Modular Sorbent Structure for Direct Air Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sorbent structures for direct air capture of CO2 face challenges such as limited scalability due to mechanical properties, inefficient fluid flow leading to heat loss and pressure drop, and issues with steam injection and fluid bypassing.
Innovation Solution
A modular sorbent structure with a parallel plate arrangement that allows fluid flow in multiple directions, integrated sensors for performance monitoring, and a support structure that minimizes thermal mass and bypassing effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fluid flows in one direction through the sorbent bed, then the structure is simple, but steam injection effectiveness is reduced and heat loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second flow direction by incorporating permeable support structures that allow fluid to flow perpendicular to the primary flow direction. This enables steam to be injected from the sides and flow through the sorbent bed in a direction perpendicular to the air stream, improving steam injection effectiveness without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the sorbent bed, allows fluid flow in multiple directions, and acts as a pathway for steam injection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling versatile steam injection while maintaining structural simplicity
2Productivity
If fluid flows through a column of packed sorbent, then CO2 capture is effective, but pressure drop increases requiring additional energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous support structures instead of dense packed beds. The porous nature of the support allows fluid to flow through with minimal resistance while still providing sufficient surface area for CO2 capture, thereby reducing pressure drop and the energy required to move fluid through the system
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines structured sorbent materials with porous support structures to create a composite bed that maintains capture efficiency while reducing flow resistance. The composite structure allows efficient CO2 capture at the sorbent surfaces while the porous support minimizes pressure drop
3Productivity
If structured sorbents are used in parallel plate arrangements, then scalability is improved, but fluid bypassing through gaps occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin permeable films or screens as support structures within the parallel plate arrangement. These thin structures minimize gap sizes and prevent fluid bypassing while maintaining the scalability benefits of the parallel plate configuration. The permeable nature allows fluid to pass through the support rather than bypass around it
4Strength
If large thermal mass structures are used for support, then mechanical strength is sufficient, but heat loss increases during regeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-walled permeable support structures instead of thick solid structures. The thin walls provide sufficient mechanical strength for supporting the sorbent bed while minimizing thermal mass, thereby reducing heat loss during regeneration processes and improving energy efficiency
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 modular structure enhances scalability, reduces energy consumption by minimizing heat loss and pressure drop, and improves CO2 capture efficiency by allowing effective steam injection and reducing fluid bypassing.
Implementation Method 1
a first step of moving ambient air through a bed of a solid sorbent that is effective at selectively capturing a significant portion of the CO2 contained therein
Implementation Method 2
During regeneration, the sorbent bed is treated with, for example, heat, vacuum, steam, or some combination thereof to cause the CO2 to desorb from the sorbent
Data Source
AI summary
A modular structure accommodating structured sorbent in a parallel plate arrangement for the separation of gases, such as the removal of CO2 from air in a direct air capture process is provided. The modular structure includes individual units which act as support structures for the sorbent, and the individual units can be assembled into a larger bed of arbitrary dimensions. The sorbent includes parallel plates through which fluid can flow in many directions (at least two perpendicular directions), with additional features in the support structure that mitigate bypassing effects and reduce parasitic thermal mass. A method for integrating sensors into the bed to understand the performance of the bed in gas separation while minimizing damage to the structure or disruption to performance is also provided.