Our approach leverages a predictive model to simulate the integrated cooling tower–electrolyzer system, providing insights into overall performance and supporting seamless integration of CO2 capture and electrochemical desorption. Experimental validation of the model ensures that the system performs efficiently under realistic conditions, while iterative design improvements enhance both scalability and effectiveness. Ultimately, this integrated framework provides a pathway for converting captured CO2 into value-added products, supporting sustainable industrial operations. By advancing both modelling and practical implementation, the project aims to accelerate the development of efficient, low-cost, and industrially scalable CO2 management solutions.

The decarbonization of industrial systems requires technologies that not only capture CO₂ but also enable its efficient utilization in downstream processes. Traditional direct air capture methods are often energy-intensive, costly, and rely on stepwise operations, while conventional cooling towers are not designed to serve as CO₂ capture units or to integrate with electrochemical systems. In our platform, CO₂ absorption is incorporated directly into the cooling tower and coupled with an electrolyzer for in situ desorption, allowing the simultaneous capture and preparation of CO₂ under mild operating conditions. By combining capture and desorption in a single, integrated system, we aim to reduce energy demands, lower operational costs, and simplify process design.