Modular Monolith Reactor for CO2 Capture via Joule Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon capture systems are complex, energy-intensive, and often interfere with existing equipment performance, requiring significant modifications and resources, making large-scale implementation challenging.
Innovation Solution
A modular system that integrates carbon dioxide separation and collection using a reactor with monoliths impregnated with sorbents, employing joule heating for efficient regeneration of carbon dioxide, which can be easily integrated into existing industrial equipment like cooling towers without significant performance impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing carbon capture systems are implemented, then carbon dioxide can be captured from fluid, but the systems become complex and energy-intensive requiring significant modifications to existing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the carbon capture process into separate functional modules: a contactor for CO2 absorption and a regenerator for CO2 release. Each module contains sorbent beds that can operate independently, allowing the system to capture CO2 without requiring complex integrated equipment modifications to existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorbent material serves multiple functions: it absorbs CO2 in the contactor during normal operation and releases CO2 in the regenerator during regeneration cycles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, simplifying the overall system design while maintaining effective CO2 capture.
2Quantity of substance
If existing carbon capture systems are implemented, then carbon dioxide can be captured from fluid, but significant energy is consumed and existing equipment performance is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic regeneration cycles where sorbent beds are alternately used for CO2 absorption and then heated for CO2 release. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain continuous CO2 capture while using energy only during regeneration phases, rather than requiring continuous high energy input throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorbent material self-regenerates through thermal decomposition when heated, releasing captured CO2 without requiring additional chemical reagents or complex external processing. This self-service regeneration reduces energy consumption compared to systems requiring continuous chemical treatment or mechanical separation processes.
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 efficiently captures and regenerates carbon dioxide with reduced energy consumption and minimal interference with existing systems, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for large-scale carbon capture.
Implementation Method 1
a first sorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide... a second sorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
the electric conduit provides an electric current to the first monolith and the second monolith to release carbon dioxide adsorbed by the first monolith and the second monolith... to heat the first monolith and second monolith to a temperature in a range of 80° C. to 200° C.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a system for extracting carbon dioxide from a fluid. The system can include a fluid source and a reactor. The reactor can include one or more chambers, and each chamber can include one or more monoliths for adsorbing carbon dioxide from the fluid. The chambers can be alternatively unsealed for a contacting mode and sealed for a regeneration mode. A power source can provide an electric current to the monoliths to release carbon dioxide adsorbed by the monoliths. Each chamber can include an array of monoliths. Each monolith can include a sorbent that adsorbs carbon dioxide from fluid. The system can include modular components such that the number of reactors can be increased or decreased.