A regenerative micro gas turbine

Abstract

This invention relates to a regenerative micro gas turbine, comprising: an upper volute, a lower volute, a compressor, a turbine, a W-tube, two regenerators, two combustion chambers, and two J-tubes. The compressor is disposed within the upper volute, and the turbine is disposed within the lower volute. The regenerators, combustion chambers, and J-tubes are rotationally symmetrical about the upper volute. The upper volute is connected to the cold fluid inlet of each regenerator, the cold fluid outlet of each regenerator is connected to the J-tube, the J-tube is connected to the combustion chamber, the combustion chamber is connected to the lower volute, the lower volute is connected to the center port of the W-tube, and the two side ports of the W-tube are respectively connected to the hot fluid inlets of the two regenerators, thereby realizing the utilization of exhaust gas and improving thermal efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of gas turbine equipment, and in particular to a regenerative micro gas turbine. Background Technology

[0002] In the research and application of micro gas turbines, existing micro gas turbines adopt the internal combustion cycle principle, which generates high-temperature and high-pressure gas by burning fuel. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas drives the mechanical parts to rotate, thereby driving the generator to output electrical energy. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas still has a high temperature after doing work, but existing micro gas turbines directly discharge the high-temperature gas, which causes energy loss and limits the overall thermal efficiency of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a regenerative micro gas turbine, which has better thermal efficiency and other features, and has better applicability.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A regenerative micro gas turbine includes: an upper volute, a lower volute, a compressor, a turbine, a W-tube, two regenerators, two combustion chambers, and two J-tubes. The compressor is disposed in the upper volute, and the turbine is disposed in the lower volute. With the upper volute as the center, each of the regenerators, combustion chambers, and J-tubes is rotationally symmetrical. The upper volute is connected to the cold fluid inlet of the regenerator, the cold fluid outlet of the regenerator is connected to the J-shaped tube, the J-shaped tube is connected to the combustion chamber, the combustion chamber is connected to the lower volute, the lower volute is connected to the center port of the W-shaped tube, and the two side ports of the W-shaped tube are respectively connected to the hot fluid inlets of the two regenerators.

[0005] Preferably, the upper volute and the lower volute are coaxially arranged; The upper volute has two outlets, which are rotationally symmetrical about the upper volute, and the central axis of the outlets is tangent to the upper volute. The lower volute has two inlets, which are rotationally symmetrical about the lower volute, and the central axis of the inlets is tangent to the lower volute.

[0006] Preferably, in the vertical direction, the projections of the two outlets at least partially overlap with the projections of the two inlets, and the central axis of the outlets is set at an angle to the central axis of the inlets.

[0007] Preferably, the regenerator includes a shell and a plurality of plates spaced apart within the shell, with cold channels or hot channels arranged alternately between adjacent plates; each cold channel is connected to the cold fluid inlet and cold fluid outlet of the regenerator, and each hot channel is connected to the hot fluid inlet and hot fluid outlet of the regenerator.

[0008] Preferably, the cold fluid outlet and cold fluid inlet of the regenerator are symmetrically arranged in the horizontal direction; The projected inlet and outlet of the regenerator are spaced apart along the vertical direction, and the flow direction of the cold fluid is at least partially opposite to that of the flow direction of the hot fluid.

[0009] Preferably, the hot fluid outlet of the regenerator is fan-shaped, and the hot fluid outlet of the regenerator is disposed away from the upper volute. The cold fluid inlet, cold fluid outlet, and hot fluid inlet of the regenerator are all circular interfaces.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The regenerative micro gas turbine provided in the above technical solution connects the upper volute to the cold fluid inlet of the regenerator, the cold fluid outlet of the regenerator to a J-tube, the J-tube to the combustion chamber, the combustion chamber to the lower volute, and the lower volute to the center port of a W-tube. The two side ports of the W-tube are respectively connected to the hot fluid inlets of the two regenerators. The compressor compresses ambient air to obtain an airflow with a certain pressure and temperature. This airflow enters the upper volute and is split into two streams. These two streams enter the cold channels of the regenerator for heat exchange, achieving a temperature increase. The heat-exchanged airflow then enters the combustion chamber through the J-tube to participate in combustion. The fuel mixes with the high-temperature air and burns completely, significantly increasing the gas temperature and pressure to form high-temperature, high-pressure gas. It is conceivable that because the airflow gains some energy before entering the combustion chamber, increasing its initial temperature, it provides conditions for reducing fuel consumption during combustion. Then, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas enters the turbine through the inlet of the lower volute, expands, and performs work, driving the compressor and outputting shaft power. The high-temperature, high-pressure combustion gas retains a high temperature after expanding and performing work. Therefore, the exhaust gas after work is introduced into the hot channel of the regenerator through a W-shaped tube. In the hot channel, the exhaust gas exchanges heat with the airflow in the cold channel in a counter-current manner, thereby increasing the airflow temperature in the cold channel and reducing the amount of fuel required for combustion. Simultaneously, the exhaust gas is discharged at a lower temperature after releasing heat, reducing system exhaust losses. Through this circulating arrangement, the system can achieve higher and better energy utilization under the same fuel consumption conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1This is a front view of a regenerative micro gas turbine provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A top view of a regenerative micro gas turbine provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A bottom view of a regenerative micro gas turbine provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a regenerative micro gas turbine provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the paths of cold fluid and hot fluid provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] 1. Upper volute; 11. Outlet; 2. Lower volute; 21. Inlet; 3. Compressor; 4. Turbine; 5. W-tube; 6. Regenerator; 61. Outer shell; 62. Plates; 7. Combustion chamber; 8. J-tube. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is merely illustrative and not restrictive. Various different embodiments can be combined with each other to form other embodiments not shown in the following description.

[0014] Please see Figures 1 to 5 The present invention provides a regenerative micro gas turbine, comprising an upper volute 1, a lower volute 2, a compressor 3, a turbine 4, a W-shaped tube 5, two regenerators 6, two combustion chambers 7, and two J-shaped tubes 8.

[0015] Specifically, the upper volute 1 is located above the lower volute 2, and the upper volute 1 and the lower volute 2 are coaxially arranged. The upper volute 1 has two outlets 11, which are arranged 180° rotationally symmetrically with the upper volute 1 as the center, and the central axes of the two outlets 11 are tangent to the upper volute 1. The lower volute 2 has two inlets 21, which are arranged 180° rotationally symmetrically with the lower volute 2 as the center, and the central axes of the two inlets 21 are tangent to the lower volute 2. Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the projections of the two outlets 11 at least partially overlap with the projections of the two inlets 21, and the central axes of the outlets 11 and the central axes of the inlets 21 are arranged at an angle.

[0016] The two regenerators 6 have the same structure, both including a shell 61 and plates 62. The outer side of the shell 61 is provided with a cold fluid inlet, a cold fluid outlet, a hot fluid inlet, and a hot fluid outlet. Specifically, the cold fluid inlet and the cold fluid outlet are located on the corresponding two sides of the regenerator 6. The cold fluid inlet is located close to the upper volute 1, and the cold fluid outlet and the cold fluid inlet are symmetrically arranged in the horizontal direction, so that the airflow can pass smoothly in a straight line. This structure simplifies the flow path and ensures that the overall pressure drop of the system is maintained within a reasonable range.

[0017] The lower side of the outer casing 61 has a hot fluid inlet, and the upper side of the outer casing 61 has a hot fluid outlet. The projections of the hot fluid inlet and outlet are spaced apart along the vertical direction, meaning they do not overlap. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 The cold fluid moves primarily horizontally, while the hot fluid moves from the lower right to the upper left. This means that the flow direction of the cold fluid is at least partially opposite to that of the hot fluid, forming a counter-current heat exchange mode. This effectively increases the average temperature difference between the cold and hot fluids, avoiding the problem of excessively small temperature difference that easily occurs in parallel flow heat exchange, thereby significantly improving the heat transfer driving force and overall heat recovery efficiency.

[0018] In addition, the cold fluid inlet, cold fluid outlet, and hot fluid inlet are all standard circular interfaces to ensure reliable connection with the outlet 11, J-type pipe 8, and W-type pipe 5 of the upper volute 1. This reduces local losses caused by additional connectors and improves the convenience of system installation and maintenance.

[0019] Very importantly, the hot fluid outlet is fan-shaped, specifically a quarter circle, and is positioned away from the upper volute 1. This allows the exhaust gas to be discharged from the hot fluid outlet away from the compressor 3 inlet direction. This measure avoids the risk of exhaust gas re-entering the system, reduces heat cycle loss and possible efficiency decline, and is of great significance for ensuring the stable operation of the gas turbine.

[0020] Multiple plates 62 are provided, and cold channels or hot channels are arranged between adjacent plates 62, with cold channels and hot channels arranged alternately; each cold channel is connected to the cold fluid inlet and cold fluid outlet of the regenerator 6, and each hot channel is connected to the hot fluid inlet and hot fluid outlet of the regenerator 6.

[0021] Overall, the configuration of Regenerator 6 is designed to fully consider the compact space requirements and high-efficiency operation needs of the micro gas turbine. The plate structure has a higher volumetric power density, allowing sufficient heat exchange area to be accommodated within a limited compartment. Through the rational design of the flow channel width and flow direction distribution, Regenerator 6 achieves high-efficiency heat exchange under limited pressure drop conditions. Therefore, this configuration not only theoretically significantly improves the system's thermal efficiency but also demonstrates good engineering adaptability in terms of interface standardization, flow organization, and structural compactness.

[0022] The interface in the middle of the W-type tube 5 is the center port, and the interfaces on both sides of the W-type tube 5 are the side ports.

[0023] The shape of the J-tube 8 is mainly formed to meet the flow path transition requirements under the limited space of the whole machine. On the one hand, the J-tube 8 can achieve a smooth change in the direction of the fluid channel within a limited space, so that the regenerator 6, combustion chamber 7, upper volute 1, lower volute 2, and turbine 4 inlet form a relatively compact connection relationship, which is conducive to the compact layout of the whole machine. On the other hand, compared with the more abrupt zigzag transition structure, the J-shaped transition is conducive to reducing local losses during the flow turning process, thereby reducing the additional pressure drop.

[0024] Centered on the upper volute 1, the two regenerators 6, two combustion chambers 7, and two J-tubes 8 are all arranged in a 180° rotational symmetry. The following description focuses on one side. The specific connection method is as follows: the outlet 11 of the upper volute 1 is connected to the cold medium inlet of the regenerator 6, the cold medium outlet of the regenerator 6 is connected to one end of the J-tube 8, the other end of the J-tube 8 is connected to the combustion chamber 7, the combustion chamber 7 is connected to the inlet 21 of the lower volute 2, the outlet of the lower volute 2 is connected to the center port of the W-tube 5, and the side port of the W-tube 5 is connected to the hot medium inlet of the regenerator 6.

[0025] It is worth noting that the regenerative micro gas turbine provided in this application has two sets of J-shaped tubes 8, combustion chambers 7, and regenerators 6 arranged symmetrically around the upper volute 1. This arrangement has the following advantages: First, it distributes the total airflow into the system into two symmetrical flows, reducing the flow rate and velocity levels in a single channel, thus helping to reduce the structural dimensions of individual combustion chambers 7 and regenerators 6, and improving the overall compactness of the turbine layout. Second, the two high-temperature airflows converge symmetrically into the turbine 4 inlet area, which helps to improve the uniformity of the temperature and velocity fields around the turbine 4 inlet, making the effect of the heat flow on the turbine 4 impeller more balanced, reducing localized load imbalance and uneven stress caused by unilateral air intake, thereby improving the smoothness and reliability of rotor operation. Third, the symmetrical arrangement also helps to mitigate the thermal asymmetry and structural imbalance problems caused by high-temperature components concentrated on one side.

[0026] The working principle of the regenerative micro gas turbine is as follows: Compressor 3 compresses ambient air to obtain an airflow with a certain pressure and temperature. This airflow enters the upper volute 1 and is split into two streams within the upper volute 1. The two streams enter the cold channel of the regenerator 6 through the two outlets 11 of the upper volute 1 for heat exchange, achieving a temperature increase. The heat-exchanged airflow enters the combustion chamber 7 through the J-shaped pipe 8 to participate in combustion. The fuel mixes with the high-temperature air and burns completely, significantly increasing the gas temperature and pressure to form high-temperature, high-pressure gas. It can be imagined that because the airflow gains some energy before entering the combustion chamber 7, increasing its initial temperature, it provides conditions for reducing fuel consumption during combustion. Next, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas enters the turbine 4 through the inlet of the lower volute 2, expands, and performs work, driving the compressor 3 to run and output shaft power. Crucially, the high-temperature, high-pressure combustion gas retains a high temperature after expanding and performing work. Therefore, the exhaust gas, after performing work, enters the hot channel of the regenerator 6 through the W-shaped pipe 5. In the hot channel, the exhaust gas exchanges heat with the airflow in the cold channel in a counter-current manner, thereby increasing the airflow temperature in the cold channel and reducing the fuel supply required for combustion. Simultaneously, the exhaust gas is discharged at a lower temperature after releasing heat, reducing system exhaust losses. Through this circulating arrangement, the system can achieve higher and better energy utilization under the same fuel consumption conditions.

[0027] In summary, the regenerative micro gas turbine configuration provided by this invention achieves efficient heat exchange between the outlet air of the compressor 3 and the exhaust air of the turbine 4 through a rational design of the airflow organization of the J-type tube 8 and W-type tube 5, combined with the high efficiency and compactness of the plate regenerator 6. This scheme not only effectively improves the thermal efficiency of the gas turbine but also enhances the overall performance of the system, demonstrating strong engineering applicability and research value.

[0028] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A regenerative micro gas turbine, characterized in that, include: The upper volute (1), lower volute (2), compressor (3), turbine (4), W-tube (5), two regenerators (6), two combustion chambers (7), and two J-tubes (8) are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner with the upper volute (1) as the center. The upper volute (1) is connected to the cold fluid inlet of the regenerator (6), the cold fluid outlet of the regenerator (6) is connected to the J-shaped tube (8), the J-shaped tube (8) is connected to the combustion chamber (7), the combustion chamber (7) is connected to the lower volute (2), the lower volute (2) is connected to the center port of the W-shaped tube (5), and the two side ports of the W-shaped tube (5) are respectively connected to the hot fluid inlets of the two regenerators (6).

2. The regenerative micro gas turbine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper volute (1) and the lower volute (2) are coaxially arranged; The upper volute (1) has two outlets (11). With the upper volute (1) as the center, the two outlets (11) are rotationally symmetrical, and the central axis of the outlets (11) is tangent to the upper volute (1). The lower volute (2) has two inlets (21). The two inlets (21) are rotationally symmetrical about the lower volute (2), and the central axis of the inlets (21) is tangent to the lower volute (2).

3. The regenerative micro gas turbine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the vertical direction, the projections of the two outlets (11) overlap at least partially with the projections of the two inlets (21), and the central axis of the outlets (11) is set at an angle to the central axis of the inlets (21).

4. The regenerative micro gas turbine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The regenerator (6) includes a shell (61) and a plurality of plates (62) spaced apart within the shell (61). Cold channels or hot channels are arranged between adjacent plates (62), and the cold channels and hot channels are arranged alternately. Each cold channel is connected to the cold fluid inlet and cold fluid outlet of the regenerator (6), and each hot channel is connected to the hot fluid inlet and hot fluid outlet of the regenerator (6).

5. The regenerative micro gas turbine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cold fluid outlet and cold fluid inlet of the regenerator (6) are symmetrically arranged in the horizontal direction; Along the vertical direction, the projected inlet and outlet of the hot fluid in the regenerator (6) are spaced apart, and the flow direction of the cold fluid is at least partially opposite to the flow direction of the hot fluid.

6. The regenerative micro gas turbine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hot fluid outlet of the regenerator (6) is fan-shaped, and the hot fluid outlet of the regenerator (6) is located away from the upper volute (1). The cold fluid inlet, cold fluid outlet, and hot fluid inlet of the regenerator (6) are all circular interfaces.

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