An Optimization Framework for a Temperature-Vacuum Swing Adsorption Direct Air Capture Process

9 Pages Posted: 1 Dec 2022

See all articles by Michel Schellevis

Michel Schellevis

University of Twente - Sustainable Process Technology

Joran de la Combé

University of Twente

Wim Brilman

University of Twente - Sustainable Process Technology

Date Written: November 30, 2022

Abstract

The extraction of CO2 from the atmosphere via adsorption with supported-amine sorbents is being demonstrated on increasingly larger scale. Adsorption via temperature-vacuum swing adsorption is one of the major Direct Air Capture technologies. Optimization of such a process is complex, since many operational parameters are involved. This requires a multi-dimensional optimization approach aiming for a minimal total cost of capture. Process performance depends heavily on the ambient conditions, which makes the estimation of the cost of capture even more challenging. This study provides an optimization approach using an accurate, validated numerical model of the process as basis. Essential is that the optimization approach is performed for a single set of ambient conditions. Each simulation then resulted in a productivity and energy duty associated with a unique set of operational parameters. A trade-off between both performance indicators arose, where the points on the pareto front were selected for further optimization via an economic assessment. The optimization framework is demonstrated for a single set of ambient conditions, namely 20°C and 50% RH. This resulted in a minimum cost of capture of €560 per ton CO2. However, this is only valid for the given set of ambient conditions. To determine the total cost of direct air capture, the optimization procedure must be performed for multiple combinations of ambient conditions that correspond to the climate at the DAC location of interest.

Suggested Citation

Schellevis, Michel and de la Combé, Joran and Brilman, Wim, An Optimization Framework for a Temperature-Vacuum Swing Adsorption Direct Air Capture Process (November 30, 2022). Proceedings of the 16th Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies Conference (GHGT-16) 23-24 Oct 2022, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4290070 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4290070

Michel Schellevis

University of Twente - Sustainable Process Technology ( email )

Postbus 217
Twente
Netherlands

Joran De la Combé

University of Twente

Wim Brilman (Contact Author)

University of Twente - Sustainable Process Technology ( email )

PO Box 217
Enschede, 7500AE
Netherlands

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