CO2 Efficient Uptake System (CO2EUS)

An innovative, nature-inspired design for sequestering excess aquatic CO2 into green CaCO3. CO2EUS: a titan to the rescue.

Long Description

Excess CO2 from gas emissions is rationed between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere. In the oceans, it leads to acidification, disrupting marine ecosystems.

Βy sequestering CO2 from the sea, CO2EUS aims to enhance the oceans’ capacity to absorb and process CO2 and ultimately re-stabilize the carbon cycle.

CO2EUS is a coastal installation that binds CO2 species into CaCO3. To achieve that, our design combines an emulation of coral calcification and the fluid dynamics that lead to CaCO3 deposition. To mimic the former, we raise pH levels and provide Ca2+ by adding Ca(OH)2 to the seawater stream that enters CO2EUS. Ideal conditions for CaCO3 deposition also include higher temperature and proper stream velocity.

To protect coastal microorganisms from the adverse conditions in CO2EUS and to prevent bioinfestation within the system, the entrance duct is equipped with a bio-filter, inspired by the baleen of Mysticete whales. The filter traps microorganisms in bristle-like structures. Hydration is provided for the microorganisms for as long as they remain on the filter.

To avoid waste heat, the depolluted water is transferred back into the ocean only after it has been cooled. This is achieved by mimicking the pedicel of thread-waisted wasps, where the increased surface area compared to volume cools hemolymph down by convection.

The depolluted seawater is finally re-forwarded through the filter and pumped back into the sea, detaching the captured microorganisms.

CO2EUS thus produces a depolluted seawater stream and Green CaCO3 production in a carbon-negative design.