Sorption Module Flap Layout for Uniform CO2 Bed Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon dioxide capture systems face challenges such as sorbent degradation due to oxygen exposure, high water affinity of physisorbents, complex and expensive air drying requirements, and inefficiencies due to varying environmental conditions, limiting the effectiveness and energy efficiency of carbon dioxide separation from ambient air.
Innovation Solution
A sorption module with a cylindrical housing, sorbent beds, and closing flaps that alternates between adsorption and desorption states, combined with flow deflectors and optimized bed geometry to ensure uniform gas flow and sorbent utilization, minimizing energy consumption and preventing premature saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemisorbents are used for carbon dioxide removal, then carbon dioxide separation efficiency is improved, but sorbent degradation occurs due to oxygen exposure at temperatures above 60 °C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inert atmosphere protection by introducing steam or other gases to create an inert environment during the desorption phase. This prevents oxygen from contacting the chemisorbent material at elevated temperatures, thereby preventing oxidation and degradation while maintaining the sorbent's carbon dioxide separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses steam as an intermediary substance that serves dual purposes: it provides the necessary heat for desorption while simultaneously creating a protective atmosphere that prevents oxygen from degrading the sorbent. The steam acts as a mediator between the heating process and the sorbent material.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If physisorbents such as zeolites are used for carbon dioxide removal, then operational stability is improved, but the sorbent material requires complex and expensive air drying before adsorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drying and adsorption processes by integrating a drying chamber directly into the adsorption system. The same system that performs carbon dioxide adsorption also performs air drying, eliminating the need for separate, complex drying equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the adsorption chamber serves both as a carbon dioxide separation unit and as a drying chamber. This universal approach allows the system to perform multiple functions (drying and adsorption) within a single integrated structure, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
3Productivity
If multiple parallel cylindrical adsorption chambers are arranged to increase flow area, then carbon dioxide separation capacity is improved, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of multiple parallel cylindrical chambers to a vertical stacking configuration. By utilizing the vertical dimension, the system achieves increased flow area and separation capacity without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint or system complexity. The chambers are arranged one above another, optimizing space utilization.
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 separation efficiency by ensuring uniform sorbent loading and reducing energy requirements, while maintaining sorbent effectiveness and minimizing flow resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the carbon dioxide is adsorbed in the sorbent material of the sorbent beds
Implementation Method 2
the carbon dioxide is desorbed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 3a~3f
AI summary
The invention relates to a sorption module (30) for the sorption of carbon dioxide from ambient air. The sorption module (30) comprises a housing (32) with at least one inlet opening (34) and at least one outlet opening (36), a sorbent bed support (40) arranged in the housing (32) which carries several sorbent beds (38) filled with a sorbent material (22), and closing flaps for closing the at least one inlet opening (34) and the at least one outlet opening (36) in the housing (32) of the sorption module (30). The closing flap (46) is designed to homogenize the flow to the different sorbent beds (38) in the sorption module (30). The invention further relates to a system (10) and a method for separating carbon dioxide from ambient air using such a sorption module (30).