ENGS 89/90 Reports

Year of Graduation

2025

Project Advisor

Klaus Keller

Instructor

Solomon Diamond

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This project presents a modular post-combustion carbon capture system designed to integrate with existing HVAC infrastructure. Buildings contribute 39% of global energy-related carbon emis- sions, with 28% from operational sources including heating and cooling systems. Our solution addresses this significant emission source through retrofittable technology. The system employs 3M Liqui-Cel EXF membrane technology in air sweep mode, selected for cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and minimal spatial requirements. This design choice accom- modates remote locations and buildings with limited resources, as demonstrated in our Dartmouth Skiway case study. The membrane technology achieves 90% carbon capture efficiency with minimal modification to existing systems. Our analysis includes CO2 mass transfer modeling, economic assessment, and component specification. For commercial applications with multiple boilers, scaled implementations can substantially reduce a facility’s carbon footprint. Economic analysis shows carbon reduction costs of approximately $8,000 per ton of CO2 without using solar power, and less than $100 per ton of CO2 over 20 years when solar panels are used. The ultimate issue is that regardless of sequestration cost, the technology and process produces more net carbon than it sequesters over its operating lifetime, and so we must take steps to reduce CO2 produced in the first place. However, this technology represents a practical step toward meeting the World Green Building Council’s goal of net-zero operational carbon in all new buildings by 2030, while providing a solution for the substantial existing building stock that will continue operating for decades to come.

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