| 摘要 |
A regenerator matrix 215 disposed in a fluid conduit 152 for exchanging thermal energy with a fluid passing through the fluid conduit. The regenerator matrix 215 has a variable fluid flow resistance and a variable capacity for convective heat transfer with the fluid along it longitudinal length. Preferably, the flow resistance and the capacity for convective heat transfer between the fluid and the regenerator matrix each increase as the fluid flows from a hot end to a cold end of the fluid conduit 152. The regenerator matrix 215 is formed from individual screen elements 50 or from stacks of screen elements sintered together as composite regenerator elements 110. A first portion 235 of the regenerator matrix made from first individual screen elements is disposed at the hot end of the regulator matrix 215. A second portion 210 of the regenerator matrix made from second individual screen elements is disposed at the cold end of the regulator matrix. A third portion 230 of the regenerator matrix made from third individual screen elements is disposed between the first portion 235 and the second portion 210. The first portion 235 has the lowest flow resistance and convective thermal energy transfer capacity, the second portion has the highest flow resistance and convective thermal energy transfer capacity, and the third portion has an intermediate flow resistance and convective thermal energy transfer capacity.
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