Abstract: A packing for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a dilute includes at least one panel that includes a mesh material configured to be wetted by a CO2 capture solution and that defines a gas channel having a first dimension defined along a first direction and a second dimension defined along a second direction different than the first direction, the gas channel configured to receive a flow of CO2-laden gas from the dilute gas source in the second direction and contact the flow of CO2-laden gas with the CO2 capture solution on the mesh material.

Abstract: A system for capturing CO2 from a dilute gas source includes a gas-liquid contactor including a housing coupled to a plurality of structural members; one or more basins positioned within the housing and configured to hold a CO2 capture solution, the one or more basins including a bottom basin; one or more packing sections positioned at least partially above the bottom basin; a fan operable to circulate a CO2-laden gas through the one or more packing sections; and a liquid distribution system configured to flow the CO2 capture solution onto the one or more packing sections.

Abstract: Techniques for humidifying a gas stream using a hydration system includes directing a gas stream through a contact zone of at least one hydration system; directing a hydration solution into the contact zone using a pump; contacting the gas stream with the hydration solution; evaporating water from the hydration solution into the gas stream to form a humidified gas stream, transporting the humidified gas stream out of the at least one hydration system; and collecting the remaining hydration solution in a hydration solution collection basin below the contact zone. The at least one hydration system is fluidly coupled to at least one downstream process and the humidified gas stream from the at least one hydration system is transported as a feed stream to the at least one downstream process.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants including heavy metals from a gas stream are provided. The methods include obtaining a water-condensate from the flue-gas stream; obtaining a chloride salt; admixing the salt with water, steam, or both to produce a solution; electrolyzing the solution to produce a hydroxide and chlorine gas; admixing a portion of the hydroxide with the flue-gas stream to produce carbonate products, bicarbonate products, or a mixture of carbonate and bicarbonate products in an admixture; separating said carbonate and/or bicarbonate products from the admixture, thereby removing carbon dioxide from the flue-gas stream; adding a portion of the hydroxide to the water-condensate to change the pH of the water-condensate from acidic to basic, resulting in precipitation of the heavy metals; and passing the water-condensate through a filtering medium.

Abstract: Electrical systems, power supply apparatuses, and power supply operational methods are described.

Abstract: Electrical systems, power supply apparatuses, and power supply operational methods are described.

Abstract: Bioreactors, and particularly, photobioreactors having a reactor chamber and surge driver, and methods for using these devices, for example, for the production of carbon-based products are provided. The reactor chamber provides a housing for microorganisms and culture medium. The surge driver produces a surge of the microorganisms and/or culture medium in the reactor chamber.

Abstract: Electrical systems, power supply apparatuses, and power supply operational methods are described.

Abstract: Electrical systems, power supply apparatuses, and power supply operational methods are described.

Abstract: Electrical systems, power supply apparatuses, and power supply operational methods are described.

Abstract: Nickel is introduced into the construction of the rear electrical contacts on silicon solar cells to reduce contact resistance between the aluminum contact material and the silver pads. In one embodiment, the nickel is applied as an intermediate layer between the silicon substrate and each silver pad. In a second and preferred embodiment, the nickel is incorporated into the silver ink that is used to make the soldering pads.