Aspir Technologies

Decentralizing Carbon Capture Efforts

Our startup aims to revolutionize the way individuals contribute to combating climate change by designing and implementing small-scale domestic direct air CO2 capture plants. Our innovative solution allows users to run a device at home, powered by green energy, which effectively captures CO2 from the air.

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Our Solution

Mine CO2 YOURSELF from thin air

The device is equipped with a computer that analyses the electricity consumption vs. production of a household's solar panel installation. As soon as the ratio falls below 1, the device turns on.

Adsorption process: Fans suck air inside the contactor, the air passes through our filter and contacts the solid sorbent, that captures carbon dioxide from the air. The air coming out of the contactor has lost more than 50% of its CO2 concentration.
Desorption/Purging process: The contactor is closed and vacuum sealed. A vacuum is created to eliminate the presence of any other gases in the contactor and steam is introduced. With time, steam heats up the contactor to approximately 100C. This is the temperature at which our sorbent starts desorbing. The pure mixture of CO2+H2O is then drained out of the contactor and condensed for separation; water is reused for the next cycle as pure CO2 is compressed in the temporary storage tank.
Regeneration process: Once the CO2 concentration of the contactor falls to zero, the entire system gets cooled to standard temperature. Once the water levels are calibrated, pressure is increased to ambient pressure and the device is ready for the next cycle.

Every once in a while, Aspir Collection Team drives by in their hydrogen-powered truck to empty everyone's temporary storage tank and gather the pure compressed CO2 to our storage location. There, our third-party collaborator prepares an H2O+CO2 mixture that is pumped underground in basalt formation caves where the mixture reacts and is fully mineralized within 2 years.

7 tons
Removed Annually

100%
Run on solar

30%
ROI

Vision

Our Masterplan

Whitepaper

Business Plan

Technology

The future

The Team

Decentralizing Carbon Capture Efforts

Our project aims to address the critical challenge of atmospheric CO2 reduction, a key contributor to global climate change. We propose the development of a small-scale domestic direct air CO2 capture plant that allows individuals to actively participate in carbon removal efforts from their homes.

This initiative seeks to democratize climate action, enabling widespread personal contributions to a problem that affects us all. Our device, powered by renewable energy sources such as solar power, offers a sustainable and energy-efficient method to capture and remove CO2 from the ambient air. This process not only reduces the greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere but also promotes a circular carbon economy by securely storing or repurposing the captured carbon. The utilization of "free" or green energy is crucial, especially considering the energy-intensive nature of the direct air capture process. By ensuring our device operates on sustainable energy sources, we maintain the environmental integrity of our solution, enhancing its net positive impact on the planet.
How is it viable?

The captured CO2 is turned into CDRs that the operator of the machine can then sell to companies wishing to become carbon neutral. With time, the machine pays back itself until it works for free. The only recurrent cost is the maintenance and filter replacement. We expect a device to be profitable within 5 years of operation.

Third party certified CDR Make more with your current installation CO2 neutral company Design/Art Piece

We principally make money from selling our devices, but also take a royalty fee off the CDRs issued. From early calculations, we expect a device to cost around 15000eur.
Technology Overview

Temperature Vacuum Swing Adsorption (TVSA) Method

There exist a lot of different methods for DAC, and lots are still being researched but we focus on a proven and efficient technique, the so-called temperature vacuum swing adsorption. It is a process that captures atmospheric CO2 with high efficiency. This method cycles through distinct phases, adjusting temperature and pressure to attract and release CO2 molecules. Initially, air is drawn into the system, where CO2 is absorbed by a specialized filter material at ambient temperature. Then, by creating a vacuum and applying heat, the captured CO2 is released from the filter, allowing for pure CO2 to be extracted and stored.

In-House Designed Sorbent Filters

Our sorbent filters are a nice fit between material design and user-friendly design. Created with sustainability in mind, the filters are constructed from reusable materials, supporting our commitment to environmental stewardship. The design simplicity ensures ease of use; changing a filter is as straightforward as replacing a vacuum cleaner bag, requiring no technical expertise. This accessibility is also important, as it allows users to maintain their devices without specialized assistance.

Moreover, we ensure that every inch of air passing through the contactor is effectively scrubbed by the filter. This is achieved by precision-sealing the edges of the filters within the contactor, preventing any unfiltered air from slipping through. The result is a system that not only captures CO2 with great efficiency but also one that upholds the simplicity and practicality necessary for widespread adoption in residential settings.
Timeline & Projections

We expect to have a working prototype by the end of August 2024

Here is a step per step overview of our operations:

1. Research

2. Technology Study

3. Market Analysis

4. Business Plan/Viability

5. Idea Validation

6. Proof of Concept

7. Building Prototype

8. Funding and Team Expansion

9. Partnerships

10. Set up Logistics

We are actively looking for fundings, don't hesitate to get in touch
Stephan & Oscar

Aspir Technologies traces its origins to November 2009, when Oscar, at the time 7 years old, sketched the earliest concept of a machine designed to purify the air and restore the planet’s climate equilibrium.

This childhood vision took a substantial leap forward during his sophomore year at TU Delft, where, as a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate, he engaged in a group project that delved into the intricacies of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. The project, though theoretical, unveiled a crucial insight: DAC could only be commercially viable if it harnessed 'free' and renewable energy sources due to its high energy demands.

Fast forward to November 2023, amid shifting Belgian legislation on solar panel use and diminishing incentives for renewable energy contributions to the public grid. That evening, discussing the future of renewable energy and ways to tackle climate change with his father, the idea for Aspir Technologies was born.

Stephan is an Applied Math Major. He is one of Oscar’s best friends. They study, eat, sport, and sleep together. They share a lot of convictions and values and always try to push each other a step further, to better themselves in every aspect.

When Oscar realized how ambitious his idea for Aspir Technologies was, he shared it with Stephan. Who quickly became just as dedicated to the idea. Together, they set out to make Aspir Technologies a reality, a company built on creative thinking, strong friendship, and a joint vision for a balanced world.