Solar-assisted pressure-temperature swing adsorption for CO2 capture: Effect of adsorbent materials

Because of the ability to utilize the low-grade solar thermal energy for regeneration, a CO2 capture system characterized by solar-assisted pressure temperature swing adsorption (SOL-PTSA) is studied on the effects of adsorbent materials. A detailed cycle description is firstly presented within the diagram of adsorption isotherm for the energy-efficiency analysis. Typical adsorbent materials, including zeolites and chemical adsorbent, are assessed in terms of sensible heat and latent heat, etc. Then, the energy consumption and the second-law efficiency, which can be considered as lumped indicators from such material parameters, are chosen as performance indicators as well. The influence of separation temperature, desorption temperature, CO2 concentration and CO2 adsorption pressure on system performance are finally obtained. For the chosen three adsorbent materials, the energy consumption of SOL-PTSA system is at the range of 25.96-87.76 kJ/mol, and the corresponding second law efficiencies are at the range of 9.18-26.89%. The effect of adsorbent materials on the energy-efficiency of SOL-PTSA system mainly depends on specific heat, CO2 working capacity and cycle design. In addition, the integration options of solar energy into PTSA technology are also discussed from the standpoint of the utilization of solar grade heat due to two energy loads required for PTSA's operation.