// DACLab

With the DACLab, the ZSW in Stuttgart provides a technology-neutral test infrastructure for developing, comparing and validating DAC technologies under realistic and reproducible conditions. The aim is to accelerate the transfer of new materials, components and processes from the laboratory to technical applications.

With around ten flexibly configurable test benches, liquid- and solid-based sorbents, components and processes can be investigated, ranging from laboratory scale up to complete systems with a capture capacity of up to around 100 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

The test benches and experimental set-ups developed and constructed by ZSW can be flexibly adapted to different research questions and customer requirements. In addition to characterising sorbents and individual components, DACLab enables the investigation of complete process chains under defined boundary conditions. The testing capabilities range from laboratory scale to the validation of DAC processes with capture capacities of up to 100 tonnes of CO₂ per year. Automated operating strategies and 24/7 continuous operation also allow for long-term and ageing studies under real-world conditions.

A particular focus of the DACLab is on investigating the influence of climatic boundary conditions on the performance and cost-effectiveness of DAC technologies. With the aid of a highly flexible air conditioning system, air flow rates of up to 1,000 m³/h, temperatures between –15 and +40 °C, and absolute humidity levels of up to 28 g H₂O/kg of air can be set. This enables different global site conditions to be reproduced reliably, allowing technologies to be compared and evaluated under realistic operating conditions.
 

The test infrastructure is complemented by extensive analytical capabilities and end-to-end digital data acquisition. Online-capable measurement systems enable real-time access to process data, whilst material and gas analyses – including thermogravimetry and gas chromatography – allow for detailed characterisation of sorbents and process streams.

With its cross-technological approach, DACLab offers a flexible development and validation platform for industry, plant engineers, materials manufacturers and research institutions. This enables new DAC technologies to be further developed more quickly, more reliably and under realistic conditions, right through to industrial application.