Sorbent Web CO2 Capture Using Temperature-Swing Desorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carbon capture systems require significant energy and water input, affecting efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and often rely on direct steam application which undermines environmental benefits.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide capture system using a flexible web that contacts gas and employs a sorbent material, transporting it between zones of different temperatures to desorb CO2 without direct steam or wetting, with heat recovery methods to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional carbon capture systems use direct steam application to heat sorbents, then carbon dioxide removal is achieved, but energy consumption and water usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional steam-based thermal heating system with a microwave heating system. The microwave generator emits electromagnetic radiation that directly heats the sorbent material through dielectric heating, eliminating the need for steam generation and direct steam application. This substitution of heating mechanism significantly reduces energy consumption and water usage while maintaining effective carbon dioxide desorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating parameter from thermal conduction via steam to electromagnetic radiation absorption. The sorbent material is designed to absorb microwave energy efficiently, converting electromagnetic energy directly into thermal energy within the sorbent itself. This parameter change enables targeted heating of only the sorbent material without heating the entire system or requiring large amounts of water for steam generation
2Loss of energy
If conventional systems apply direct steam to heat sorbents, then carbon dioxide desorption is effective, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the steam-based heating mechanism with microwave electromagnetic heating. This eliminates the need for water consumption in steam generation while maintaining reliable carbon dioxide removal through effective sorbent heating. The microwave energy directly penetrates and heats the sorbent material, ensuring consistent desorption performance without water usage
3Productivity
If conventional carbon capture systems are designed for effective CO2 removal, then carbon dioxide capture is achieved, but operational costs increase due to high energy and water input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive steam generation and circulation systems with a microwave heating system. The microwave generator directly energizes the sorbent material, eliminating the need for large-scale thermal systems, pumps, and water circulation infrastructure. This substitution dramatically reduces operational energy costs while maintaining effective carbon dioxide capture
Solution Approach 2:
The sorbent material is designed to self-heat when exposed to microwave radiation, converting electromagnetic energy directly into thermal energy within its own structure. This self-heating capability eliminates the need for external steam application and complex thermal management systems, reducing both energy input requirements and operational complexity
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 carbon dioxide removal with lower energy and water consumption, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs while maintaining effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a sorbent material to capture at least some of the carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
transporting it between zones of different temperatures to desorb CO2
Implementation Method 3
a heating mechanism configured to increase a temperature of the second zone at least to the second temperature
Implementation Method 4
with heat recovery methods to reduce energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for carbon dioxide removal are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a representative carbon dioxide removal apparatus includes a web with a sorbent configured to absorb carbon dioxide and a drive system operably coupled to the web. The drive system can transport the web from a first zone, in which the web is exposed to gas, to a second zone, where the first zone is at a first temperature and the second zone is at a second temperature greater than the first temperature. The apparatus can further include a heating mechanism configured to increase a temperature of the second zone at least to the second temperature. This causes the removal of fluid including carbon dioxide from the web within the second zone.