Advanced Direct Air Capture of CO2 Using Air Conditioning Systems

This project focuses on the integration of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology into Air Handling Units (AHUs) to reduce atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and improve indoor air quality. The system utilizes surface-modified filters to capture CO₂ from incoming air while circulating clean, cooled air indoors. The filter material is critical for system efficiency, and materials such as polymers, carbon, and fabric will be evaluated for their suitability. The selected material must withstand high temperatures during the regeneration process and allow efficient airflow with minimal pressure drop, ensuring compatibility with AHU operation. When the filters reach CO₂ saturation, they will be regenerated using temperature swing adsorption (TSA) or pressure swing adsorption (PSA) methods, releasing captured CO₂ for collection and reuse. To maintain continuous CO₂ capture, the system will use two filters that alternate between adsorption and regeneration phases. One filter will capture CO₂ while the other undergoes regeneration. The switching process will be controlled by sensors, such as pressure switches or photocell controls, which monitor pressure changes or CO₂ loading in the filters and trigger the switch at the right time. By integrating DAC technology into AHUs, the project not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also lowers cooling loads and energy consumption by pre-conditioning incoming air, enhancing overall building energy efficiency. This integration demonstrates how DAC in AHUs can address climate challenges, improve urban air quality, and lower CO₂ capture costs, contributing to sustainable urban solutions

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)