Noya Partnership: Building a Custom CO2 Heat Exchanger

What if heat exchangers could help save the planet?

Through our partnership with Noya, that dream is becoming a reality.

A New Way to Capture CO₂

Noya is a startup company with a unique sustainability-focused mission: using cooling towers to capture as much CO₂ as the United States produces.

“We see ourselves as the cleanup crew,” said Daniel Cavero, Co-founder and CTO for Noya. “We have found a way to take CO₂ out of the air, capture it, and repurpose it through existing infrastructure.”

The process works by utilizing Noya’s non-toxic CO₂-absorbing chemical blend, which is added to a cooling tower’s water to absorb CO₂. The extra CO₂ is then stored onsite and later taken and sold to companies for making new products.

An Immediate Need for a Heat Exchanger

The Noya team, totaling five people at the start, built their direct air capture process in under four months. One of the challenges? Securing a heat exchanger that could be ready in record time. 

“We didn’t know exactly what we needed when we started shopping for a heat exchanger,” said Cavero. “I feel like we looked at every manufacturer that exists once we were ready to get going."

Supply chain issues, long wait times, and confusion about what exactly they needed made it difficult for the Noya team to find a heat exchanger — that is, until they found AGC.

“When Noya came to us, they needed their heat exchanger yesterday,” said Penny Vander Velden, Director of Sales and Marketing for AGC. “We knew supply chain issues could impact our customers, so we stocked up on materials early. As a result, we had what Noya needed, but it wasn’t assembled. So we got to work.”

After talking with Noya about their specific heat exchanger application and the precise specifications needed, AGC custom-built the new equipment. AGC’s Model 080-S Frame heat exchanger is now installed in the cooling tower, where it heats the water and contributes to the overall process of regenerating CO₂ in its pure form. 

"Between having what we needed stocked, their stellar communication, and their expertise in the field, working with AGC was an easy choice for us."

And Noya isn’t stopping with just one cooling tower. “Our goal is to be in each one of the two million cooling towers in the U.S.," said Cavero. With this goal at the forefront, the math shows that this innovative process could capture 7–10 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually.

A Commitment to Prevent Wasted Heat

While Noya is tackling CO₂ using a heat exchanger, it is also focused on using heat efficiently. 

“Wasted heat is often overlooked when it comes to sustainability measures,” said Cavero, “but it’s a close second to CO₂ in terms of negative impact on the planet. It very literally heats the earth.” 

Noya’s awareness of the impacts of heat on the planet closely aligns with AGC’s goal to raise awareness around the positive uses for heat and the responsibility of owning a product like a heat exchanger.

“Wasted BTUs are not only bad for the environment but also expensive,” said Vander Velden. “At our core, we’re focused on eliminating that twofold repercussion for our customers, and we’re proud to partner with a like-minded company.”

Already, Noya is looking to expand to continue implementing its equipment and process into existing cooling towers across the country. As they expand, AGC is proud to work alongside them to provide the heat exchangers it needs to create a better future.

AGC: Your Partner For All Plate And Frame Heat Exchanger Equipment

At AGC, we understand that every industry faces unique challenges, and we’re equipped to help you overcome them. Our expertise extends beyond just one sector — whether you’re in manufacturing, chemical processing, food and beverage, or any other field, AGC is your trusted partner for all plate and frame heat exchanger needs.