DAC - Advanced Direct Air Capture of CO2 Using Air Conditioning Systems

This project develops Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology by integrating innovative CO₂ filters into Air Handling Units (AHUs) to capture CO₂ efficiently at reduced capital and operating costs, leveraging existing AHU infrastructure and available regeneration energy. A primary objective is to use the captured CO₂ as feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aligning with the CORSIA Sustainability Criteria (Annex 16, Volume IV), which limits SAF production via the Power-to-Liquid (PtL) pathway to CO₂ from atmospheric sources, supporting a closed-loop carbon model. This feedstock will be delivered to the Sustainable Low-Carbon Aviation project under the Clean Fuel Initiative. The system uses advanced filters (MOFs, hybrid zeolites, silica-based sorbents) to capture CO₂ from ventilation air. Filters are regenerated via TSA/PSA, with a dual-filter setup and automated sensors ensuring continuous operation, enabling efficient, low-cost carbon capture from AHUs Current research also investigates transporting CO₂ from buildings to the SAF unit, considering cost and safety. One approach converts captured CO₂ into formic acid as a hydrogen carrier for downstream applications, including SAF synthesis. Feasibility studies include developing an advanced aqueous ammonia-based DAC system and utilizing DAC-derived CO₂ for building refrigeration, exploring alternative capture chemistries and expanding applications.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)