Regenerator for a heat engine

摘要

A multi-channel thermal regenerator for a heat engine comprising a coiled annulus of thin high-temperature sheet material coiled so that individual coils are in spaced substantially parallel arrangement in an annular configuration. In one embodiment the sheet material is approximately 0.002 inch thick stainless steel embossed in a rectangular array with approximately 0.008 inch high protruding dimples that space the coils. In another embodiment the sheet material is carbon having a plurality of fibers oriented generally circumferentially around the coiled annulus providing a higher thermal conductivity in a direction along the fibers. A ceramic string is woven between the coils radially across the annulus at a plurality of locations around the annulus to space the coils. The coiled annulus is preferably contained in a cartridge having a substantially open cage base with a plurality of bars that space the end of the coiled annulus from adjacent engine structure.