Regenerated Marine Gas Turbines: Part II — Regenerator Technology and Heat Exchanger Sizing

Abstract

Analytical studies are currently being conducted by the David Taylor Naval Ship R&D Center to assess the suitability of regenerative-cycle and intercooled, regenerative-cycle gas turbines for naval applications. This paper is the second part of a two-part paper which discusses results of initial investigations to identify attractive engine concepts based on existing turbomachinery and to consider the regenerator technology required to develop these engine concepts. Part I of the paper analyzed existing and next generation engines for performance improvement. Part II includes: definitions of performance parameters such as effectiveness and pressure drop, a discussion of regenerator types, and comments on regenerator materials, life, maintenance, and fouling. Tradeoffs between size, weight, and performance of plate-fin recuperators are examined using two of the hypothetical engines from Part I as examples. Results are compared for several different recuperator matrices to illustrate the effects of air-side and gas-side fin density and plate spacing on size, weight, and performance.