Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Robert J Flower

Paul K Beatenbough

Clarke R Snedeker

Marshall E Seddon

A rapid heat recuperative heat exchanger particularly adapted for use with large gas turbine engines, including a heat exchanger core which is composed of a plurality of spaced plate members. The core is supported within a skeleton framework by hanger members, the lower ends of which are slidably attached to horizontal control rods which extend through aligned openings in the core plates and which guide movement of the plates in an axial direction to the rods due to thermal expansion. Pressurized air is introduced to the core by inlet and outlet fittings on the end of the core which are of significantly greater thickness than the plate members. It is undesirable to join active heat exchange members of widely varying masses and differing cross-sections. Therefore, the end plate of the core is made of material having the same thickness as the inlet and outlet fittings. Progressing from the relatively thick end plate, the plates are gradually decreased in thickness until a desired plate dimension is achieved.

Recuperator

A recuperative heat exchanger for gas turbine engines having an annular configuration with the air and exhaust gases, respectively, passing through the axial faces of the recuperator in counterflow relationship. The recuperator is formed by stacking a plurality of individual plates one against another about a circular form which corresponds to the inner diameter of the annular recuperator. The primary or main body of the plates are involutely curved in the radial direction and an edge extends laterally from this surface. A shoulder formed in the edge engages a portion of the next adjacent plate to space the plates one from another a given predetermined distance. The axially facing edge portions of every other plate is recessed or cut back at a radially inner location to form and inlet an outlet opening for air. Likewise, alternate plates have edge portions which are recessed near a radially outward location to form inlet and outlet openings for exhaust gases.

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Lockport, NY, United States of America

Robert J Flower