Solar thermal units and methods of operating solar thermal units for the conversion of solar insolation to thermal energy are provided. In some examples, solar thermal units have an inlet, and a split flow of heat absorbing fluid to either side of the solar thermal unit, along a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Optionally, one or more photovoltaic panels can be provided as part of the solar thermal unit, which may convert solar insolation to electric power that may be used by a system connected to the solar thermal unit.

A system and method for determining a remaining processing capacity of a scrubber having a flow path and a processing material disposed along the flow path. A device may comprise a plurality of optical sensors disposed within the processing material and arranged along the flow path, a light source, and a processor for determining the capacity according to signals received from the optical sensor. The device may be used to illuminate processing material adjacent to each optical sensor using the light source, measure a light value reflected by the processing material at each optical sensor, and determine the remaining processing capacity of the scrubber, using the processor, based on the measured light value. Devices may comprise a memory, such as a non-volatile memory to allow multiple uses of a scrubber without reloading with fresh processing material.

A water generation system for generating liquid water from a process gas containing water vapor is disclosed. In various embodiments, the water generation systems comprise a solar thermal unit, a condenser and a controller configured to operate the water generation system between a loading operational mode and a release operational mode for the production of liquid water. A method of generating water from a process gas is disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the method comprises flowing a process gas into a solar thermal unit, transitioning from the loading operational mode to a release operational mode; flowing a regeneration fluid into the solar thermal unit and the condenser during the release operational mode; and, condensing water vapor from the regeneration fluid to produce liquid water.

The removal of carbon dioxide using sequestration materials that include salts in molten form, and related systems and methods, are generally described.

A fluid network controls a gaseous flow, the fluid network having several pre-concentration units including at least one first series in which the pre-concentration units are linked in series and each defined by a rank j in the series, with j ranging from 1 to m and m being greater than or equal to 2. Each pre-concentration unit of the network includes a cavity filled with an adsorbent material, at least one first fluid pathway emerging in the cavity, at least one second fluid pathway emerging in the cavity. Finally, each pre-concentration unit includes a component for heating the cavity.

The disclosure provides seven integrated methods for the chemical sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO.sub.2) (collectively NO.sub.x, where x=1, 2) and sulfur dioxide (SO.sub.2) using closed loop technology. The methods recycle process reagents and mass balance consumable reagents that can be made using electrochemical separation of sodium chloride (NaCl) or potassium chloride (KCl). The technology applies to marine and terrestrial exhaust gas sources for CO.sub.2, NOx and SO.sub.2. The integrated technology combines compatible and green processes that capture and/or convert CO.sub.2, NOx and SO.sub.2 into compounds that enhance the environment, many with commercial value.

An atmospheric water generation system comprises water vapor consolidation systems configured to increase the relative humidity of a controlled air stream prior to condensing water from the controlled air stream. The water vapor consolidation system comprises a fluid-desiccant flow system configured to decrease the temperature of the desiccant to encourage water vapor to be absorbed by the desiccant from an atmospheric air flow. The desiccant flow is then heated to encourage water vapor evaporation from the desiccant flow into a controlled air stream that circulates within the system. The humidity of the controlled air stream is thereby increased above the relative humidity of the atmospheric air to facilitate condensation of the water vapor into usable liquid water.

Integrated systems comprising both i) heat and mass exchange systems and ii) electrolysis stacks are disclosed, together with related methods of use. The disclosed systems cool and/or dehumidify air using two streams of salt solutions as liquid desiccants.

A space habitat includes a water processing assembly including a wastewater tank and a water processing section connected to the wastewater tank. The water processing section includes a pump to urge flow of the wastewater, a mostly liquid separator to separate gas from liquid in the wastewater, a catalytic reactor located downstream of the mostly liquid separator, and one or more sensors located downstream of the catalytic reactor to determine if the wastewater is sufficiently processed. A valve directs the wastewater to a water storage tank if the sensors determine that the wastewater is sufficiently processed, and direct the wastewater to the wastewater tank if the one or more sensors determine that the wastewater is not sufficiently processed. The space habitat further includes one or more of a carbon dioxide removal system, a trace contaminant removal system, a temperature and humidity control system or a waste collection system.

The specification discloses methods and apparatus for producing carbon black from CO.sub.2 by way of a reactor having a chamber filled with a molten salt electrolyte. On application of a current through one or more cathodes and one or more anodes affixed to the reactor, dissolved CO.sub.2 within the molten salt electrolyte is converted into carbon black and oxygen gas. The carbon black is collected.