Initially developed for International Space Station by European Space Agency, Skytree boosts greenhouse productivity with space station scrubbers. Scrubbers developed by the company can extract CO2 from the atmosphere through their DDAC technology, but their initial focus was EVs for their product. They discovered that removing carbon dioxide from within the vehicle cabin can reduce the need to clear outdoor air without influencing battery’s range. But due to challenges in automotive industry company shifted its focus to develop a new and improved product. It is suitable for confined spaces and can boost greenhouse productivity. Horticoop and Yield Lab Europe are leading Skytree’s $6 million seed funding round.
Carbon absorption out of the air is not a complex process and the technology used nowadays was also discovered decades ago. But according to one startup using a little rocket science could make direct air capturing process better.
Several new companies aim to make direct air capture of CO2 mainstream, focusing on extracting carbon from the atmosphere. While several technologies rely on principles used in diving rebreathers and spacecraft life support, Skytree stands out as one of the few with a direct inheritance of these principles. In 2014, the European Space Agency spun off the company when its main technology was utilized in the International Space Station. And now, Skytree boosts greenhouse productivity with space station scrubbers.
Since the 1800s, carbon dioxide scrubbers have been present and widely used. Initially, commercial divers leveraged them for extending their oxygen supplies underwater. And after humans launched themselves into outer space, this technology got another boost. Researchers started thinking about the practical uses of climate change only when they realized its potential consequences.
The company was influenced by working in small spaces since its beginning. Believe it or not, the first product was developed with the goal of targeting electric vehicles. Even though cars do not emit gases, the people inside them do. If there is not enough ventilation, the concentration of carbon dioxide can rapidly increase in the cabin. But as EV driver people are aware of the fact that heating or cooling the outside air can quickly reduce an EV’s battery range. Skytree direct air captures with scrubber technique to eliminate carbon dioxide from the cabin, could lower their necessity to condition external air.
Horticoop and Yield Lab Europe are leading a $6 million seed round announcement by the company on Tuesday.
Product development took a few years, but the automotive industry is tough due to high volumes and low margins due to which company began exploring other options. The decision was finalized by the newly appointed Skytree CEO, Rob Van Straten.
“Volkswagen will not sign with you with an eight-person or 20-person company — it will just not happen. And if that miracle does happen, they will squeeze you to the bone and you can’t build a profitable company. It’s a dead-end street.â€
Rather than instructing the company to continue producing the same product, Van Straaten recommended developing a new and improved product. Such that it would be particularly suited for small and restricted spaces like the greenhouse.
Also See: Sequestration of Agricultural Fixed Carbon: A Key to Sustainable Farming
Understanding DDAC
By using DDAC technology, you can capture CO2 on location directly from the surrounding air. This process is decentralized and works to transform your supply. With this, you can have complete command over your CO2 emissions.
Custom-crafted CO2
With the innovative DDAC technology, you can now produce the amount of CO2 actually needed. With this innovation, you not only get unparalleled versatility, dependability, and convenience, but you also enjoy substantial reductions in transportation expenses and emissions.
Skytree’s DDAC technology is better than using carbon capture from point source or flue gases because it offers exceptional benefits that the others do not.
Reliable CO2 for greenhouses
Greenhouse growers have traditionally relied on fossil fuels as their primary source of CO2 through combined heat and power systems or delivery from industrial sources. However, this leaves them vulnerable to fluctuating natural gas prices and unreliable supply.
To get ready for a future without burning natural gas or collecting CO2 from industries that emit it, it’s important to take action now to lessen risks and ensure a steady and affordable supply of carbon dioxide that doesn’t come from fossil fuels. With direct air capture technology implemented on site, you can effectively overcome both present and future challenges. With this, Skytree boosts greenhouse productivity with space station scrubbers.
Source Skytree Technology
