Using Carbon Dioxide From A Direct Air Capture System As A Low Global Warming Car And Industrial Refrigerant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerants like HFO-1234yf have significant carbon footprints and toxic manufacturing processes, and existing carbon dioxide sourcing methods for industrial applications create substantial carbon footprints, limiting their global warming reduction potential.
Innovation Solution
A direct air capture system that uses a multi-stage reactor with a base medium and catalysts to extract and process carbon dioxide from air, which is then used as a low global warming refrigerant in automotive, commercial, and industrial applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional refrigerants like HFO-1234yf are used, then refrigeration efficiency is maintained, but carbon footprint and manufacturing toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the refrigerant from conventional HFO-1234yf to carbon dioxide, fundamentally altering the substance's molecular structure while maintaining its refrigeration function. This parameter change eliminates the carbon footprint issue associated with manufacturing conventional refrigerants while preserving refrigeration efficiency through carbon dioxide's proven thermodynamic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts carbon dioxide, traditionally viewed as a harmful greenhouse gas, into a beneficial refrigerant. By capturing and utilizing CO2 that would otherwise contribute to global warming, the system transforms this harmful substance into a valuable resource that provides both refrigeration service and environmental benefit with zero additional carbon footprint
2Quantity of substance
If carbon dioxide is sourced from conventional sources, then refrigerant supply is adequate, but carbon footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures carbon dioxide directly from the ambient air surrounding the facility, utilizing the very atmosphere that would otherwise be a source of emissions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external carbon dioxide sourcing, ensuring adequate supply for refrigeration while avoiding the carbon footprint associated with industrial CO2 production and transport
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary capture system that acts as a bridge between the ambient atmosphere and the refrigeration system. This intermediary device selectively extracts carbon dioxide from air through chemical absorption, providing a clean source of CO2 that decouples the refrigerant supply from conventional carbon-intensive production methods
3Object-affected harmful factors
If direct air capture is implemented, then carbon footprint is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the direct air capture system into distinct functional modules: an absorption section with胺 solution for CO2 capture, a regeneration section for releasing concentrated CO2, and a refrigeration section for utilizing the captured gas. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability and modularity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the carbon capture function and refrigeration function into a single integrated system. The CO2 captured by the absorption system is directly fed into the refrigeration cycle without requiring separate storage, compression, or handling infrastructure. This merging eliminates the need for multiple independent systems and reduces overall operational complexity despite the advanced chemistry involved
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 provides a sustainable, non-toxic, and efficient coolant option with a global warming potential of one, reducing carbon footprints and operational costs while maintaining effective refrigeration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Air is brought into contact with the base medium to generate a base medium having a concentration of carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
The base medium having the concentration of carbon dioxide is decomposed in the presence of a catalyst to generate carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a captured carbon dioxide input. The captured carbon dioxide input is coupled to receive captured carbon dioxide from a direct air capture system. The apparatus uses the captured carbon dioxide as a low global warming refrigerant to provide cooling functionality in automotive, commercial, and industrial applications, or other operations involving low global warming refrigerants. In various embodiments, the apparatus is a refrigeration apparatus or a heat pump apparatus. Low global warming carbon dioxide refrigerant is natural, non-toxic, non-flammable, and abundant when obtained from a direct air capture system. Moreover, carbon dioxide refrigerant has a high heat transfer coefficient and has a global warming potential (GWP) of one. Carbon dioxide refrigerant is a more sustainable and efficient coolant option than common refrigerants, such as R22, R152, R404a, and R1234yf refrigerants.