Resistively Heated Sorbent Structures for Efficient CO2 Desorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorbent structures for capturing and storing CO2 and other gases require significant energy for heating and cooling, leading to inefficiencies in thermal energy transfer and high manufacturing costs due to the need for high-temperature processing.
Innovation Solution
Sorbent structures with resistive heating capability that utilize electrical energy to directly heat the sorbent materials through resistive heating, reducing energy consumption and manufacturing costs by using non-activated carbon and lower processing temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heating methods (convection and radiation) are used to heat sorbent materials for CO2 desorption, then the sorbent materials can be heated to required temperatures, but significant amounts of energy are consumed and heat transfer efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal heating methods (convection and radiation) with electrical resistive heating. Electrical energy is converted directly to thermal energy within the sorbent material structure itself, eliminating the need for external furnaces and improving heat transfer efficiency while reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorbent material structure contains embedded conductive elements that generate heat internally when electrical current is applied. This self-heating capability allows the sorbent material to reach required temperatures for CO2 desorption without requiring external heating equipment, significantly improving energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If conventional heating methods are used for sorbent materials, then CO2 desorption can be achieved, but the manufacturing costs are high due to energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive conventional heating systems with electrical resistive heating integrated into the sorbent structure. This substitution maintains reliable CO2 desorption capability while significantly reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for expensive external furnaces and high energy consumption during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorbent material is designed as a composite structure containing both the sorbent material and embedded conductive elements (such as carbon or metal particles). This composite structure enables internal heat generation through electrical resistance, maintaining effective CO2 desorption while reducing overall system cost and energy consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If high temperatures (above 800°C) are used to process sorbent materials, then the necessary surface area and chemistry are developed for CO2 capture, but significant amounts of energy are required for fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the processing temperature parameter from conventional high temperatures (above 800°C) to lower temperatures. By using alternative materials and processing methods, the sorbent structure achieves the necessary surface area and chemical properties for CO2 capture at reduced temperatures, significantly lowering fabrication energy consumption while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials that can be processed at lower temperatures while still achieving the required surface area and chemical functionality. The composite structure incorporates pre-formed sorbent particles or coatings on a support matrix, eliminating the need for high-temperature sintering or processing while maintaining effective CO2 capture capabilities.
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 sorbent structures achieve efficient CO2 desorption with reduced energy usage and lower manufacturing costs by directly converting electrical energy to thermal energy within the structure, enhancing thermal energy utilization and maintaining high surface area for adsorption.
Implementation Method 1
Sorbent structures with resistive heating capability that utilize electrical energy to directly heat the sorbent materials through resistive heating
Implementation Method 2
certain sorbent material technologies can be employed to adsorb CO2 gas and other gases contained in exhaust gas flows from processes employed by the oil refining, steel and metal alloy fabrication and cement processing industries
Implementation Method 3
After the CO2 gas is adsorbed, for example, additional steps are necessary to desorb the CO2 into containment vessels or other suitable reservoirs for sequestration or other down-stream uses
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A sorbent structure that includes a continuous body in the form of a flow-through substrate comprised of at least one cell defined by at least one porous wall. The continuous body comprises a sorbent material carbon substantially dispersed within the body. Further, the temperature of the sorbent structure can be controlled by conduction of an electrical current through the body.