WO2023002235A1 - Air cooling system associated to a co2 direct gas capture system - Google Patents

Air cooling system associated to a co2 direct gas capture system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023002235A1
WO2023002235A1 PCT/IB2021/056641 IB2021056641W WO2023002235A1 WO 2023002235 A1 WO2023002235 A1 WO 2023002235A1 IB 2021056641 W IB2021056641 W IB 2021056641W WO 2023002235 A1 WO2023002235 A1 WO 2023002235A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air
gas
direct
heat exchanger
fluid
Prior art date
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PCT/IB2021/056641
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Fabrice ORBAN
Eric BINARD
Olivier Philippart
Markus Feldkamp
Christian Moser
Yoshie YONEKURA
Markus Dickamp
Christoph SCHEMMANN
Original Assignee
Hamon & Cie (International)
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Application filed by Hamon & Cie (International) filed Critical Hamon & Cie (International)
Priority to PCT/IB2021/056641 priority Critical patent/WO2023002235A1/en
Publication of WO2023002235A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023002235A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/02—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/02—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
    • B01D53/04—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents
    • B01D53/0454—Controlling adsorption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/14—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by absorption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/14—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by absorption
    • B01D53/1425—Regeneration of liquid absorbents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/14—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by absorption
    • B01D53/1456—Removing acid components
    • B01D53/1475—Removing carbon dioxide
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2252/00—Absorbents, i.e. solvents and liquid materials for gas absorption
    • B01D2252/10—Inorganic absorbents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2253/00—Adsorbents used in seperation treatment of gases and vapours
    • B01D2253/10—Inorganic adsorbents
    • B01D2253/106—Silica or silicates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2257/00—Components to be removed
    • B01D2257/50—Carbon oxides
    • B01D2257/504—Carbon dioxide
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2258/00—Sources of waste gases
    • B01D2258/02—Other waste gases
    • B01D2258/0283—Flue gases
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2258/00—Sources of waste gases
    • B01D2258/06—Polluted air
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02C—CAPTURE, STORAGE, SEQUESTRATION OR DISPOSAL OF GREENHOUSE GASES [GHG]
    • Y02C20/00—Capture or disposal of greenhouse gases
    • Y02C20/40—Capture or disposal of greenhouse gases of CO2

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cooling system associated to a CO2 direct gas capture system, especially a CO2 direct air capture system.
  • CO2 direct capture systems are proposed as an possible climate change mitigation option.
  • Cooling systems can be of the type in which the fluid to be cooled (often water) is put in direct contact with air, whereby often generating visible plume. Cooling systems can also be of the indirect type, whereby the fluid (water, a gas or steam) to be cooled is flowing inside pipe(((( o((r( ps)late(s) of a heat exchanger and the outer face of the pipe(s) or plate(s) being in contact with air. So air is used as cooling medium in this case. To overcome the pressure loss of the pipes or plates of the heat exchanger, fan or fans are used for moving the air through it. Therefore the fan(s) can be installed in induced or forced draft configuration.
  • cooling In general moving air as cooling medium through an cooler means a loss of energy for displacing air in the atmosphere.
  • the cooling system of the invention (cooling is used in the present specification for meaning heat transfer from a first fluid to a second fluid) enables thus to use air for cooling and/or condensing a process fluid, while enabling to heat the air to be expelled into the atmosphere.
  • Such a heated expelled air is advantageous for reducing some fog problems, especially in the neighbourhood of airports, port facilities, city centers, etc.
  • the invention relates to a system combining (*) cooling means of a fluid, such as a process fluid, like water, vapours, steam, etc. with temperature of 20 to 500oC (such as from 50 to 300oC, like 70oC, 90oC, 95oC, 100oC, 120oC, 150oC, 200oC, etc, ), and (*) a CO2 direct gas or air capture system (the system is advantageously in the form of a module) for capturing CO2 from air or from a point CO2 source, like cooled flue gases from power plants, gases from cement plants, etc.
  • a fluid such as a process fluid, like water, vapours, steam, etc.
  • temperature of 20 to 500oC such as from 50 to 300oC, like 70oC, 90oC, 95oC, 100oC, 120oC, 150oC, 200oC, etc,
  • CO2 direct gas or air capture system the system is advantageously in the form of a module for capturing CO2 from air or from
  • CO2 direct gas capture system means also in advantageous embodiment one or more CO2 direct gas capture modules, which can be added to existing cooling plant for its upgrading), whereby enabling to use one or more existing fans for sucking air to flow through the CO2 capture system(s) and/or for pushing air to flow through the or other CO2 capture system(s).
  • the cooling system of the invention comprises at least:
  • the said heat exchangers) (13) being adapted for ensuring a heat exchange between a first fluid (F1, said first fluid being for example gas, liquid, steam, vapours, suspensions ) having a first temperature and air (arrows A or AIR) having a temperature below said first temperature
  • a first fluid F1
  • said first fluid being for example gas, liquid, steam, vapours, suspensions
  • air arrows A or AIR
  • the term cooling the first fluid is meaning transferring calories from the first fluid to air, meaning that the first fluid can be at least partly condensed and/or cooled to a lower temperature
  • the cooling system is associated to at least one CO2 direct gas capture system (14) for capturing CO2 from a CO2 containing gas (such as air) by direct contact of said CO2 containing gas with a CO2 capturing means (like chemical agents), said CO2 direct gas capture system(s) (14) having at least one CO2 containing gas inlet (14A), at least one gas outlet (14B) and at least one CO2
  • the gas flowing through the the CO2 direct gas capture system is heated due to the exothermic CO2 capture reaction or absorption process, whereby the air flowing through the heat exchanger is further heated while flowing through the CO2 capture system (14) or is mixed with a heated gas issuing from the CO2 capture system (14), i.e. with a CO2 depleted gas or air.
  • the CO2 containing gas is ambiant air which flows or which has flowed through the heat exchanger (13).
  • air flowing through the CO2 direct capture system is flowing adjacent to air flowing through the heat exchanger, the two air flows being then mixed.
  • the CO2 direct gas capture system (14) is advantageously comprising a low temperature sorbent, which is advantageously able to capture CO2 from a gas having a temperature from 5oC to 50oC, such as from 20oC up to 45oC, most preferably from 30oC to 45oC.
  • sorbent(s) are :
  • the desorption step requires a heating step at a temperature of 100oC - 130oC, under advantageously a pressure below the atmospheric pressure, such as a pressure of 0.1 x 10 5 Pa up to 0.5 x 10 5 Pa.
  • silica based sorbent which can be regenerated by steam having a temperature from 95oC up to 130oC under a vaccum ;
  • liquid or fluid sorbents like solutions or suspensions of sodium hydroide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, amines, etc, and combinations thereof, or like powdery sorbents, like pulverulent sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof, for example used in a fluidized bed,
  • the means for ensuring the air inflow between the air-inlet (10) and the air-outlet (11) is a means for ensuring an at least partial flow of gas through the CO2 direct gas capture system.
  • a same means or fan is used for the flow of air in the heat exchanger and for the flow of CO2 containing gas in the capture system, said gas being advantageously air.
  • the cooling system comprises a collecting chamber for collecting an air flow issuing from the heat exchanger and a gas flow issuing from the CO2 direct capture system, said collecting chamber being advantageously provided with at least one mixing means for mixing the air flow issuing from the heat exchanger the gas flow issuing from the CO2 direct capture system, said cooling system being preferably provided with a flow control means for controlling at least the ratio air flow / gas flow.
  • the ratio air flow / gas flow can be adapted for achieving a specific temperature or temperature range for the air-gas mix.
  • the CO2 direct capture system (14) is a regenerable system provided with a regeneration means (16) for releasing CO2 from the CO2 capturing means (14C) during a regeneration step, and with a CO2 collecting means (17) for collecting the released CO2 during the regeneration step of the CO2 capturing means (14C).
  • the regeneration is advantageously carried out with steam or overheated steam, as enabling a quite easy and rapid regeneration step - the regeneration means is a heating regeneration means (16) adapted for increasing the temperature of the CO2 capturing means (14C) above a minimal regeneration temperature for releasing CO2 from the CO2 capturing means, whereby the CO2 capturing means is advantageously a CO2 capturing means adapted to be regenerated at a temperature below 300oC, preferably below 150oC, most preferably at a temperature from 80oC up to 130oC, and advantageously at a pressure from 0.1 10 5 Pa up to 5 x 10 5 Pa, preferably at a pressure from 0.2 x 10 5 Pa up to 2 x 10 5 Pa.
  • the first fluid (F1) to be cooled is a liquid, advantageously an aqueous liquid.
  • the cooling system is further associated (*) to a chemical heat pump for pumping heat (20) from the first fluid (F1) having a first temperature to a second fluid (RGF) having a temperature above the minimal regeneration temperature, and/or to a solar heating system for heating a second fluid at a temperature above the minimal regeneration temperature, and (*) to a guiding means (21) for the second fluid to the heating regeneration means (16).
  • the regenerable CO2 direct gas capture system (14) comprises a series of distinct CO2 direct gas capture units, whereby at least when one unit of said series is submitted to a regeneration step, at least another unit of said series is adapted for CO2 direct gas capture.
  • the heat exchanger means (13) comprises a series of heat exchanger units having each at least one air inlet, at least one air outlet, and at least one heat exchanger element between said air inlet(s) and said air outlet(s), while the CO2 direct gas capture system (14) comprises a series of CO2 direct capture units or modules having each at least one gas inlet, at least one gas outlet and at least one CO2 direct gas capture elements) between said gas inlet(s) and said gas outlets); whereby at least one heat exchanger unit of said series of heat exchanger units or modules is associated to at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module of said series of CO2 direct gas capture units or modules, so that
  • At least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module is flowing into the air inlet(s) of the at least one heat exchanger unit.
  • the at least one heat exchanger unit (13) and the at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module (14) associated to said at least one heat exchanger unit (13) form an assembly or module, said assembly comprising advantageously a means (12) for ensuring an air flow through the said at least one heat exchanger unit and through the said at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module.
  • Such assemblies or modules are easy to install and can be operated independently the one from the other.
  • the assembly or module or the CO2 direct gas capture unit or module (14) is provided with at least one regeneration means for regenerating the CO2 direct gas capture unit during a regeneration step, whereby during the regeneration step a CO2 enriched gas is formed.
  • the assembly is provided with (*) walls forming a chamber enclosing at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit, (*) possibly movable gates between an open position for which air can flow through the at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module, and a closed position for which substantially no air can flow through the at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module, and (*) a valve movable between a closed position and an open position, whereby said valve is connected to a gas sucking or collecting means for sucking or collecting CO2 enriched gas released during a regeneration step, said gas sucking means directing advantageously the sucked or collected CO2 enriched gas to a tank.
  • the assembly can advantageously be provided with one or more spraying heads for directing steam on the CO2 capture agent, said head being for example beared on the said wall of the chamber or mounted on a pipe extending in the chamber.
  • the optional movable gates are advantageously forming in open position guiding means for air and/or gas.
  • the cooling system has the form of a cooling tower, which comprises a distribution system (23) for distributing the first fluid on the heat exchanger, said first fluid being liquid, in which the heat exchanger (13) comprises heat exchanger packs defining at least a series of vertical channels in which air and the first fluid counterflow for cooling the first fluid by direct contact with air flow, the said cooling tower having preferably a drift eliminator (22) located above the distribution system, at least one CO2 direct gas capture system being advantageously a CO2 direct air capture system located above the drift eliminator (22).
  • a cooling tower is for example of the type disclosed in US6247682, which is not provided with means for preventing the liquid to be cooled to flow through the heat exchanging packs.
  • the first fluid to be cooled is an at least partly condensable first fluid
  • said cooling system comprising a supporting structure carrying a series of cooling units comprising each at least one heat exchanger in which the first fluid is adapted to flow, while said heat exchanger has an outer face in contact with an air flow generated by the air-flowing means.
  • the air -flowing system or means is a fan driven into rotation by a motor, said fan sucking air so that an air flow is in contact with the heat exchanger, while pushing air in the CO2 direct gas capture system.
  • the cooling system comprises a platform (like a movable platform) for supporting the fan (12), said platform carrying the CO2 direct gas capture system.
  • the CO2 direct gas capture system can be in the form one or more modules removably attached to the platform, whereby enabling easy removing one or more modules when required, for example for maintenance purposes,
  • the cooling system is associated to one or more solar panels for generating at least part of the electric energy required by the air-flowing means.
  • the invention further relates to the use of a cooling/condensing system of the invention as disclosed hereabove, for cooling/condensing a first fluid by an airflow, while capturing at least partly CO2 from a CO2 containing gas, and for mixing together at least partly the air flow used for cooling/condensing the first fluid with at least a portion of the CO2 containing gas after contacting the CO2 direct gas capture system.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an air cooling tower of the invention for cooling a process fluid with direct air/fluid contact
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an air cooling installation for cooling a process fluid with indirect air fluid contact
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an assembly suitable for an air cooling system with the CO2 capture means in operating position;
  • FIG. 4 is a view similar to the view of Figure 3, with the CO2 capture means in regeneration position;
  • FIGS 5 to 8 are schematic views of various assemblies suitable for an air cooling system;
  • FIG. 9 is a further schematic view of an air cooling system
  • FIG. 10 is a still further schematic view of an air cooling system.
  • the cooling system of Figure 1 comprises :
  • the said heat exchanger (13) being adapted for ensuring a heat exchange between a first fluid (such as hot liquid water) (F1) having a first temperature and air (A) having a temperature below said first temperature, the heat exchanger (13) comprising a series of packings defining each a series of vertical open channels for heat exchange by direct counterflow contact between the hot fluid (F1) (downwards movement) and the air (A) (upwards movement).
  • the fluid (F1) after its passage through the heat exchanger (13) is falling into the bottom fluid collector (31).
  • the fluid of said colector (31) can be further pumped (by pump 32) for directing it to a condenser (33) adapted for condensing a process vapour (PV) issuing form an industrial or power facility in a process liquid (PL) which can be returned back to the industrial or power facility.
  • the fluid distribution system 23 is associated to a pump (23P) for pressurized the hot fluid to be sprayed.
  • drift eliminator (22) located above the water distribution system (23) for collecting fluid droplets moving upwards due to the air flow.
  • CO2 direct gas capture system (14) for capturing CO2 from the air flowing through the inner chamber (30bis), said CO2 direct gas capture system having at least one CO2 containing gas inlet (14A), at least onegas outlet (14B) and a CO2 capture system (14C) located between said CO2 containing gas inlet(s) (14A) and said gas outlet(s) (14B), the air treated in the CO2 direct gas capture system (14) flowing in the upper portion of the inner chamber 30bis before being sucked by the fan 12 for expelling it into the atmosphere.
  • the gas flowing through the CO2 direct gas capture system is heated due to the exothermic CO2 capture reaction or absorption process, whereby the air flowing through the heat exchanger (13) is wetted, while being after heated by flowing through the CO2 direct gas capture system.
  • This is advantageous for preventing water condensation problem in the upper region of the inner chamber 30bis and for preventing large visible plume problem for the air escaping from the cooling tower (30).
  • the CO2 direct gas capture system is advantageously comprising a low temperature solid sorbent, which is advantageously able to capture CO2 from a gas having a temperature from 5 to 50oC, such as from 20oC up to 45oC, most preferably from 30 to 45oC.
  • sorbents are :
  • the desorption step requires a heating step at a temperature of 100oC - 130oC, under advantageously a pressure below the atmospheric pressure, such as a pressure of 0.1 x 10 5 Pa up to 0.5 x 10 5 Pa.
  • silica based sorbent which can be regenerated by steam having a temperature from 95oC up to 130oC under a vaccum;
  • the absorbent capturing means will be selected for being adapted for steam regeneration at a temperature of 100oC to 120oC, as the regeneration step can be operated in a short period of time, like less than 30 minutes, such as less than 15minutes, less than 5 minutes.
  • a same fan is used for the flow of air in the heat exchanger and for the flow of CO2 containing air in the capture system, meaning that the power used for the flow of air in the cooling exchanger is used for the flow of said air in the CO2 capture system (14).
  • the CO2 direct capture system (14) is a regenerable system provided with a regeneration means (16) adapted for releasing CO2 from the CO2 capturing means (14C) during a regeneration step, and with a CO2 collecting means (17) for collecting the released CO2 during the regeneration step of the CO2 capturing means (14C).
  • the regeneration is advantageously carried out with steam or overheated steam, as enabling a quite easy and rapid regeneration step.
  • the regeneration means is a heating regeneration means (16) adapted for increasing the temperature of the CO2 capturing means (14C) above a minimal regeneration temperature for releasing CO2 from the CO2 capturing means, whereby the CO2 capturing means is advantageously a CO2 capturing means adapted to be regenerated at a temperature from 100 to 120oC, and advantageously at a pressure from 0.2 x 10 5 Pa up to 0.5 x 10 5 Pa (i.e. at a pressure below the atmospheric pressure).
  • the CO2 capturing means (14) comprises a series of distinct CO2 direct gas capturing units 140, so as to ensure at least a partial CO2 capture in the cooling tower during a regeneration step of at least one CO2 direct air capture unit, the other units (140) being still in operation for CO2 capture.
  • Each unit has at least one air inlet 140A for enabling air to enter into the CO2 capture unit, and at least one air outlet 140B for enabling air to escape from the unit
  • the air inlet(s) 140A and the air outlet(s) 140B are respectively provided with closing elements (like gates or doors) 142,141. In open position, the gates or doors are substantially vertical and act as air guiding means for guiding air towards the air inlet 140 A and for guiding the air flowing through the air outlet 140B.
  • Other means are suitable for isolating the CO2 capturing agent from the outside atmosphere during the regeneration step of a CO2 capture unit.
  • the gates or doors 141,142 are moved from their open position (vertical) towards their closed position (horizontal), for which air from the inner chamber can no more flow into the unit 140 and for which air form the unit can no more flow into the inner chamber 30bis.
  • the heating regeneration means (16) comprises a pipe 160 with an injector 161 for feeding the unit 140 in closed position with steam.
  • the injector 161 is controlled so that the injector is in open position only after frill closure of the unit to be regenerated.
  • the pipe 160 is provided with a series of controllable injectors 161 for feeding the unit to be regenerated with steam.
  • CO2 is released from the CO2 capture agent. Said released CO2 is sucked by a vacuum pump 170 of the CO2 collecting means 17, said vacuum pump 170 sucking gases present in the CO2 capture unit 140 while being regenerated, via a pipe 171 provided with controllable valves 172 respectively located at the level of CO2 capture unit, the valves 172 being in closed position, except for the unit 140 being treated for regeneration.
  • the so sucked CO2 - steam is guided via the pipe 173 in a collecting tank 174, advantageously associated with a means for separating water from the CO2 gas.
  • the CO2 - steam is at least partly recycled for flowing through the CO2 capture system to be regenerated, before being sucked by the vacuum pump.
  • the vacuum pump 170 is adapted for generating a pressure well below the atmospheric pressure, such as less than 0.3 x 10 5 Pa.
  • the condenser 33 can be used for heating or preheating the regenerating fluid up to a temperature above or near the minimal regeneration temperature, the cooling system is advantageously further associated to
  • (*) a chemical heat pump for pumping heat (20) from the first fluid (F1) after its flow through the condenser unit (33) in which the cooled water is heated up to about 80 - 90oC, during the condensing of the process water vapour PV into process liquid PL.
  • the chemical heat pump 20 is adapted for heating a regeneration fluid RGF up to a temperature above the minimal regenerating temperature, for example for generating superheated steam with a temperature of 100 to 120oC. Said steam is then sent to the unit to be regenerated or can be used for other purposes when no regeneration is required.
  • the chemical heat pump 20 is interesting as lowering the temperature of the water issuing from the condenser 33, whereby the temperature of the water (F1) to be cooled in the cooling tower is also reduced.
  • the chemical heat pump will preferably be of the type marketed by Qpinch, see web site www.qpinch.com, site of a Belgian company located in Antwerp.
  • the heat pump (20) is also generating a prior further cooling of the fluid F1, before the fluid F1 is sprayed on the direct heat exchanger 13, whereby improving the cooling efficiency of the fluid cooling, so that the cooling plant can be downsized for the cooling of a determined quantity of fluid F1 or can be used for cooling a larger quantity of fluid F1.
  • the cooling system of Figure 2 is similar to the cooling system of Figure 1, except that:
  • the heat exchangers 13 are heat exchangers or condensers without direct contact between the air and the steam to be condensed or hot water or hot fluid to be cooled.
  • the steam and/or hot water and/or hot fluid circulates in the inner channels of the heat exchanger defined by walls or tubes, while the air is flowing outside the walls or tubes.
  • the heat exchangers or condensers are advantageously suspended via their upper pipes 13U to a supporting structure (40);
  • the fluid to be cooled is water vapour or steam, which has to be at least partly condensed in the heat exchanger 13.
  • the condensed liquid hot water is collected by the bottom collecting pipe 13B;
  • the fan 12 is mounted on a platform 42 beared by two upper distribution tubes of two heat exchangers 13;
  • the CO2 direct gas capture system 14 is mounted on a substructure 43 adapted to be mounted on the platform 42 , said substructure being adapted so that the CO2 capture system 14 is located above the fan 12, whereby the air flowing through the heat exchangers 13 is directed into the CO2 capture system 14, said flow of air from the fan generating furthermore a a side air suction (air bis) above the platform 42, said additional sucked air flowing also into the CO2 direct air capture system 14.
  • there are parallel air flows flowing through the CO2 capture system (heated air (AIR) after flowing through the exchanger 13 and air (AIR bis) flowing above the platform 42);
  • the CO2 capture system is provided with sliding flaps 141,142 for closing the bottom and upper openings of the CO2 capture system when said CO2 capture system has to be regenerated (In Figure 2, the left CO2 capture system is operated for CO2 capture, while the right CO2 capture system 14 has the openings closed for being regenerated);
  • the motor driving into rotation the shaft of the fan is located under the heat exchangers, i.e. in cold and more accessible zone.
  • a distinct CO2 containing gas is directed in the CO2 capture system 14, said distinct CO2 containing gas being for example ambiant air or a process gas containing CO2;
  • the inner chamber 30bis is a mixing chamber of the air flowing through the heat exchanger 13 and the gas flow flowing through theCO2 capture system;
  • a means can be used for controlling the ratio air / gas in the mixing chamber, said means being for example flaps controlling the opening of the gas inlet or the gas outlet of the CO2 capture system.
  • FIGS 3 and 4 are schematic views of an assembly comprising a CO2 capture system 14, associated to a heat exchanger 13, with interposition of a fan 12 for directing air in one or another direction as required.
  • the CO2 capture system is mounted mobile with respect to the structure 50 comprising a regeneration chamber 51.
  • the CO2 capture system 14 is moved into the regeneration chamber 51 (see Figure 4), whereby leaving the heat exchanger to be still in operation.
  • the regeneration step of one CO2 capture system is thus not disturbing the working of the air cooling of the hot fluid in the heat exchanger 13.
  • FIGs 5 to 8 are embodiments of assemblies/modules similar to that of Figure 3, for which the CO2 capture system 14 is static with respect to the heat exchanger 13.
  • the CO2 direct air capture module (DAC or 14) can be wet, semi-dry or dry based or even a combination thereof.
  • the fan 12 is adapted for handeling the total pressure loss.
  • Cold ambiant air (AIR) enters in an assembly for CO2 capture and for cooling or condensing (partially or completely) a hot fluid or gas or steam (HF).
  • HF hot fluid
  • the heat exchanger 12 the hot fluid (HF) is cooled or condensed during its passage through the heat exchanger 12 , the fluid escaping from the heat exchanger 12 being a cooled and/or condensed fluid (CF).
  • the ambiant air is heated, whereby the air released from the assembly is a hot ambiant air (HOT AIR).
  • HET AIR hot ambiant air
  • the fan 12 is sucking air, so that ambiant air flows first in the CO2 capture system 14, then in the heat exchanger 13, before flowing through the fan 12.
  • ambiant air flows first in the heat exchanger 13, then through the CO2 capture system 14, before being sucked by the fan 12.
  • the fan 12 is pushing ambant air to flow first in the heat exchanger 13 before flowing through the CO2 capture system.
  • assemblies can be placed in parallel, for generating parallel air flow.

Abstract

An air-cooling system comprising at least : - one heat exchanger (13) for ensuring a heat exchange between a first fluid (FI) and air (A); - one CO2 direct gas capture system (14) for capturing CO2 from a gas, and - a means for ensuring a flow of gas flowing through the CO2 direct gas capture system(s) through the air outlet or inlet of the cooling system, or a flow of air flowing through the air outlet (11) of the cooling system through the gas outlet or inlet of the CO2 direct gas capture system.

Description

AIR COOLING SYSTEM ASSOCIATED TO A CO2 DIRECT GAS CAPTURE SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a cooling system associated to a CO2 direct gas capture system, especially a CO2 direct air capture system.
CO2 direct capture systems are proposed as an possible climate change mitigation option.
Reference can be done here to "Techno-economic assessment of CO2 direct air capture plants", Madhi Fasihi et al, Journal of Cleaner Production, 224 (2019) 957 - 980.
Said document discloses differents technics available for the CO2 direct air capture. When regenerating the sorbent or the CO2 capturing chemical, a CO2 enriched gas is released.
Economics of CO2 direct air capture systems are major thresholds for applying said technics on large scale, as requiring important infrastructure works, important investments, important operational expenses, for example for regenerating the CO2 capturing means or agents.
Cooling systems can be of the type in which the fluid to be cooled (often water) is put in direct contact with air, whereby often generating visible plume. Cooling systems can also be of the indirect type, whereby the fluid (water, a gas or steam) to be cooled is flowing inside pipe(((( o((r( ps)late(s) of a heat exchanger and the outer face of the pipe(s) or plate(s) being in contact with air. So air is used as cooling medium in this case. To overcome the pressure loss of the pipes or plates of the heat exchanger, fan or fans are used for moving the air through it. Therefore the fan(s) can be installed in induced or forced draft configuration. In general moving air as cooling medium through an cooler means a loss of energy for displacing air in the atmosphere. The cooling system of the invention (cooling is used in the present specification for meaning heat transfer from a first fluid to a second fluid) enables thus to use air for cooling and/or condensing a process fluid, while enabling to heat the air to be expelled into the atmosphere. Such a heated expelled air is advantageous for reducing some fog problems, especially in the neighbourhood of airports, port facilities, city centers, etc.
The invention relates to a system combining (*) cooling means of a fluid, such as a process fluid, like water, vapours, steam, etc. with temperature of 20 to 500ºC ( such as from 50 to 300ºC, like 70ºC, 90ºC, 95ºC, 100ºC, 120ºC, 150ºC, 200ºC, etc, ), and (*) a CO2 direct gas or air capture system (the system is advantageously in the form of a module) for capturing CO2 from air or from a point CO2 source, like cooled flue gases from power plants, gases from cement plants, etc.
Infrastructure works of the combined system can be reduced, while the combination of the two technologies enables to solve problems of plume formation and/or smog, and while having reduced operational expenses, as well as reduced infrastructure and maintenance cost. Moreover existing industrial cooling plant can easily be upscaled with one or more CO2 direct gas capture systems or modules (In the present specification CO2 drect gas capture system means also in advantageous embodiment one or more CO2 direct gas capture modules, which can be added to existing cooling plant for its upgrading), whereby enabling to use one or more existing fans for sucking air to flow through the CO2 capture system(s) and/or for pushing air to flow through the or other CO2 capture system(s). It has been observed that at least for some CO2 capture systems, the heating of air and/or the wetting of air (in a heat exchanger) (prior to its passage into a CO2 direct gas capture system) was improving the CO2 capture from the ambiant air, despite the low CO2 content (less than 500 ppm in 2021).
The cooling system of the invention comprises at least:
- at least one air-inlet (10), i.e. one or more air-inlets (10); - at least one air-outlet (11), i.e. one or more air-outlets (11);
- at least one air-flowing means (12) for ensuring at least an air inflow between the air-inlet(s) (10) and the air-outlet(s) (11);
- at least one heat exchanger (13) located between the air-inlet(s) (10) and the air- outlet(s) (11), the said heat exchangers) (13) being adapted for ensuring a heat exchange between a first fluid (F1, said first fluid being for example gas, liquid, steam, vapours, suspensions ) having a first temperature and air (arrows A or AIR) having a temperature below said first temperature (In the present specification, the term cooling the first fluid is meaning transferring calories from the first fluid to air, meaning that the first fluid can be at least partly condensed and/or cooled to a lower temperature) ; in which the cooling system is associated to at least one CO2 direct gas capture system (14) for capturing CO2 from a CO2 containing gas (such as air) by direct contact of said CO2 containing gas with a CO2 capturing means (like chemical agents), said CO2 direct gas capture system(s) (14) having at least one CO2 containing gas inlet (14A), at least one gas outlet (14B) and at least one CO2 capture system (14C) located between said CO2 containing gas inlet(s) (14A) and said gas outlets) (14B), in which the cooling system comprises a means for ensuring:
- that at least a flow of gas flowing through the CO2 direct gas capture system(s) is flowing through one or more of the at least one air outlet or one air inlet (10,11) of the cooling system, and/or
- that a flow of air flowing through one or more of the at least one air outlet (11) of the cooling system is flowing through one or more of the at least one gas outlet or gas inlet (14A,14B) of the at least one CO2 direct gas capture system.
During a CO2 capture step, the gas flowing through the the CO2 direct gas capture system is heated due to the exothermic CO2 capture reaction or absorption process, whereby the air flowing through the heat exchanger is further heated while flowing through the CO2 capture system (14) or is mixed with a heated gas issuing from the CO2 capture system (14), i.e. with a CO2 depleted gas or air. In one embodiment the CO2 containing gas is ambiant air which flows or which has flowed through the heat exchanger (13). In another possible embodiment, air flowing through the CO2 direct capture system is flowing adjacent to air flowing through the heat exchanger, the two air flows being then mixed.
According to an embodiment, the CO2 direct gas capture system (14) is advantageously comprising a low temperature sorbent, which is advantageously able to capture CO2 from a gas having a temperature from 5ºC to 50ºC, such as from 20ºC up to 45ºC, most preferably from 30ºC to 45ºC. Examples of sorbent(s) are :
- filtering means provided with amine(s), the filter being for example a cellulosic fibers, said CO2 capture being improved in presence of moisture and at temperature from 30ºC to 50ºC. The desorption step requires a heating step at a temperature of 100ºC - 130ºC, under advantageously a pressure below the atmospheric pressure, such as a pressure of 0.1 x 105 Pa up to 0.5 x 105 Pa.
- amino-polymer adsorbent capturing CO2 from a gas at a temperature below 50ºC, said polymer being regenerated at a temperature of 85ºC up to 120ºC using steam, especially overheated or saturated steam. The regeneration can be carried within a short period of times, such as in less than 5 minutes, for example in 1 to 3 minutes.
- a silica based sorbent which can be regenerated by steam having a temperature from 95ºC up to 130ºC under a vaccum ;
- composite sorbent containing potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, guanidine based compounds, like 2,6 pyridine bis(iminoguanidine).
- ion exchange membranes
- molecular filters, like nanofactory based molecular filters,
- liquid or fluid sorbents, like solutions or suspensions of sodium hydroide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, amines, etc, and combinations thereof, or like powdery sorbents, like pulverulent sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof, for example used in a fluidized bed,
- combinations thereof. These sorbents are given as example only, other sorbents are existing for said CO2 gas capture.
Details and characteristics of advantageous embodiments of the invention are one or more of the followings:
- the means for ensuring the air inflow between the air-inlet (10) and the air-outlet (11) is a means for ensuring an at least partial flow of gas through the CO2 direct gas capture system. A same means or fan is used for the flow of air in the heat exchanger and for the flow of CO2 containing gas in the capture system, said gas being advantageously air.
- The cooling system comprises a collecting chamber for collecting an air flow issuing from the heat exchanger and a gas flow issuing from the CO2 direct capture system, said collecting chamber being advantageously provided with at least one mixing means for mixing the air flow issuing from the heat exchanger the gas flow issuing from the CO2 direct capture system, said cooling system being preferably provided with a flow control means for controlling at least the ratio air flow / gas flow.
When the CO2 containing gas is issuing from a point CO2 gas source, like a cooled flue gas, the ratio air flow / gas flow can be adapted for achieving a specific temperature or temperature range for the air-gas mix.
- the CO2 direct capture system (14) is a regenerable system provided with a regeneration means (16) for releasing CO2 from the CO2 capturing means (14C) during a regeneration step, and with a CO2 collecting means (17) for collecting the released CO2 during the regeneration step of the CO2 capturing means (14C).
The regeneration is advantageously carried out with steam or overheated steam, as enabling a quite easy and rapid regeneration step - the regeneration means is a heating regeneration means (16) adapted for increasing the temperature of the CO2 capturing means (14C) above a minimal regeneration temperature for releasing CO2 from the CO2 capturing means, whereby the CO2 capturing means is advantageously a CO2 capturing means adapted to be regenerated at a temperature below 300ºC, preferably below 150ºC, most preferably at a temperature from 80ºC up to 130ºC, and advantageously at a pressure from 0.1 105 Pa up to 5 x 105 Pa, preferably at a pressure from 0.2 x 105 Pa up to 2 x 105 Pa.
- the first fluid (F1) to be cooled is a liquid, advantageously an aqueous liquid. The cooling system is further associated (*) to a chemical heat pump for pumping heat (20) from the first fluid (F1) having a first temperature to a second fluid (RGF) having a temperature above the minimal regeneration temperature, and/or to a solar heating system for heating a second fluid at a temperature above the minimal regeneration temperature, and (*) to a guiding means (21) for the second fluid to the heating regeneration means (16).
Examples of chemical heat pumps are disclosed in "A review of chemical heat pump technology and applications", Wongsuwan W. et al, Applied Thermal Engineering 21, 2001, 1489-1519; in "New industrial chemical heat pump from Qpinch", Ducheyne Wouter et al, 12th IEA Heat Pump Conference 2017, WO2012/101110, on the web site of www.qpinch.com, etc.
- the regenerable CO2 direct gas capture system (14) comprises a series of distinct CO2 direct gas capture units, whereby at least when one unit of said series is submitted to a regeneration step, at least another unit of said series is adapted for CO2 direct gas capture.
- the heat exchanger means (13) comprises a series of heat exchanger units having each at least one air inlet, at least one air outlet, and at least one heat exchanger element between said air inlet(s) and said air outlet(s), while the CO2 direct gas capture system (14) comprises a series of CO2 direct capture units or modules having each at least one gas inlet, at least one gas outlet and at least one CO2 direct gas capture elements) between said gas inlet(s) and said gas outlets); whereby at least one heat exchanger unit of said series of heat exchanger units or modules is associated to at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module of said series of CO2 direct gas capture units or modules, so that
- air from the air outlet(s) of the at least one heat exchanger unit is adapted to flow into the gas inlet(s) of at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module, and/or
- gas from the gas outlets) of at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module is flowing into the air inlet(s) of the at least one heat exchanger unit.
- the at least one heat exchanger unit (13) and the at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module (14) associated to said at least one heat exchanger unit (13) form an assembly or module, said assembly comprising advantageously a means (12) for ensuring an air flow through the said at least one heat exchanger unit and through the said at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module. Such assemblies or modules are easy to install and can be operated independently the one from the other.
- the assembly or module or the CO2 direct gas capture unit or module (14) is provided with at least one regeneration means for regenerating the CO2 direct gas capture unit during a regeneration step, whereby during the regeneration step a CO2 enriched gas is formed.
- the assembly is provided with (*) walls forming a chamber enclosing at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit, (*) possibly movable gates between an open position for which air can flow through the at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module, and a closed position for which substantially no air can flow through the at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module, and (*) a valve movable between a closed position and an open position, whereby said valve is connected to a gas sucking or collecting means for sucking or collecting CO2 enriched gas released during a regeneration step, said gas sucking means directing advantageously the sucked or collected CO2 enriched gas to a tank. According to a possible embodiment, with possible steam regeneration step, the assembly can advantageously be provided with one or more spraying heads for directing steam on the CO2 capture agent, said head being for example beared on the said wall of the chamber or mounted on a pipe extending in the chamber. When present, the optional movable gates are advantageously forming in open position guiding means for air and/or gas.
- the cooling system has the form of a cooling tower, which comprises a distribution system (23) for distributing the first fluid on the heat exchanger, said first fluid being liquid, in which the heat exchanger (13) comprises heat exchanger packs defining at least a series of vertical channels in which air and the first fluid counterflow for cooling the first fluid by direct contact with air flow, the said cooling tower having preferably a drift eliminator (22) located above the distribution system, at least one CO2 direct gas capture system being advantageously a CO2 direct air capture system located above the drift eliminator (22). Such a cooling tower is for example of the type disclosed in US6247682, which is not provided with means for preventing the liquid to be cooled to flow through the heat exchanging packs.
- the first fluid to be cooled is an at least partly condensable first fluid, said cooling system comprising a supporting structure carrying a series of cooling units comprising each at least one heat exchanger in which the first fluid is adapted to flow, while said heat exchanger has an outer face in contact with an air flow generated by the air-flowing means.
- the air -flowing system or means is a fan driven into rotation by a motor, said fan sucking air so that an air flow is in contact with the heat exchanger, while pushing air in the CO2 direct gas capture system. - The cooling system comprises a platform (like a movable platform) for supporting the fan (12), said platform carrying the CO2 direct gas capture system. The CO2 direct gas capture system can be in the form one or more modules removably attached to the platform, whereby enabling easy removing one or more modules when required, for example for maintenance purposes,
- The cooling system is associated to one or more solar panels for generating at least part of the electric energy required by the air-flowing means.
- any combinations of said details and characteristics.
The invention further relates to the use of a cooling/condensing system of the invention as disclosed hereabove, for cooling/condensing a first fluid by an airflow, while capturing at least partly CO2 from a CO2 containing gas, and for mixing together at least partly the air flow used for cooling/condensing the first fluid with at least a portion of the CO2 containing gas after contacting the CO2 direct gas capture system.
Details and characteristics of embodiments of the invention (given as examples only) will appear from the following description in which reference is made to the attached drawings.
In said drawings,
- Figure 1 is a schematic view of an air cooling tower of the invention for cooling a process fluid with direct air/fluid contact;
- Figure 2 is a schematic view of an air cooling installation for cooling a process fluid with indirect air fluid contact;
- Figure 3 is a schematic view of an assembly suitable for an air cooling system with the CO2 capture means in operating position;
- Figure 4 is a view similar to the view of Figure 3, with the CO2 capture means in regeneration position; - Figures 5 to 8 are schematic views of various assemblies suitable for an air cooling system;
- Figure 9 is a further schematic view of an air cooling system, and
- Figure 10 is a still further schematic view of an air cooling system.
In the description of the embodiments represented in the figures, same references or numerals designates same elements or equivalent means or means having a same or equivalent function.
The cooling system of Figure 1 comprises :
- a tower structure 30 defining an inner chamber 30bis with a bottom fluidcollector 31;
- bottom air-inlets 10 adjacent to the bottom fluid collector for the flow of air inside the inner chamber 30bis ;
- an upper air-outlet 11 at the top of the tower 30 through which air from the inner chamber is pushed away ;
- a fan (12) with a motor (12bis) for driving into rotation the fan (12) for generating an air inflow (A) in the inner chamber (30bis) between the air-inlets (10) and the air-outlet (11);
- one heat exchanger (13) located between the air-inlet (10) and the air-outlet (11), the said heat exchanger (13) being adapted for ensuring a heat exchange between a first fluid (such as hot liquid water) (F1) having a first temperature and air (A) having a temperature below said first temperature, the heat exchanger (13) comprising a series of packings defining each a series of vertical open channels for heat exchange by direct counterflow contact between the hot fluid (F1) (downwards movement) and the air (A) (upwards movement). The fluid (F1) after its passage through the heat exchanger (13) is falling into the bottom fluid collector (31). The fluid of said colector (31) can be further pumped (by pump 32) for directing it to a condenser (33) adapted for condensing a process vapour (PV) issuing form an industrial or power facility in a process liquid (PL) which can be returned back to the industrial or power facility. - a fluid distibution system (23) with spray heads (23H) for spraying the fluid to be cooled onto the upper face of the heat exchanger (13), the said fluid distribution system being located above the heat exchanger (13). The fluid distribution system 23 is associated to a pump (23P) for pressurized the hot fluid to be sprayed.
- a drift eliminator (22) located above the water distribution system (23) for collecting fluid droplets moving upwards due to the air flow.
- a CO2 direct gas capture system (14) for capturing CO2 from the air flowing through the inner chamber (30bis), said CO2 direct gas capture system having at least one CO2 containing gas inlet (14A), at least onegas outlet (14B) and a CO2 capture system (14C) located between said CO2 containing gas inlet(s) (14A) and said gas outlet(s) (14B), the air treated in the CO2 direct gas capture system (14) flowing in the upper portion of the inner chamber 30bis before being sucked by the fan 12 for expelling it into the atmosphere.
During a CO2 capture step, the gas flowing through the CO2 direct gas capture system is heated due to the exothermic CO2 capture reaction or absorption process, whereby the air flowing through the heat exchanger (13) is wetted, while being after heated by flowing through the CO2 direct gas capture system. This is advantageous for preventing water condensation problem in the upper region of the inner chamber 30bis and for preventing large visible plume problem for the air escaping from the cooling tower (30).
According to embodiments, the CO2 direct gas capture system is advantageously comprising a low temperature solid sorbent, which is advantageously able to capture CO2 from a gas having a temperature from 5 to 50ºC, such as from 20ºC up to 45ºC, most preferably from 30 to 45ºC. Examples of sorbents are :
- filtering means provided with amine(s), the filter being for example a cellulosic fibers, said CO2 capture being improved in presence of moisture and at temperature from 30 to 50ºC. The desorption step requires a heating step at a temperature of 100ºC - 130ºC, under advantageously a pressure below the atmospheric pressure, such as a pressure of 0.1 x 105 Pa up to 0.5 x 105 Pa.
- amino-polymer adsorbent capturing CO2 from a gas at a temperature below 50ºC, said polymer being regenerated at a temperature of 85ºC up to 120ºC using steam, especially saturated steam. The regeneration can be carried in a short period of times, such as in less than 5 minutes, for example in 1 to 3 minutes.
- a silica based sorbent which can be regenerated by steam having a temperature from 95ºC up to 130ºC under a vaccum;
- composite sorbent containing potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, guanidine based compounds, like 2,6 pyridine bis(iminoguanidine).
- ion exchange membranes
- molecular filters, like nanofactory based molecular filters,
- etc., as well combinations of such CO2 capture systems.
According to specific embodiments, preferably the absorbent capturing means will be selected for being adapted for steam regeneration at a temperature of 100ºC to 120ºC, as the regeneration step can be operated in a short period of time, like less than 30 minutes, such as less than 15minutes, less than 5 minutes.
Other regeneration methods are possible and should be selected in function of the CO2 capturing agent(s),
In said embodiment, a same fan is used for the flow of air in the heat exchanger and for the flow of CO2 containing air in the capture system, meaning that the power used for the flow of air in the cooling exchanger is used for the flow of said air in the CO2 capture system (14).
The CO2 direct capture system (14) is a regenerable system provided with a regeneration means (16) adapted for releasing CO2 from the CO2 capturing means (14C) during a regeneration step, and with a CO2 collecting means (17) for collecting the released CO2 during the regeneration step of the CO2 capturing means (14C).
The regeneration is advantageously carried out with steam or overheated steam, as enabling a quite easy and rapid regeneration step. The regeneration means is a heating regeneration means (16) adapted for increasing the temperature of the CO2 capturing means (14C) above a minimal regeneration temperature for releasing CO2 from the CO2 capturing means, whereby the CO2 capturing means is advantageously a CO2 capturing means adapted to be regenerated at a temperature from 100 to 120ºC, and advantageously at a pressure from 0.2 x 105 Pa up to 0.5 x 105 Pa (i.e. at a pressure below the atmospheric pressure).
The CO2 capturing means (14) comprises a series of distinct CO2 direct gas capturing units 140, so as to ensure at least a partial CO2 capture in the cooling tower during a regeneration step of at least one CO2 direct air capture unit, the other units (140) being still in operation for CO2 capture. Each unit has at least one air inlet 140A for enabling air to enter into the CO2 capture unit, and at least one air outlet 140B for enabling air to escape from the unit The air inlet(s) 140A and the air outlet(s) 140B are respectively provided with closing elements (like gates or doors) 142,141. In open position, the gates or doors are substantially vertical and act as air guiding means for guiding air towards the air inlet 140 A and for guiding the air flowing through the air outlet 140B. Other means are suitable for isolating the CO2 capturing agent from the outside atmosphere during the regeneration step of a CO2 capture unit.
For isolating one unit 140 from the inner chamber 30bis, the gates or doors 141,142 are moved from their open position (vertical) towards their closed position (horizontal), for which air from the inner chamber can no more flow into the unit 140 and for which air form the unit can no more flow into the inner chamber 30bis.
The heating regeneration means (16) comprises a pipe 160 with an injector 161 for feeding the unit 140 in closed position with steam. The injector 161 is controlled so that the injector is in open position only after frill closure of the unit to be regenerated. The pipe 160 is provided with a series of controllable injectors 161 for feeding the unit to be regenerated with steam.
During the regeneration step, CO2 is released from the CO2 capture agent. Said released CO2 is sucked by a vacuum pump 170 of the CO2 collecting means 17, said vacuum pump 170 sucking gases present in the CO2 capture unit 140 while being regenerated, via a pipe 171 provided with controllable valves 172 respectively located at the level of CO2 capture unit, the valves 172 being in closed position, except for the unit 140 being treated for regeneration. The so sucked CO2 - steam is guided via the pipe 173 in a collecting tank 174, advantageously associated with a means for separating water from the CO2 gas. Possibly, but advantageously, the CO2 - steam is at least partly recycled for flowing through the CO2 capture system to be regenerated, before being sucked by the vacuum pump.
The vacuum pump 170 is adapted for generating a pressure well below the atmospheric pressure, such as less than 0.3 x 105 Pa.
While the condenser 33 can be used for heating or preheating the regenerating fluid up to a temperature above or near the minimal regeneration temperature, the cooling system is advantageously further associated to
(*) a chemical heat pump for pumping heat (20) from the first fluid (F1) after its flow through the condenser unit (33) in which the cooled water is heated up to about 80 - 90ºC, during the condensing of the process water vapour PV into process liquid PL. The chemical heat pump 20 is adapted for heating a regeneration fluid RGF up to a temperature above the minimal regenerating temperature, for example for generating superheated steam with a temperature of 100 to 120ºC. Said steam is then sent to the unit to be regenerated or can be used for other purposes when no regeneration is required.
The chemical heat pump 20 is interesting as lowering the temperature of the water issuing from the condenser 33, whereby the temperature of the water (F1) to be cooled in the cooling tower is also reduced. and
(*) a guiding means (21) for the second fluid to the heating regeneration means (16).
Various chemical heat pumps exist. The chemical heat pump will preferably be of the type marketed by Qpinch, see web site www.qpinch.com, site of a Belgian company located in Antwerp.
The heat pump (20) is also generating a prior further cooling of the fluid F1, before the fluid F1 is sprayed on the direct heat exchanger 13, whereby improving the cooling efficiency of the fluid cooling, so that the cooling plant can be downsized for the cooling of a determined quantity of fluid F1 or can be used for cooling a larger quantity of fluid F1.
The cooling system of Figure 2 is similar to the cooling system of Figure 1, except that:
- the heat exchangers 13 are heat exchangers or condensers without direct contact between the air and the steam to be condensed or hot water or hot fluid to be cooled. The steam and/or hot water and/or hot fluid circulates in the inner channels of the heat exchanger defined by walls or tubes, while the air is flowing outside the walls or tubes. The heat exchangers or condensers are advantageously suspended via their upper pipes 13U to a supporting structure (40);
- the fluid to be cooled is water vapour or steam, which has to be at least partly condensed in the heat exchanger 13. The condensed liquid hot water is collected by the bottom collecting pipe 13B;
- the fan 12 is mounted on a platform 42 beared by two upper distribution tubes of two heat exchangers 13;
- the CO2 direct gas capture system 14 is mounted on a substructure 43 adapted to be mounted on the platform 42 , said substructure being adapted so that the CO2 capture system 14 is located above the fan 12, whereby the air flowing through the heat exchangers 13 is directed into the CO2 capture system 14, said flow of air from the fan generating furthermore a a side air suction (air bis) above the platform 42, said additional sucked air flowing also into the CO2 direct air capture system 14. In said embodiment, there are parallel air flows flowing through the CO2 capture system (heated air (AIR) after flowing through the exchanger 13 and air (AIR bis) flowing above the platform 42);
- the CO2 capture system is provided with sliding flaps 141,142 for closing the bottom and upper openings of the CO2 capture system when said CO2 capture system has to be regenerated (In Figure 2, the left CO2 capture system is operated for CO2 capture, while the right CO2 capture system 14 has the openings closed for being regenerated);
- the hot water from collecting pipes 13B of the heat exchanger is directed towards a chemical heat pump 20, for generating steam suitable for regeneration purposes (tank 20T being able to stock some steam under pressure);
- the motor driving into rotation the shaft of the fan is located under the heat exchangers, i.e. in cold and more accessible zone.
The embodiment of Figure 10 is similar to the embodiment of Figure 1, except that:
- air flowing through the heat exchanger means 13 is not flowing through the CO2 direct gas capture system 14;
- a distinct CO2 containing gas is directed in the CO2 capture system 14, said distinct CO2 containing gas being for example ambiant air or a process gas containing CO2;
- the inner chamber 30bis is a mixing chamber of the air flowing through the heat exchanger 13 and the gas flow flowing through theCO2 capture system;
- a means can be used for controlling the ratio air / gas in the mixing chamber, said means being for example flaps controlling the opening of the gas inlet or the gas outlet of the CO2 capture system.
In the embodiment of Figure 9, ambiant air is first flowing through the CO2 capture systems 14, before being sucked by the fan 12 and pushed in a heat exchanger 13. Figures 3 and 4 are schematic views of an assembly comprising a CO2 capture system 14, associated to a heat exchanger 13, with interposition of a fan 12 for directing air in one or another direction as required. The CO2 capture system is mounted mobile with respect to the structure 50 comprising a regeneration chamber 51. When a regeneration step is required, the CO2 capture system 14 is moved into the regeneration chamber 51 (see Figure 4), whereby leaving the heat exchanger to be still in operation. The regeneration step of one CO2 capture system is thus not disturbing the working of the air cooling of the hot fluid in the heat exchanger 13.
Figures 5 to 8 are embodiments of assemblies/modules similar to that of Figure 3, for which the CO2 capture system 14 is static with respect to the heat exchanger 13. In said Figures 5 to 8, the CO2 direct air capture module (DAC or 14) can be wet, semi-dry or dry based or even a combination thereof. The fan 12 is adapted for handeling the total pressure loss. Cold ambiant air (AIR) enters in an assembly for CO2 capture and for cooling or condensing (partially or completely) a hot fluid or gas or steam (HF). In the heat exchanger 12, the hot fluid (HF) is cooled or condensed during its passage through the heat exchanger 12 , the fluid escaping from the heat exchanger 12 being a cooled and/or condensed fluid (CF). During said passage of cold ambiant air through the assembly, the ambiant air is heated, whereby the air released from the assembly is a hot ambiant air (HOT AIR). In Figure 6, the fan 12 is sucking air, so that ambiant air flows first in the CO2 capture system 14, then in the heat exchanger 13, before flowing through the fan 12. In Figure 7, ambiant air flows first in the heat exchanger 13, then through the CO2 capture system 14, before being sucked by the fan 12. In Figure 8, the fan 12 is pushing ambant air to flow first in the heat exchanger 13 before flowing through the CO2 capture system.
Several assemblies can be placed in parallel, for generating parallel air flow. In such an installation comprising a plurality of assemblies, it is possible to operate the assemblies independently the one from the other, whereby when one assembly has its CO2 capture system to be regenerated, the other assemblies are still in function for CO2 capture and cooling/condensing a fluid / steam.

Claims

1. An air-cooling system comprising at least :
- at least one air-inlet (10);
- at least one air-outlet (11);
- one air-flowing means (12) for ensuring at least an air inflow between the airinlet(s) and the air-outlet(s) (11);
- at least one heat exchanger (13) located between the air-inlet(s) (10) and the air- outlet(s) (11), the said heat exchanger (13) being adapted for ensuring a heat exchange between a first fluid (F1) having a first temperature and air (A) having a temperature below said first temperature; in which the cooling system is associated to at least one CO2 direct gas capture system (14) for capturing CO2 from a CO2 containing gas by direct contact of said CO2 containing gas with a CO2 capturing means, said CO2 direct gas capture system(s) having at least one CO2 containing gas inlet (14A), at least one gas outlet (14B) and at least one CO2 capture system (14C) located between said CO2 containing gas inlet(s) (14A) and said gas outlet(s) (14B), in which the cooling system comprises a means for ensuring:
- that at least a flow of gas flowing through the CO2 direct gas capture system(s) is flowing through one or more of the at least one air outlet or one air inlet (10,11) of the cooling system, and/or
- that a flow of air flowing through one or more of the at least one air outlet (11) of tire cooling system is flowing through one or more of the at least one gas outlet or gas inlet (14A,14B) of the at least one CO2 direct gas capture system.
2. The cooling system of claim 1, in which the means for ensuring the air inflow between the air-inlet(s) (10) and the air-outlet(s) (11) is a means for ensuring an at least partial flow of gas through the CO2 direct gas capture system.
3. The cooling system of claim 1 or 2, which comprises a collecting chamber (30bis) for collecting an air flow issuing from the heat exchanger (13) and a gas flow issuing from the CO2 direct capture system (14), said collecting chamber (30bis) being advantageously provided with at least one mixing means for mixing the air flow issuing from the heat exchanger and the gas flow issuing from the CO2 direct capture system, said cooling system being preferably provided with a flow control means for controlling at least the ratio air flow / gas flow.
4. The cooling system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the CO2 direct capture system (14) is a regenerable system provided with a regeneration means (16) for releasing CO2 from the CO2 capturing means (14C) during a regeneration step, and with a CO2 collecting means (17) for collecting the released CO2 during the regeneration step of the CO2 capturing means (14C).
5. The cooling system of claim 4, in which the regeneration means is a heating regeneration means (16) adapted for increasing the temperature of the CO2 capturing means (14C) above a minimal regeneration temperature for releasing CO2 from the CO2 capturing means, whereby the CO2 capturing means is advantageously a CO2 capturing means adapted to be regenerated at a temperature below 300ºC, preferably below 150ºC, most preferably at a temperature from 80ºC up to 130ºC, and advantageously at a pressure from 0.1 x 105 Pa up to 5 x 105 Pa, preferably at a pressure from 0.2x 105 Pa up to 2 x 105 Pa.
6. The cooling system of claim 5, in which the first fluid to be cooled is a liquid, advantageously an aqueous liquid, and in which the cooling system is further associated (*) to a chemical heat pump for pumping heat (20) from the first fluid (F1) having a first temperature to a second fluid having a temperature above the minimal regeneration temperature, and/or to a solar heating system for heating a second fluid (RGF) at a temperature above the minimal regeneration temperature, and (*) to a guiding means (21) for the second fluid (RGF) to the heating regeneration means (16).
7. The cooling system of any one of the claims 4 to 6, in which the regenerable CO2 direct gas capture system (14) comprises a series of distinct CO2 direct gas capture units, whereby at least when one unit of said series is submitted to a regeneration step, at least another unit of said series is adapted for CO2 direct gas capture.
8. The cooling system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the heat exchanger means (13) comprises a series of heat exchanger units having each at least one air inlet, at least one air outlet, and at least one heat exchanger element between said air inlet(s) and said air outlet(s), while the CO2 direct gas capture system (14) comprises a series of CO2 direct capture units or modules having each at least one gas inlet, at least one gas outlet and at least one CO2 direct gas capture elements) between said gas inlet(s) and said gas outlet(s); whereby at least one heat exchanger unit of said series of heat exchanger units or modules is associated to at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module of said series of CO2 direct gas capture units or modules, so that
- air from the air outlet(s) of the at least one heat exchanger unit is adapted to flow into the gas inlet(s) of at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module, and/or
- gas from the gas outlet(s) of at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module is flowing into the air inlet(s) of the at least one heat exchanger unit.
9. The cooling system of claim 8, in which the at least one heat exchanger unit (13) and the at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module (14) associated to said at least one heat exchanger unit (13) form an assembly or module, said assembly comprising advantageously a means (12) for ensuring an air flow through the said at least one heat exchanger unit and through the said at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module.
10. The cooling system of claim 9, in which the assembly or module or the CO2 direct gas capture unit or module (14) is provided with at least one regeneration means for regenerating the CO2 direct gas capture unit or module (140) during a regeneration step, whereby during the regeneration step a CO2 enriched gas is formed.
11. The cooling system of claim 10, in which the assembly is provided with (*) walls forming a chamber enclosing at least the at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module, (*) movable gates or doors or flaps (142) between an open position for which air can flow through the at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module, and a closed position for which substantially no air can flow through the at least one CO2 direct gas capture unit or module (14), and a valve (172) movable between a closed position and an open position, whereby said valve (172) is connected to a gas sucking or collecting means for sucking or collecting CO2 enriched gas released during a regeneration step, said gas sucking or collecting means directing advantageously the sucked or collected CO2 enriched gas to a tank (174).
12. The cooling system of any one of the preceding claims, which has the form of a cooling tower, which comprises a distribution system (23) for distributing the first fluid (F1) on the heat exchanger (13), said first fluid (F1) being liquid, in which the heat exchanger (13) comprises heat exchanger packs defining at least a series of vertical channels in which air (A) and the first fluid (F1) counterflow for cooling the first fluid (F1) by direct contact with air flow (A), the said cooling tower having preferably a drift eliminator (22) located above the distribution system, at least one CO2 direct gas capture system being advantageously a‘CO2 direct air capture system (14) located above the drift eliminator (22).
13. The cooling system of any one of the claims 1 to 11, in which the first fluid to be cooled is an at least partly condensable first fluid, said cooling system comprising a supporting structure (40) carrying a series of cooling/condensing units (13) comprising each at least one heat exchanger in which the first fluid (F1) is adapted to flow, while said heat exchanger (13) has an outer face in contact with an air flow generated by the air-flowing means (12).
14. The cooling system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the air - flowing means is a fan driven into rotation by a motor, said fan sucking air so that an air flow is in contact with the heat exchanger, while pushing air in the CO2 direct gas capture system.
15. The cooling system of claim 14, which comprises a platform for supporting the fan, said platform carrying the CO2 direct gas capture system.
16. The cooling system of any one of the preceding claims, which is associated to one or more solar panels for generating at least part of the electric energy required by the air-flowing means.
17. The use of a cooling system of any one of the preceding claims, for cooling/condensing a first fluid by an air-flow, while capturing at least partly CO2 from a CO2 containing gas, and for mixing together at least partly the air flow used for cooling/condensing the first fluid with at least a portion of the CO2 containing gas after contacting the CO2 direct gas capture system.
PCT/IB2021/056641 2021-07-22 2021-07-22 Air cooling system associated to a co2 direct gas capture system WO2023002235A1 (en)

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