Dielectric Heating for CO2 Desorption from Adsorbents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional carbon dioxide collection methods are energy-intensive due to the need for significant heating and vacuum requirements, which increase operational costs and require robust, expensive equipment, especially when dealing with large quantities.

Innovation Solution

The use of dielectric heating to efficiently release adsorbed carbon dioxide from adsorbent materials, reducing the need for high temperatures and vacuums by employing dielectric heaters to direct electromagnetic radiation and minimize energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional radiant heating is used to release adsorbed carbon dioxide, then the carbon dioxide can be desorbed from the collecting medium, but significant energy is consumed and expensive metallic systems with multiple radiant heaters are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption for carbon dioxide desorptionVSAvoidsystem structure with multiple radiant heaters and metallic components
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional radiant heating systems (mechanical/thermal system) with dielectric heating using electromagnetic fields. The dielectric heater applies electromagnetic radiation directly to the adsorbent material, causing internal heating through molecular polarization rather than external radiant heating, thereby eliminating the need for multiple radiant heaters and complex metallic structural components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The adsorbent material serves dual functions: it both adsorbs carbon dioxide and acts as the heating element itself when exposed to dielectric heating. The electromagnetic energy is absorbed directly by the adsorbent material, causing it to heat itself and release the adsorbed carbon dioxide, eliminating the need for separate external heating systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If high vacuum is applied to release adsorbed molecules, then the desorption speed increases, but additional energy is required and expensive vacuum chamber components are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesorption speedVSAvoidenergy consumption for vacuum operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vacuum system with a dielectric heating system. Instead of using vacuum pressure to force desorption, electromagnetic fields are applied to the adsorbent material, causing internal heating that accelerates desorption through thermal effects, thereby eliminating the need for vacuum pumps and pressure control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter used for desorption from pressure (vacuum) to temperature (dielectric heating). By applying electromagnetic radiation that converts to heat within the adsorbent material, the desorption process is driven by temperature increase rather than pressure decrease, achieving fast desorption without vacuum requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for faster and more cost-effective carbon dioxide collection with reduced energy input and lower material costs for the collection system, as it efficiently releases adsorbed molecules without the need for extensive heating or high vacuum pressures.

Implementation Method 1

a second dielectric heater configured to direct electromagnetic radiation to the carbon dioxide adsorbed onto the adsorbent material to heat the adsorbed carbon dioxide and promote the release of carbon dioxide molecules from the adsorbent material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2767323B1System and method for collecting carbon dioxide utilizing dielectric heating
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2767323B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2767323B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2767323B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A system for collecting carbon dioxide from a process gas including an adsorbent material for adsorbing carbon dioxide molecules from the process gas, a dielectric heater proximate the adsorbent material, and a vessel having an internal volume enclosing the adsorbent material and, optionally, the dielectric heater.