An open-source dynamic model for direct air capture of carbon dioxide using solid sorbents

[Geoengineering News]

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772656825001538

Authors: Milad Shakouri Kalfati, Ahmed Abdulla

10 October 2025

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccst.2025.100516

Highlights

•We present a dynamic, open-source model for solid-sorbent direct air capture (DAC).

•It integrates hourly, location-specific weather to predict realistic performance. 

•Results reveal strong seasonal variation in capture performance.

•Energy intensity during hot periods is five times higher than during cold periods.

•The model can support researchers in evaluating DAC performance in the real-world.

Abstract

Averting the worst consequences of climate change requires decarbonizing the global energy system and deploying carbon dioxide removal technologies, including the direct air capture of CO2. To estimate the cost and performance of the latter technologies, climate and energy system analysts need numerical process models that are validated with experimental data. Existing process models often limit reconfiguration that accommodates different design choices or restrict modelling to steady-state conditions. However, ambient environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, pressure, and inlet CO

 concentration vary, affecting capture. This study develops an open-source process model for direct air capture using solid sorbents. Starting from first principles, this model allows users to select facility sizes, sorbents, other design parameters, and locations to simulate the capture performance of a solid sorbent direct air capture plant. More importantly, users can incorporate climate data to determine site-specific performance. Here, model validation is presented for two cold-climate sorbents that are being proposed for nations in northern latitudes. Results for climatically different cities are presented, highlighting the importance of sorbent choice and ambient environmental conditions on the overall capture performance and energy requirement of a direct air capture facility. The model can be employed by engineers, investors, and energy system analysts to undertake design optimization research, siting analyses, and improved studies that integrate high-fidelity process models into energy system optimization.

Source: ScienceDirect