Corrugated Tube Regenerator for an Expansion Engine

摘要

A regenerative heat exchanger for transferring heat from the exhaust gas to the intake working fluid of a prime mover. Application includes gas turbines for both motor vehicles and distributed electric generation. The heat exchanger employs a rotating matrix, which circulates through working fluid exhaust and intake channels while absorbing and rejecting heat between the two channels. Features include corrugated tubes for enhanced heat transfer, minimally welded low stress construction, quick-detach assembly of standard components, and purge flow sealing using recovered heat. Effectiveness exceeding 95% increases thermal efficiency of low-pressure ratio gas turbines.

主权项

1. Rotary regenerator heat recovery means of a prime mover comprising heat transfer matrix means with corrugated heat transfer tubes inserted longitudinally in working fluid flow cells of said matrix means, wherein circumferential surface ridges and grooves of said corrugated tubes provide heat transfer enhancement, while said matrix provides transfer of exhaust gas heat of said prime mover to the higher pressure intake working fluid of said prime mover during rotation of said matrix about a central shaft of said regenerator means.