Vertical Exhaust Plenum Layout for DAC Air Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hazardous gas direct air capture systems face inefficiencies due to clean air recirculation, which reduces the capture efficiency of DAC modules and necessitates a larger system footprint.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a vertical exhaust plenum in DAC modules that directs clean air away from the inlet side, reducing recirculation and enhancing efficiency by using a vertical passage and side passages to guide air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If DAC modules are arranged in angular or staggered fashion to capture hazardous gas, then the capture efficiency is improved, but clean air recirculation occurs which reduces system efficiency and increases footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust plenum extends in the vertical dimension (upward direction) to redirect clean air away from the inlet side. This vertical redirection adds a new spatial dimension to the air flow path, preventing recirculation without requiring additional horizontal space or modules.
2Productivity
If more DAC modules are added to compensate for clean air recirculation, then hazardous gas capture capacity is maintained, but system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the vertical dimension for exhaust air redirection, the system maintains capture capacity without expanding horizontal footprint. The vertical plenum allows compact horizontal arrangement of modules while preventing recirculation through upward exhaust flow.
3Device complexity
If horizontal air flow paths are used without vertical redirection, then system structure is simpler, but clean air recirculation reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical exhaust plenum introduces minimal structural complexity by adding a vertical flow component to the existing horizontal intake path. This L-shaped flow path (horizontal inlet + vertical exhaust) efficiently prevents recirculation with relatively simple structural addition.
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 vertical exhaust plenum significantly reduces clean air recirculation, improving the efficiency and reducing the overall footprint of the DAC system.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical exhaust plenum fluidly coupled to the outlet side of the frame, the vertical exhaust plenum in fluid communication with the outlet side of the frame and configured to direct the clean air exiting the outlet side of the frame away from the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A direct air capture (DAC) module includes a frame enclosing at least one level of hazardous gas capture contactors. A first air mover is configured to draw air into an inlet side of the frame and over the contactors to remove hazardous gas from the air, producing cleaned air from an outlet side of the frame. The DAC module also includes a vertical exhaust plenum fluidly coupled to the outlet side of the frame to direct the clean air exiting the outlet side of the frame away from the frame to reduce re-entry of the clean air into the inlet side of the frame. A DAC system includes set(s) of DAC modules.