DIELECTRIC HEATING OF ADSORBENTS TO INCREASE DESORPTION RATES

摘要

An adsorbence-based gas storage system includes a pressure vessel containing a granular gas adsorbent material, for example, an activated carbon or a metal-organic framework. The system may be configured to store natural gas or methanol. The pressure vessel includes a pressure release device, and an inlet/outlet valve for passage of gas into and out of the pressure vessel. A microwave or RF generator is configured to selectively heat the adsorbent material. In one embodiment the generator is connected to the pressure vessel through one or more waveguides, and at one or more locations along the pressure vessel. A sensor, for example, a temperature sensor, monitors the temperature in the pressure vessel. A computing device uses the sensor data to control the generator to selectively heat the adsorbent material.