Submarine CO2 Removal Circuits for Compact, Quiet Air Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CO2 scrubbing technologies in submarines are inefficient in space utilization, noisy, and prone to failure modes that allow foul air to enter the clean air output, necessitating a more effective and space-efficient solution that minimizes acoustic noise and ensures reliable air purification.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes existing submarine vacuum and heat sources to enhance CO2 removal efficiency by integrating a secondary circulation loop and multiple air purification circuits with valves and pumps, allowing for mode switching and fallback mechanisms to ensure continuous air purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid CO2 absorbers operating in pressure-swing system configuration are used, then CO2 removal effectiveness is improved, but system size and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent air purification circuits (first circuit, second circuit, third circuit) that can operate in parallel. Each circuit contains its own absorption/desorption tank and can function autonomously, allowing the system to achieve high CO2 removal effectiveness while distributing the total system volume across multiple smaller units rather than requiring one large system.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption/desorption tanks are designed to perform multiple functions: CO2 absorption during normal operation, CO2 desorption during regeneration cycles, and emergency fallback protection. The valves and pumps are configured to enable these tanks to switch between different operational modes, maximizing their utility and reducing the need for redundant components.
2Productivity
If multiple air purification circuits are implemented with mode switching capability, then CO2 removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent control units for each air purification circuit. Each circuit can be controlled independently, allowing for simplified individual circuit design while achieving high overall efficiency through parallel operation. The segmentation allows each circuit to operate autonomously, reducing the complexity of coordinated control across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic mode switching capability where air purification circuits can transition between different operational modes (absorption, desorption, standby) based on real-time CO2 levels and system requirements. The valves and pumps are designed to enable rapid mode transitions, allowing the system to adapt its complexity dynamically rather than requiring permanently complex configurations for all operating conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing submarine vacuum and heat sources are utilized, then acoustic noise is minimized, but system adaptability to different operational conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be compatible with multiple existing submarine systems including vacuum sources, heat sources, and air purification circuits. The absorption/desorption tanks and valve-pump assemblies are configured to work with various operational conditions and can interface with different submarine system architectures, maintaining adaptability while utilizing existing low-noise components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can operate across a range of physical parameters including different vacuum levels, temperature ranges, and flow rates. By designing the absorption and desorption processes to be effective across varying parameter conditions, the system maintains adaptability to different operational scenarios while still leveraging existing submarine systems that operate within these parameter ranges.
4Reliability
If fallback mechanisms and mode switching are implemented, then system reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic control mechanisms that manage mode switching and fallback operations without requiring constant manual intervention. The control system monitors CO2 levels and system status, automatically transitioning circuits between absorption and desorption modes, and activating fallback mechanisms when needed. This self-service capability maintains high reliability while reducing the operational burden on the crew.
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
This approach reduces system size, minimizes acoustic noise, and enhances CO2 removal efficiency while preventing foul air from entering the clean air output, ensuring reliable and space-efficient air purification.
Implementation Method 1
Depending on the active chemistry used, the CO2 binding process may be absorption, adsorption, dissolution or other molecular process
Implementation Method 2
In use, the system may further comprise a heater and/or cooler
Implementation Method 3
System topologies which may use vacuum to assist with desorption
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system comprising a plurality of air purification circuits, an air purification circuit for a system for purification of air, a method of removing CO2 from air using the system of the present invention, a method of retrofitting the system or circuit of the present invention into a submarine, and a submarine comprising the system or circuit of the present invention. In a specific aspect, the system comprising a plurality of air purification circuits, the system comprising: a common pollutant outlet, a common clean air outlet; and a common inlet; wherein each air purification circuit comprises an absorption/desorption comprising a solid or porous absorption media, wherein each circuit comprises one or more valves which allow fluid communication between the absorption/desorption tank and each one of the common inlet, the common pollutant outlet, and the common clean air outlet to be either opened or closed.