Sorption Module Shaft Layout for Low-Energy CO2 Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorption modules require high energy for sorbent regeneration due to the binding affinity of physisorbents for both carbon dioxide and water molecules, leading to reduced adsorption capacity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sorption module design with an inner casing featuring shafts that facilitate direct discharge of released molecules through a reduced path, combined with controlled heating and negative pressure generation for efficient discharge of carbon dioxide and water, reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional sorption modules use standard discharge paths through the sorbent bed, then the structure is simple, but the flow resistance is high and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is divided into an inner casing and an outer casing, creating a separate discharge path (shaft) that runs through the sorbent bed. This segmentation allows the discharge path to be independent from the sorbent structure, reducing flow resistance while maintaining structural integrity. The shaft provides a direct channel for released molecules to exit without traversing the entire sorbent bed, thereby reducing energy consumption for desorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft acts as an intermediary structure between the sorbent bed and the external environment. It provides a dedicated pathway that mediates the discharge process, allowing molecules to escape efficiently without directly interacting with the sorbent matrix throughout their entire path. This intermediary structure reduces the energy barrier for desorption while adding minimal structural complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the discharge path runs through the sorbent bed, then the structure is simple, but the flow resistance is high
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge path is segmented from the sorbent bed structure by creating a separate shaft within the casing. This allows the discharge path to be optimized independently - it can be sized and positioned to minimize flow resistance without compromising the sorbent packing or requiring complex external structures. The shaft provides a low-resistance channel that cuts through the sorbent bed efficiently.
3Productivity
If sorbent regeneration is performed by heating and pressure reduction, then carbon dioxide is released, but water is also released and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and separates the water discharge function from the traditional regeneration process. By providing a dedicated shaft and extraction opening specifically for water removal, the system can selectively extract water vapor during or after the heating process. This prevents water from re-adsorbing onto the sorbent and reduces the energy required to remove water in subsequent cycles, thereby improving overall regeneration efficiency while managing energy consumption.
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 design reduces energy requirements for desorption and regeneration by minimizing flow resistance and enhancing the efficiency of the process.
Implementation Method 1
a sorbent for adsorbing carbon dioxide from the introduced ambient air
Implementation Method 2
a controllable heating element for heating the sorbent to a desorption or regeneration temperature
Implementation Method 3
a controllable means for generating a negative pressure in the process chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
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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) for separating carbon dioxide from ambient air comprises the following components: a base (10), a jacket (20), and a cover (30) forming a process chamber (40), the jacket (20) enclosing the process chamber (40), the base (10) having a gas-tight sealable inlet opening (12), and the cover (30) having a gas-tight sealable outlet opening (32); a flow generator (50) for conveying ambient air through the process chamber (4) of the sorption module (100, 200, 300); at least one sorption element (60) arranged in the process chamber (40), the sorption element (60) comprising a sorbent (62) for adsorbing carbon dioxide from the ambient air and an agent (64) for fixing the sorbent (62);a controllable heating element (70) for heating the sorbent (62) to a desorption temperature or a regeneration temperature; and a controllable means for generating a negative pressure (80) in the process chamber (40); wherein the jacket (20) comprises an inner jacket (22) and an outer jacket (24) enclosing the inner jacket; the inner jacket (22) has at least one shaft (26) extending over the height of the inner jacket (22) and open on the inside over the entire height of the shaft (26) to the process chamber (40); and the outer jacket (24) has at least one gas-tight sealable extraction opening (28, 28a) which, in an open position, is connected on the inside to the process chamber (40) via a shaft (26, 26a) of the inner jacket and on the outside to the controllable means for generating a negative pressure (80).