Hazardous Gas DAC Module Layout for Low Air Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hazardous gas direct air capture systems face inefficiencies due to clean air recirculation, which reduces the capture efficiency of DAC modules and necessitates a larger system footprint.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flow director, such as a flow guide member or air mover, coupled to the DAC module frame to direct clean air away from the inlet side, combined with gap filler members and exterior walls to prevent re-entry, enhances the system's efficiency by minimizing clean air recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If DAC modules are arranged in angular or staggered fashion to capture hazardous gas, then the capture efficiency is improved, but clean air recirculation occurs which reduces overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The flow director extracts and removes clean air from the recirculation path between outlet and inlet sides of DAC modules, preventing it from re-entering the capture process and reducing energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The flow director acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the outlet side and inlet side of DAC modules, controlling and directing air flow to prevent harmful recirculation while maintaining efficient hazardous gas capture
2Productivity
If more DAC modules are added to reduce clean air recirculation, then the hazardous gas capture efficiency is improved, but the system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow director combines multiple functions into a single component: it directs clean air away from inlets, guides air flow between modules, and prevents recirculation, thereby achieving improved capture efficiency without proportionally increasing system footprint
3Loss of energy
If flow directors are added to direct clean air away from inlet sides, then clean air recirculation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow director is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously directs clean air away from inlets, guides air flow between modules, and prevents recirculation, reducing the need for multiple separate components and minimizing added complexity
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 solution significantly reduces clean air recirculation, improving the capture efficiency of DAC modules and reducing the overall system footprint, allowing for more effective hazardous gas removal with fewer modules.
Implementation Method 1
a first air mover configured to draw air into an inlet side of the frame and over the plurality of hazardous gas capture contactors to remove hazardous gas from the air
Implementation Method 2
a flow director operatively coupled to the frame and configured to direct the clean air exiting an outlet side of the frame away from the frame to reduce re-entry of the clean air into the inlet side of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A hazardous gas direct air capture (DAC) module includes a frame enclosing a plurality of hazardous gas capture contactors, and a first air mover configured to draw air into an inlet side of the frame and over the plurality of hazardous gas capture contactors to remove hazardous gas from the air, producing clean air. The DAC module also includes a flow director operatively coupled to the frame and configured to direct the clean air exiting the outlet side of the frame away from the frame to reduce re-entry of the clean air into the inlet side of the frame. A DAC system includes set(s) of DAC modules with each set including a first plurality of DAC modules arranged in a first line, and a second plurality of DAC modules arranged in a second line parallel to the first line. The module/system reduce clean air recirculation and more efficient.