Modular Recuperator Design for Small Gas Turbines

Small gas turbine/electric generators are currently being developed for emergency power, for remote locations where power is not available, and for cogeneration where exhaust heat is used for industrial processes and the electrical power is used to offset utility power. With the shortage of power in many locations such as California, it is even more important to develop efficient small electrical generating equipment.

This paper describes a modular recuperator design, shown as a 1 pass cross flow module which can be attached together to form a 2 pass or 3 pass cross counter flow heat exchanger. The modular design can be used to vary the amount of heat recovery between the gas turbine and the process exhaust heat requirement for optimum performance.