Sub-Scale Adsorption and Compression CO2 Removal System Re-Design

This system is a re-design of NASA’s previously developed Thermally Coupled Temperature
Swing Adsorption and Compression (TC-TSAC) systems, providing an air revitalization
alternative to assist in the agency’s Moon to Mars exploration objectives. The system consists of
two half-cycles whereby packed beds of regenerable bulk sorbents and heat cycles
simultaneously adsorb and compress carbon dioxide. The team designed the adsorption and
compression beds in a cylindrical shape to maximize airflow. A desiccant bed helps lower
humidity and the sorbent Zeolite 13X is used to capture carbon dioxide. Both are monitored by
sensors. There is a custom heater within the system that lies in the adsorption bed to regenerate
the sorbent, and there is a cooler around the compression bed. The system produced for NASA
modeling, experimental test results, and operational results to be able to be scaled up to 4kg CO2
removal per day. The system was found to be 1/16 scale for 1kg of CO2 removal per day. The
adsorption and desorption processes were successful, however issues with making the
compression bed airtight resulted in an inability to demonstrate full compression. The team
provided design suggestions and alternative solutions given these results. This paper describes
the final design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of the TC-TSAC re-design.