorbent structure. Microwave radiation causes water molecules to rotate and vibrate, generating internal heat that rapidly raises the sorbent temperature to the regeneration point, enabling efficient CO2 desorption through controlled phase changes in the moisture content of the sorbent.
2Reliability
If CO2 regeneration is performed in a DAC system, then CO2 capture capability is improved, but air flow interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the DAC system into multiple independent sorbent beds (typically three beds: one for capture, one for regeneration, one for cooling). This segmentation allows continuous operation where while one bed is undergoing regeneration or cooling, another bed continues to capture CO2 from the air stream, ensuring uninterrupted air flow and sustained capture productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic cycling between different operational modes for each sorbent bed. Each bed alternates between capture mode, regeneration mode, and cooling mode in a continuous cycle. This periodic action ensures that at least one bed is always in capture mode, maintaining continuous CO2 capture capability while allowing other beds to undergo necessary maintenance processes.
3Reliability
If sorbents are used for CO2 capture, then capture efficiency is improved, but sorbent lifetime is reduced due to thermal and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gradual external thermal heating with rapid internal microwave heating. This substitution reduces the duration of thermal exposure and eliminates thermal gradients that cause stress. The microwave energy heats the sorbent volumetrically and uniformly from the inside out, minimizing thermal shock and mechanical stress on the sorbent structure during regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating parameter from slow thermal conduction to rapid microwave irradiation. This parameter change reduces the total time the sorbent is exposed to high temperatures, thereby reducing cumulative thermal stress. The microwave heating also allows for more precise temperature control and faster cooling cycles, further protecting sorbent integrity and extending operational lifetime.
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
This approach enables continuous airflow during regeneration, improves indoor air quality, reduces energy consumption by up to 40% compared to conventional heating, and extends the lifespan of sorbents, making the DAC system more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a DAC unit comprising at least one adsorbent
Implementation Method 2
at least one microwave heating device configured to heat the at least one adsorbent
Data Source
AI summary
An air handling unit to pass air through the air handling unit to regulate the air within an indoor space is provided. The air handling unit includes at least one filter configured to filter the air, at least one cooler configured to cool the air to a low temperature, at least one heater configured to heat the air to a low temperature, and at least one humidifier configured to add moisture into the air.