The Effect of Recuperator Geometry on a Regenerated Brayton Cycle

摘要

A computer simulation of the Brayton cycle is used to develop a design procedure with respect to minimizing volume and weight for the counterflow plate-fin recuperator. Based on the Orenda OT-4 600 horsepower gas turbine, recuperator performance and dimensional characteristics are presented for an idealized equilateral plate-fin recuperator core matrix. The effects of plate spacings varying between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches on recuperator performance characteristics are presented over a wide range of core frontal areas. Specific trends toward minimum volume and minimum weight plate-fin recuperator cores are discussed in detail. (Author)