Moving Adsorber Panel DAC With Multi-Zone Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current direct air capture (DAC) systems face challenges in processing large volumetric flowrates of carbon dioxide-laden air efficiently and cost-effectively, with complex mechanical movements and single-zone regeneration processes leading to high energy consumption and scalability issues.
Innovation Solution
A simplified DAC system with continuously moving individual adsorber panels in a single or multiple planes, separated into multiple zones for carbon capture and regeneration, optimizing each zone's function and using counter-current steam flow for efficient CO2 desorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical movement of connected adsorber panels in a discontinuous process is used, then the system can process CO2-laden air, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase due to substantial mass movement and complex movement systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the adsorption process into multiple independent adsorber units arranged in series, where each unit operates continuously without requiring mechanical movement. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex movement systems while maintaining CO2 processing capability through parallel flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical movement system with a stationary configuration where air flows through multiple adsorber units. The continuous operation is achieved through fluid flow rather than mechanical transport, eliminating moving parts and associated complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-zone regeneration chamber is used, then the system structure is simplified, but the regeneration efficiency and process continuity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The regeneration process is divided into multiple zones within the regeneration chamber, each performing a specific function (e.g., heating, desorption, cooling). This zonation enables continuous regeneration of multiple adsorber units while maintaining structural simplicity through a single chamber design.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-zone regeneration chamber enables continuous operation by allowing different adsorber units to be regenerated at different stages simultaneously. While one zone is heating, another is desorbing, and a third is cooling, ensuring uninterrupted CO2 capture productivity.
3Device complexity
If discontinuous mass movement is used for panel regeneration, then the mechanical system is simpler, but the process continuity and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces discontinuous mechanical panel movement with continuous air flow through stationary adsorber units. This substitution eliminates mechanical reliability issues while maintaining process continuity through uninterrupted fluid flow and simultaneous multi-unit operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary adsorber units serve multiple functions: CO2 capture during adsorption, and subsequent regeneration in different zones of the regeneration chamber. This multi-functionality ensures continuous operation without requiring mechanical movement between different operational positions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If connected adsorber panels are moved in a train configuration, then the system can be scaled, but the capital expense and mechanical risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent adsorber units that can be added in series to increase capacity. Each unit is stationary and processes a portion of the air flow, allowing scalable configuration without requiring complex mechanical movement systems for scaling.
Solution Approach 2:
Scalability is achieved through parallel arrangement of stationary units rather than increasing the size or complexity of mechanical movement systems. Additional adsorber units are integrated into the flow path, maintaining simplicity while enabling capacity expansion.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of direct air capture are described. Systems include a plurality of moving adsorber panels in a linear direction (or circular configuration) and one or more fans configured to move air across the adsorber panels; such adsorber panels may be oriented vertically or horizontally, relative to the ground. Systems may include an independent regeneration box that comprises a system of headers, ducts and valves configured to deliver and remove a plurality of gases to the regeneration box. The regeneration box contains multiple chambers such that steps such as oxygen removal and panel cooling may be performed independently from and simultaneously to thermal preheating and desorption of the CO2 on the panels. The desorption panels may be configured to achieve counter-current flow to the hot gases used for thermal preheating and desorption. A multi-stage heat pump may facilitate reuse of waste heat and decarbonization of the process heating requirements.