Rotatable Sorption Units for Continuous CO2 Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon capture technologies are inefficient in obtaining carbon dioxide continuously from a gaseous medium, particularly from ambient air, and often require batch processes that are not optimal for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising rotatable sorption units with sorbents that physisorb carbon dioxide, utilizing a radial flow system to continuously capture and desorb CO2, combined with drying units to manage moisture, enabling a continuous CO2 product flow with high purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If batch processes are used for carbon dioxide capture, then carbon dioxide can be obtained in discrete amounts, but continuous operation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The sorption system is divided into multiple sorption units (first sorption unit, second sorption unit, etc.) that operate in sequence. Each unit can sorb CO2 while others are being regenerated or desorbed, enabling continuous operation through spatial segmentation of the batch process into parallel stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorption units operate in periodic cycles of sorption, desorption, and regeneration. By coordinating the periodic actions of multiple units at different phases of the cycle, the system achieves continuous CO2 capture while each individual unit follows a batch-like periodic regimen.
2Reliability
If sorbent material is used to capture carbon dioxide, then CO2 can be physisorbed from the gaseous medium, but moisture interference affects sorption efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A drying unit is introduced to extract and remove moisture from the gaseous medium before the gas enters the sorption units. This pre-drying step separates the harmful moisture component from the gas stream, protecting the sorbent material from moisture interference and maintaining high sorption efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying unit performs preliminary moisture removal before the gas reaches the sorption units. This preliminary action prepares the gaseous medium by reducing moisture content to acceptable levels, ensuring optimal conditions for CO2 physisorption without moisture-related degradation of sorbent performance.
3Productivity
If multiple sorption units are operated in sequence, then continuous CO2 capture is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sorption units, drying units, and regeneration systems are merged into an integrated continuous operation system. The units are combined and coordinated to work together in a unified process flow, where the output of one unit becomes the input of the next, achieving continuous production without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorption units are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as CO2 capture devices and as part of the continuous production system. The same basic unit structure is replicated and adapted for different stages (sorption, desorption, regeneration), reducing the need for entirely separate specialized equipment and thereby controlling complexity while maintaining continuous operation capability.
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 achieves a continuous and efficient capture of carbon dioxide with purities up to 99%, reducing energy demand and minimizing leakage, while allowing for flexible operation under varying ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rotatable sorption unit (320b, 420b, 520b) comprising at least one sorbent for physisorbing carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
obtaining CO2 by desorbing CO2 in the at least one rotatable sorption unit
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a device for obtaining carbon dioxide from a gaseous medium, the device comprising a first air flow channel for a dried gaseous medium, a second air flow channel for exhaust air, and at least one rotatable sorption unit comprising at least one sorbent for physisorbing carbon dioxide. The at least one rotatable sorption unit is actuated by the first air flow channel, and the second air flow channel discharges the exhaust air from the rotating sorption unit. Furthermore, a method for obtaining carbon dioxide and the use of the device and method are disclosed.