Indirect Sorbent Filter Heating for Low-Energy DAC Desorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Direct Air Capture (DAC) processes face challenges with energy-intensive steam production, sorbent degradation, and the need for specialized vacuum pumps due to steam desorption, leading to water consumption and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
An indirect heating and cooling system using a fluid circuit within a sorbent filter frame, where a heating fluid is used to heat the sorbent filter frame, where a heating fluid is used to heat the sorbent filter frame, where a cooling fluid is used to cool the sorbent filter, and a vacuum pump is used to reduce the sorbent filter, and a vacuum pump is used to reduce the partial pressure of CO2 by condensing water vapor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam is used to heat the sorbent during desorption, then the CO2 partial pressure is lowered and desorption is achieved, but the sorbent degrades quickly and water is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indirect heating system using a heat transfer fluid (water or thermal oil) circulated through channels in the sorbent support structure. This intermediary fluid transfers heat to the sorbent without direct contact, eliminating sorbent degradation from steam exposure while maintaining desorption efficiency through controlled thermal transfer.
2Temperature
If steam is produced for desorption, then heating is achieved, but energy consumption increases and expensive piping is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the steam generation mechanical system with a direct liquid heat transfer fluid circulation system. By pumping liquid through channels in the sorbent support structure, the system eliminates the need for steam boilers, pressure vessels, and complex piping infrastructure, significantly reducing energy consumption and capital costs.
3Temperature
If steam is used for desorption, then heating is achieved, but specialized vacuum pumps are required and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid heat transfer fluid as an intermediary that allows conventional vacuum pumps to be used. The liquid circulation system separates the heating function from the vacuum function, enabling the use of standard, cost-effective vacuum pumps rather than specialized equipment required for steam-vapor handling.
4Reliability
If indirect heating with hot water is used, then sorbent degradation is eliminated and energy consumption is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function directly into the sorbent support structure by integrating heat transfer channels within the support walls. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external heating equipment and complex piping, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of indirect heating.
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 system reduces energy consumption, eliminates sorbent degradation, and allows the use of conventional vacuum pumps, thereby lowering operational costs and enhancing the efficiency of the DAC process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating fluid circulated through the fluid circuit and indirectly heating the at least one sorbent filter
Implementation Method 2
a cooling fluid circulated through the fluid circuit and extracting heat from the at least one sorbent filter and condensing a net positive amount of water vapor within the pressure vessel
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum pump that lowers the partial pressure of CO 2 within the pressure vessel after the net positive amount of water vaper has been condensed
Implementation Method 4
flowing a CO 2 containing gas through the flow path and absorbing CO 2 and water vapor within the sorbent media of the at least one sorbent filter during an absorption phase
Implementation Method 5
releasing water vapor and CO 2 from the at least one sorbent filter during a desorption phase
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
In one aspect, an indirect heat transfer system for use in carbon capture, includes at least one sorbent filter enclosed in a frame, a sorbent filter shape defined by a shape of the frame, a flow path through the frame and the at least one sorbent filter, a fluid circuit within the frame and adjacent to the at least one sorbent filter. A heating fluid to heat the sorbent filter during a desorption cycle to release CO2 and water vapor. A cooling fluid circulated through the fluid circuit and extracting heat from the at least one sorbent filter and condensing an amount of water vapor, a vacuum pump that lowers the partial pressure of CO2 within the indirect cooling system after the amount of water vaper has been condensed, an amount of liquid water and an amount of CO2 are extracted from the indirect cooling system.