Modular Sorbent Bed System for Small-Scale CO2 Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carbon dioxide capture technologies are expensive, cumbersome, and typically available only at an industrial scale, making it difficult to develop small-scale applications for CO2 removal, which is essential for addressing climate change.
Innovation Solution
A small-scale carbon dioxide collection system comprising multiple devices with sorbent beds, blowers, and regeneration fluid management, allowing for efficient capture and regeneration of CO2 using moisture swing sorbent resins and a multi-tank regeneration fluid system to create a continuous CO2-upgraded stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional capture devices are used, then CO2 capture capability is achieved, but the devices are expensive, cumbersome, and require large initial capital costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the CO2 capture system into multiple small modular units, each containing a sorbent bed, blower, and collection tray. These modular units can be deployed independently or combined, allowing the system to scale according to specific needs without requiring large industrial-scale infrastructure. Each module performs complete capture-regen-capture cycles autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorbent resin automatically performs both capture and regeneration functions without requiring external complex processing systems. During the capture phase, the resin absorbs CO2 from air; during the regen phase, the resin releases CO2 when exposed to heat or moisture. This self-contained cycle eliminates the need for separate regeneration facilities, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If conventional capture technologies are used, then CO2 capture is achieved, but operating costs are high and scale is limited to industrial levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation through multiple sorbent beds working in parallel cycles. While one bed is in the capture phase, another is in the regeneration phase, ensuring uninterrupted CO2 capture. The system maintains continuous air flow through blowers that operate throughout both capture and regen phases, eliminating downtime and maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between capture and regeneration modes for each sorbent bed. Each bed alternates between absorbing CO2 (capture phase) and releasing CO2 (regen phase) in regular cycles. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain high overall productivity by ensuring that while some beds are regenerating, others are actively capturing CO2.
3Adaptability or versatility
If small-scale applications are developed, then adaptability to indoor environments is improved, but CO2 collection efficiency decreases compared to industrial scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the sorbent bed configuration for small-scale applications by using high-surface-area sorbent resins specifically selected for indoor air conditions. The bed dimensions, air flow rates, and contact time are tailored to maximize CO2 capture efficiency in lower-concentration indoor environments, rather than simply downsizing industrial equipment. This localized optimization maintains high efficiency at small scale.
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 system enables cost-effective, efficient CO2 capture and upgrading at a small scale, suitable for indoor or small-scale applications, reducing operational costs and overcoming the limitations of large-scale technologies.
Implementation Method 1
pulling atmospheric air through a sorbent bed having a sorbent resin absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmospheric air
Implementation Method 2
regenerating the sorbent resin by flooding the sorbent bed with regeneration fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method for small scale CO2 extraction is disclosed. The device includes a sorbent bed having a sorbent resin. The device also includes a blower in fluid communication with the sorbent bed through at least one duct, as well as a collection tray beneath the sorbent bed and having a drain. The device also includes a capture configuration and a regeneration configuration. The capture configuration includes an air flow driven by the blower passing through the sorbent resin. The regeneration configuration includes the flooding of at least the sorbent resin with regeneration fluid. The regeneration fluid has a higher dissolve inorganic carbon concentration after flooding the sorbent resin. Multiple devices may be employed together as a system capable of providing a continuous product stream having an upgraded concentration of CO2.