Mobile Adsorbent Transport for Flexible CO2 Recovery Layouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carbon dioxide recovery systems require significant space for pipe installations, restricting device placement and installation locations.

Innovation Solution

A carbon dioxide recovery method and system utilizing a blower-generated air flow to adsorb carbon dioxide onto an adsorbent, transporting the adsorbent between locations using mobile objects, eliminating the need for pipes and allowing for flexible installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the adsorbent is transported by a pipe connected to the reaction vessel, then the carbon dioxide recovery process is stable and reliable, but a space for disposing the pipe is required and the installation location of the device is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide recovery process stabilityVSAvoidinstallation location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional pipe-based mechanical transport system with a mobile robot that autonomously transports adsorbent containers. This substitution eliminates the need for fixed pipe infrastructure while maintaining reliable adsorbent delivery to the reaction vessel, thereby resolving the contradiction between process reliability and installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic mobile robot system that can move freely within the workspace to transport adsorbent containers between storage locations and the reaction vessel. This dynamic approach replaces static pipe connections, enabling flexible installation locations while ensuring continuous and reliable adsorbent supply through autonomous navigation and delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If pipes are used to transport adsorbent, then the adsorbent can be continuously supplied to the reaction vessel, but the device requires significant installation space and infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadsorbent supply continuityVSAvoidinstallation space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pipe-based continuous transport system with a mobile robot that delivers adsorbent containers to the reaction vessel. This substitution maintains productivity by ensuring continuous adsorbent supply through autonomous refilling operations while dramatically reducing the installation space required, as no extensive pipe infrastructure is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements localized adsorbent storage and delivery points around the reaction vessel, with mobile robots providing on-demand refilling. This local quality approach maintains continuous supply capability while minimizing overall installation space, as adsorbent can be stored in compact containers near the reaction vessel rather than requiring large centralized storage facilities connected by pipes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 method and system provide a carbon dioxide recovery process with reduced space constraints, enabling efficient carbon dioxide recovery and separation without the need for extensive infrastructure, utilizing mobile objects to transport adsorbents between locations.

Implementation Method 1

an adsorbing step of adsorbing carbon dioxide onto an adsorbent at a first location by using an air flow generated by a blower provided in a fluid device or an external air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

a first transporting step of transporting the adsorbent which has adsorbed the carbon dioxide from the first location to a second location by a mobile object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical transport:

Implementation Method 3

a second transporting step of transporting an adsorbent which has not adsorbed the carbon dioxide from the second location to the first location by a mobile object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical transport:

Implementation Method 4

a separation device that is configured to separate the carbon dioxide from the adsorbent which has adsorbed the carbon dioxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeparation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250352939A1Carbon dioxide recovery method and carbon dioxide recovery system

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A carbon dioxide recovery method includes an adsorbing step of adsorbing carbon dioxide onto an adsorbent at a first location by using an air flow generated by a blower provided in a fluid device or an external air; a first transporting step of transporting the adsorbent which has adsorbed the carbon dioxide from the first location to a second location by a mobile object; and a second transporting step of transporting an adsorbent which has not adsorbed the carbon dioxide from the second location to the first location by a mobile object.