A micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator
By integrating the regenerator and combustion chamber, the problems of low efficiency, system complexity, and high cost of micro gas turbines are solved, achieving efficient energy recovery and a compact structure, improving thermal efficiency and reducing costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANHUI YINGLIU AVIATION TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Micro gas turbines suffer from low single-cycle efficiency, complex and bulky systems, thermal stress and sealing issues, and high costs, especially in integration with high-speed rotors.
The regenerator and combustion chamber are designed as an integrated unit, eliminating the need for a separate regenerator and external connecting pipes. The regenerator directly surrounds the combustion chamber, forming a compact structure. High-pressure air directly enters the cold flow channel, and high-temperature exhaust gas directly enters the hot flow channel, eliminating the need for a reduction gearbox and achieving efficient energy recovery.
It improves system integration and compactness, increases thermal efficiency to 30%-35%, reduces manufacturing costs and noise, optimizes thermal management, and supports direct connection between high-speed motors and radial turbines.
Smart Images
Figure CN224579396U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of micro gas turbine technology, specifically a micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator. Background Technology
[0002] As a miniaturized thermal engine, micro gas turbines offer advantages such as compact structure, multi-fuel adaptability, low emissions, and convenient maintenance, demonstrating broad application prospects in the field of distributed energy. However, compared with large gas turbines, micro gas turbines typically have lower single-cycle efficiency (generally below 30%), which severely restricts their economic viability and market competitiveness.
[0003] One of the most effective ways to improve efficiency is to use a regenerative cycle. The regenerator uses the high-temperature exhaust gas from the turbine to preheat the high-pressure air at the compressor outlet, reducing the amount of fuel required to heat the air in the combustion chamber, thereby significantly improving thermal efficiency.
[0004] Currently, micro gas turbines with regenerative heating typically face the following technical challenges:
[0005] System complexity and bulk: Traditional regenerators (such as plate-and-tube and shell-and-tube types) are independent, bulky components connected to the compressor and turbine outlets via external piping. This arrangement increases the system's complexity, weight, and size, contradicting the compact design principles of micro gas turbines and leading to significant piping pressure and heat losses.
[0006] Thermal stress and sealing issues: The connection between the independent regenerator and the main unit has a high-temperature hot end connection and a relatively low-temperature cold end connection. During the thermal cycle, uneven thermal expansion can easily cause thermal stress and sealing leakage problems, affecting reliability and efficiency.
[0007] High cost: The high manufacturing cost of the independent regenerator, coupled with the additional costs of connecting pipes and installation, makes it difficult to reduce the overall cost of the power generation system.
[0008] Integration with high-speed rotors: Micro gas turbines typically employ high-speed rotor designs (tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of revolutions per minute) directly connected to generators. How to efficiently integrate the regenerative system with the compact structure of high-speed rotation is a huge challenge.
[0009] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a highly integrated, compact, efficient, and cost-effective micro gas turbine generator solution with regenerative heating. Utility Model Content
[0010] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator, which solves the problems of complexity, large size, thermal stress caused by large temperature differences, sealing leakage, and high cost in some existing micro gas turbine systems with regenerators.
[0011] A micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator includes a high-speed motor and a turbine assembly. The turbine assembly includes a regenerator assembly for preheating combustion air, and a combustion chamber unit for burning fuel oil is disposed inside the regenerator assembly.
[0012] The regenerator assembly includes a cold flow channel for air circulation, with an inward recess on the outside of the cold flow channel to form a concave side that increases the heat exchange area, and a convex side that provides turbulence on the inside of the cold flow channel.
[0013] Furthermore, the regenerator assembly also includes a hot flow channel, with a cold flow channel fitted inside the hot flow channel.
[0014] Furthermore, the regenerator assembly also includes a housing, with an inner housing fixedly installed in the middle of the housing, the inner housing serving as the casing of the combustion chamber unit.
[0015] Furthermore, a radial turbine is fixedly installed on the inner side of the inner shell.
[0016] Furthermore, a centrifugal compressor is installed on the outside of the centripetal turbine, and the centrifugal compressor is connected to the cold flow channel.
[0017] Furthermore, the rotors of the high-speed motor, centrifugal compressor, and radial turbine are coaxially connected.
[0018] Furthermore, an air intake pipe is fixedly installed on the outside of the centrifugal compressor.
[0019] Furthermore, the exhaust pipe of the centripetal turbine is connected to the heat flow channel.
[0020] Furthermore, the exhaust pipe is fixedly installed at the outlet end of the heat flow channel.
[0021] Furthermore, an insulation layer is provided on the inner side of the outer shell.
[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0023] The micro gas turbine generator with regenerator described in this utility model has the following advantages:
[0024] Improved system integration and compactness: The regenerator and combustion chamber casing are innovatively integrated into a single design, with the regenerator directly encased in the combustion chamber casing, effectively functioning as the combustion chamber casing. This design completely eliminates the need for a separate regenerator and all external connecting pipes, resulting in an exceptionally compact generator set structure with significantly reduced size and weight.
[0025] Improved thermal efficiency: The integrated design allows the high-pressure air at the compressor outlet to directly enter the cold flow channel, where it is heated and then directly enters the combustion chamber. The high-temperature hot air discharged from the centripetal turbine directly enters the hot flow channel and is then discharged. The short path avoids pipeline losses and achieves efficient energy recovery. It is expected to increase the system's thermal efficiency from about 20% in a simple cycle to 30%-35% or even higher.
[0026] Performance optimization and cost balance: While achieving high efficiency, the system's manufacturing and material costs are effectively controlled by eliminating the need for a separate regenerator shell, complex connectors and piping, thus achieving a good balance between high performance and low cost.
[0027] Improved thermal management: As the "outer coat" of the combustion chamber, the relatively low temperature of the regenerator helps to reduce the ambient temperature of the combustion chamber walls, which has a positive effect on the insulation and protection of the combustion chamber.
[0028] Advantages of high-speed direct drive: The system supports direct connection between a high-speed motor (50,000 rpm) and a radial turbine rotor, eliminating the need for a reduction gearbox, further improving transmission efficiency, reducing maintenance points, and lowering noise. Attached Figure Description
[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some exemplary embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the exemplary embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without any creative effort.
[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator provided by this utility model;
[0031] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall internal structure of a micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator provided by this utility model;
[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a high-speed motor structure for a micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator provided by this utility model;
[0033] Figure 4A schematic diagram of the turbine assembly structure of a micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator provided by this utility model;
[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a turbine assembly for a micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator provided by this utility model;
[0035] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the regenerator assembly structure of a micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator provided by this utility model;
[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the cold flow channel structure of a micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator provided by this utility model.
[0037] In the picture:
[0038] 1. High-speed motor; 2. Steam turbine assembly; 201. Centrifugal compressor; 202. Combustion chamber unit; 203. Radial turbine;
[0039] 204. Regenerator assembly; 2041. Outer shell; 2042. Inner shell; 2043. Hot flow channel; 2044. Cold flow channel; 2045. Protruding side; 2046. Concave side;
[0040] 205. Air intake pipe; 206. Exhaust gas exhaust pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0041] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit its scope.
[0042] To keep the drawings concise, only the parts relevant to the utility model are shown schematically in each drawing; these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some drawings, only one of the components with the same structure or function is schematically shown, or only one is labeled. In this document, "a" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one," and "several" includes "two" and "more than two."
[0043] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0045] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0046] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0047] First embodiment:
[0048] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator, including a high-speed motor 1 and a turbine assembly 2. The turbine assembly 2 includes a regenerator assembly 204 for preheating the combustion air, and a combustion chamber unit 202 for burning fuel oil is provided inside the regenerator assembly 204.
[0049] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the regenerator assembly 204 includes an outer shell 2041, and an inner shell 2042 is fixedly installed in the middle of the outer shell 2041. The inner shell 2042 serves as the casing of the combustion chamber unit 202.
[0050] In this embodiment, the regenerator assembly 204 and the combustion chamber unit 202 are integrated into a single structure. The regenerator assembly 204 is not an independent component, but its outer shell directly forms the casing of the annular combustion chamber unit 202. This means that the combustion chamber unit 202 is "suspended" or "embedded" inside the regenerator assembly 204. The two are completely integrated in terms of physical structure and airflow channels, forming an inseparable integrated functional unit.
[0051] Second embodiment:
[0052] The difference from the above embodiments is that, as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the regenerator assembly 204 includes a cold flow channel 2044 for air circulation, an inwardly recessed area is provided on the outside of the cold flow channel 2044, a concave side 2046 is formed on the outside of the cold flow channel 2044 to increase the heat exchange area, and a convex side 2045 with a turbulent effect is formed on the inside of the cold flow channel 2044.
[0053] Furthermore, the regenerator assembly 204 also includes a hot flow channel 2043, and a cold flow channel 2044 is sleeved inside the hot flow channel 2043, resulting in higher heat exchange efficiency.
[0054] In this embodiment, the high-temperature exhaust gas after work enters the hot flow channel 2043 and exchanges heat with the air in the cold flow channel 2044. The protruding side 2045 blocks and turbulents the air inside the cold flow channel 2044, making the air mix and the temperature uniform, so as to better exchange heat with the high-temperature exhaust gas. The concave side 2046 increases the heat exchange area of the cold flow channel 2044, further improving the heat exchange efficiency.
[0055] Furthermore, an insulation layer is provided on the inner side of the outer shell 2041 to reduce heat waste and maximize the temperature of the preheated air, resulting in more complete combustion.
[0056] Third embodiment:
[0057] The difference from the above embodiments is that, as Figure 5 As shown, a centripetal turbine 203 is fixedly installed on the inner side of the inner shell 2042 to convert kinetic energy into mechanical energy.
[0058] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, a centrifugal compressor 201 is installed on the outside of the centrifugal turbine 203 to introduce outside air into the combustion chamber unit 202. An air intake pipe 205 is fixedly installed on the outside of the centrifugal compressor 201, and air enters the centrifugal compressor 201 through the air intake pipe 205. The centrifugal compressor 201 is connected to the cold flow channel 2044.
[0059] In this embodiment, air enters the centrifugal compressor 201 through the air intake pipe 205. The air pressurized by the centrifugal compressor 201 enters the cold flow channel 2044, where it is heated by the high-temperature exhaust gas in the hot flow channel 2043. The preheated air enters the combustion chamber unit 202. Fuel is injected into the combustion chamber unit 202 through the nozzle and mixes with the preheated air for combustion, generating high-temperature and high-pressure gas. This gas is then fed into the centrifugal turbine 203 to expand and perform work, driving the centrifugal compressor 201 and the high-speed motor 1 to rotate. The high-speed motor 1 rotates and cuts magnetic field lines to generate high-frequency alternating current, which is then converted into usable electrical energy by the downstream power electronic converter.
[0060] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, the rotors of the high-speed motor 1, centrifugal compressor 201, and radial turbine 203 are coaxially connected, eliminating the need for a reduction gearbox, further improving transmission efficiency, reducing maintenance points, and lowering noise.
[0061] In this embodiment, the rotors of the high-speed motor 1, the centrifugal compressor 201, and the radial turbine 203 are coaxially connected to form a high-speed rotating unit, which realizes direct and efficient power extraction. The entire system is arranged in a compact manner along the axis, consisting of the centrifugal compressor 201, the integrated regenerator assembly 204 / combustion chamber unit 202, and the radial turbine 203. The high-speed motor 1 can be arranged at the end of the centrifugal compressor 201 or the end of the radial turbine 203, forming a generator set with a short axial dimension and a concentrated radial structure.
[0062] Fourth embodiment:
[0063] The difference from the above embodiments is that, as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the exhaust pipe of the radial turbine 203 is connected to the hot flow channel 2043, and the high-temperature exhaust gas flows from the exhaust pipe to the hot flow channel 2043.
[0064] Furthermore, Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the exhaust pipe 206 is fixedly installed at the outlet end of the hot flow channel 2043. After the hot flow channel 2043 exchanges heat with the cold flow channel 2044, the cooled exhaust gas is discharged from the exhaust pipe 206.
[0065] In this embodiment, the airflow path design is extremely simplified:
[0066] Cold flow path: High-pressure air from the outlet of centrifugal compressor 201 → Cold flow channel 2044 → Combustion chamber unit 202.
[0067] Heat flow path: High-temperature exhaust gas from the outlet of the radial turbine 203 → Heat flow channel 2043 → Exhausted to the atmosphere.
[0068] Both paths are direct and short, with no redundant external connections.
[0069] Specific working methods:
[0070] Air enters the centrifugal compressor 201 through the air intake pipe 205. The air pressurized by the centrifugal compressor 201 enters the cold flow channel 2044, where it is heated by the high-temperature exhaust gas in the hot flow channel 2043. The preheated air enters the combustion chamber unit 202. Fuel is injected into the combustion chamber unit 202 through the nozzle and mixes with the preheated air for combustion, producing high-temperature and high-pressure gas. This gas is then fed into the centrifugal turbine 203 to expand and do work, driving the centrifugal compressor 201 and the high-speed motor 1 to rotate. The high-speed motor 1 rotates and cuts magnetic field lines to generate high-frequency alternating current, which is converted into usable electrical energy by the downstream power electronic converter.
[0071] Waste heat recovery and power generation: After the exhaust gas is discharged from the centripetal turbine 203, it enters the hot flow channel 2043 and exchanges heat with the air in the cold flow channel 2044. Then it is discharged into the atmosphere or to the treatment mechanism through the exhaust pipe 206. The convex side 2045 blocks and turbulents the air inside the cold flow channel 2044, so that the air is mixed and the temperature is uniform, which can better exchange heat with the high temperature exhaust gas. The concave side 2046 increases the heat exchange area of the cold flow channel 2044 and further improves the heat exchange efficiency.
[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A microturbine generator with recuperator comprising a high speed electric motor (1) and a turbomachine assembly (2), characterized in that: The turbine assembly (2) includes a regenerator assembly (204) for preheating combustion air, and a combustion chamber unit (202) for burning fuel oil is provided inside the regenerator assembly (204). The regenerator assembly (204) includes a cold flow channel (2044) for air circulation, with an inward recess on the outside of the cold flow channel (2044), a concave side (2046) for increasing the heat exchange area on the outside of the cold flow channel (2044), and a turbulent side (2045) for turbulence on the inside of the cold flow channel (2044).
2. The micro gas turbine generator with regenerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The regenerator assembly (204) also includes a hot flow channel (2043) and a cold flow channel (2044) sleeved inside the hot flow channel (2043).
3. A micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The regenerator assembly (204) also includes a housing (2041), an inner housing (2042) is fixedly installed in the middle of the housing (2041), and the inner housing (2042) serves as the casing of the combustion chamber unit (202).
4. A micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator according to claim 3, characterized in that: A radial turbine (203) is fixedly installed on the inner side of the inner shell (2042).
5. A micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: A centrifugal compressor (201) is installed on the outside of the centrifugal turbine (203), and the centrifugal compressor (201) is connected to the cold flow channel (2044).
6. A micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rotors of the high-speed motor (1), centrifugal compressor (201), and radial turbine (203) are coaxially connected.
7. A micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: An air intake pipe (205) is fixedly installed on the outside of the centrifugal compressor (201).
8. A micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The exhaust pipe of the centripetal turbine (203) is connected to the hot flow channel (2043).
9. A micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat flow channel (2043) is connected to a fixed exhaust pipe (206) at its outlet end.
10. A micro gas turbine generator with a regenerator according to claim 3, characterized in that: An insulation layer is provided on the inner side of the outer shell (2041).