Multifunctional Equipment for Direct Decarbonization with Improved Indoor Air Quality

Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a significant initiative for decarbonization, but it typically involves substantial capital and operational expenses. In the United States, there are over 120 million buildings responsible for emitting 600 million metric tons of CO2 annually. Leveraging the air movement capabilities of existing building equipment could potentially facilitate the implementation of distributed DAC systems. This project aims to develop and deploy a combined platform to manage moisture, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and CO2 removal with effective biocidal capability, while ensuring a cost-effective approach for improved indoor air-quality achieved through building equipment.

Project Impact

This project will achieve reductions in CO2 emissions, both directly and indirectly. Direct reductions will be achieved through non-vapor compression technology, eliminating over 500 metric tons per year, and capturing CO2 from exhaust streams, amounting to over 250 metric tons per year. Indirectly, improved process efficiency through SSLC will contribute to reducing emissions by over 170 metric tons per year. Furthermore, the project explores cost-effective ways to utilize 'waste heat' for regeneration, highlights potential carbon tax benefits for U.S. manufacturers, and considers the broader implications for underserved communities.