Heat-Exchanger Optimization for a Regenerative Small-Gas-Turbine Cycle

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Abstract
A systematic approach to the problem of determining the optimum regenerator design for any given application is described. The proposed method can be used to determine the optimum regenerator when all pertinent tradeoffs are known or to aid in quantitatively assessing the importance of those tradeoff factors which cannot be evaluated at the outset of a system design. The general procedure is discussed in terms of a specific illustrative example involving the optimization of a regenerator in a typical small-gas-turbine cycle for automotive applications. Although the optimization procedure is illustrated by means of a specific example, it is sufficiently general to be applied to any situation in which the optimum design of a compact heat exchanger must be determined. For example, any of the commonly used configurations of compact heat-transfer surfaces, such as plate fin, tubular, or rotary, can be considered. In addition, the optimization can be carried out on the basis of any one of a wide variety of criteria, such as minimum cost or weight. With this in mind, the results of the studies described lead to a number of useful conclusions regarding the general philosophy and practice of regenerator optimization.

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