Main Problem:
Air pollution is a big part of global warming for it causes several issues to arise such as habitat loss, flooding, and more. A big chunk of air pollution comes from combustion vehicles. Overtime they have improved these vehicles to be more efficient and produce less toxic gases. The focus is now on carbon dioxide because it is the most abundant gas emitted into the air. Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for a lot longer then other greenhouse gases and at a much higher rate. This is why carbon dioxide is such a harmful greenhouse gas. Transportation is a huge part of everyday life for most people. We want to create a temporary solution to slow the amount of carbon dioxide and particulates releaced in the air until society as a whole can find a better way to completely stop these emissions.
Our Goal:
Our team is working to bring carbon capture and storage (CCS) down to a smaller scale to be used on vehicles. Currently CCS is used in large scale projects like factories, power plants, and out in the open air. There are three kinds of carbon capture and storage: pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxidization. This product is related to the post combustion methods used where the gases and solids are captured after the fuel has been burnt.
Updated 3D Drawings and Blueprints:
This is our internal insert design that contains two basalt cartridges that hold soda lime pellets.
Materials:
To make this product as hidden as possible, the outside will be made of stainless steel just like the pipes of the exhaust system. It is also very durable and can be recycled very easily. The two screens are also made from stainless steel for the same reasons. The outer part of the cartridges will be made of basalt cloth due to its durability and high heat resistance.
Location and Maintenance:
Our external design will be located on the end of the exhaust pipe where the far left red square is in the picture on the left. The internal design will be built into the inside of the exhaust system right after the muffler. This design is directed towards newer cars because a cutout would need to be put in place. It is easier for the consumer for it to already be installed in the car when it is bought.
Overtime, each screens will need to be cleaned due to the buildup of particulate matter on the inside screen on both designs. This can be done by the consumer themselves or can be brought in to an auto shop. Cleaning it with water will be able to remove the solid matter and reopen the pours in the mesh. The internal design will need to be taken into an auto shop like an oil change or other routine maintenance due to the fact it is under the car and harder to take out on someones own.
Overtime, each screens will need to be cleaned due to the buildup of particulate matter on the inside screen on both designs. This can be done by the consumer themselves or can be brought in to an auto shop. Cleaning it with water will be able to remove the solid matter and reopen the pours in the mesh. The internal design will need to be taken into an auto shop like an oil change or other routine maintenance due to the fact it is under the car and harder to take out on someones own.