Micro, Industrial, and Advanced Gas Turbines Employing Recuperators

Abstract

Recuperators increase system efficiencies in gas turbine engines by recovering exhaust heat to the compressor discharge stream. In this study, the performance and economics of recuperation are evaluated and presented for a practical range of effectiveness with typical pressure-loss-fractions. The strong correlation between recuperator cost and engine specific-power is shown, using a recuperator designed and manufactured at a highly automated facility by Ingersoll-Rand. This commercially available recuperator is also described, with specific emphasis on features contributing to its exceptional durability.