Direct Air Capture (DAC) in Commercial HVAC Systems
Brandon Chung, Isabella Daza, Michael Quintero, and Hira Siddiqi
Advisors: Andre Boulet and Xhavin Sinha (SJSU)
Brandon Chung, Isabella Daza, Michael Quintero, and Hira Siddiqi
Advisors: Andre Boulet and Xhavin Sinha (SJSU)
As global efforts to achieve Net Zero heighten, direct air capture (DAC) is emerging as a pivotal solution for emissions reduction and air quality enhancement. Flow Air presents a novel solution by integrating DAC into existing commercial spaces in San Jose through retrofitting HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) infrastructure. Our design redefines current HVAC systems by employing temperature swing adsorption with an amine-functionalized solid sorbent to selectively capture CO2 from ambient air. To enhance energy efficiency, our system utilizes a heat recovery system coupled with a refrigerant compression cycle that leverages heating and cooling units for humidity control. By reimagining commercial building infrastructure with climate-responsive technology to improve energy efficiency and air quality, Flow Air demonstrates an energy-conscious solution to urban carbon removal. Our project explores the synergy between advanced sorbent materials, heat recovery mechanisms, and building integration to pave the way for sustainable retrofits across ever-expanding, densely populated metropolitan areas.