Segmented Sorption Module Layout for Ambient CO2 Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sorption modules for capturing carbon dioxide from ambient air face challenges in efficiently guiding airflow through the reaction chamber, leading to suboptimal carbon dioxide adsorption and energy inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A sorption module design featuring a process chamber with support frames that divide the chamber into compartments, each with sorption elements and controllable heating elements, allowing extended residence time for ambient air and optimized adsorption, combined with adjustable heating and vacuum generation for efficient carbon dioxide separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional sorption module design is used, then the structure is simple, but the airflow guidance is ineffective and carbon dioxide adsorption efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide adsorption efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The process chamber is divided into multiple compartments by support frames, with each compartment containing sorption elements. This segmentation improves airflow guidance and carbon dioxide adsorption efficiency while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the residence time of ambient air is extended, then carbon dioxide adsorption efficiency is improved, but the process chamber volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide adsorption efficiencyVSAvoidprocess chamber volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Sorption elements are arranged in multiple layers within the process chamber, utilizing the vertical dimension to extend the residence time of ambient air. This multi-layer arrangement increases adsorption efficiency without proportionally increasing the overall chamber volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If heating elements are added for desorption, then carbon dioxide release efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide release efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating elements operate periodically during desorption cycles rather than continuously, heating the sorbent to release carbon dioxide and then allowing cooling periods. This periodic operation improves carbon dioxide release efficiency while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous heating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enhances carbon dioxide adsorption efficiency and reduces energy consumption by extending air residence time and optimizing heat transfer, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the carbon dioxide capture process.

Implementation Method 1

each sorption element comprising a sorbent for adsorbing carbon dioxide from the ambient air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

at least one controllable heating element for heating the sorbent to a desorption temperature or a regeneration temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

heating the sorbent to a desorption temperature or a regeneration temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Data Source

PatentEP4659840A1Sorption module for separating carbon dioxide from the ambient air
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4659840A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4659840A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4659840A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sorption module (100, 200, 300) for separating carbon dioxide from ambient air. It is provided that a sorption module (100, 200, 300) according to the invention for separating carbon dioxide from ambient air comprises a process chamber (40). The process chamber (40) includes a jacket (20) that encloses the process chamber (40). Furthermore, the sorption module (100, 200, 300) includes a flow generator (50) for conveying ambient air through the process chamber (40). A plurality of sorption elements (60) are arranged in the process chamber (40), each sorption element comprising a sorbent (62) for adsorbing carbon dioxide from the ambient air and a means for fixing the sorbent (62). Furthermore, the sorption module (100, 200, 300) includes at least one adjustable heating element (70) for heating the sorbent (62) to a desorption temperature or a regeneration temperature.The casing (20) has a plurality of support frames (22) that divide the process space (40) into spatial sections. Each support frame (22) is completely flush with the inner surface of the casing (201) and has at least one opening that connects adjacent spatial sections. One of the plurality of sorption elements (60) rests on each of the support frames (22) and covers the at least one opening of the support frame (26).