Ceramic Matrix Composite Recuperators

Refractory Composites, Inc. proposes to develop a ceramic matrix composite recuperator for gas turbine engines that has the potential to help raise current recuperated gas turbine efficiencies from the 30% range to near 40%. Thermal efficiencies in the 40% range would make gas turbines comparable in economy to diesel engines while retaining the gas turbine's weight and volume advantages relative to diesels. Refractory Composites, Inc. has proposed an innovative ceramic composite fabrication approach that promises to drastically reduce the manufacturing cost of CMC recuperators. A cross-counterflow radial scroll (involute geometry) recuperator configuration has been selected for development by RCI with gas turbine design guidance from Textron Lycoming. In Phase I, RCI will develop fabrication approaches for heat transfer to header interface structures and build and test a multichannel heat transfer test article to determine preliminary pressure losses, heat transfer performance and thermal cycling durability and leakage behavior. In Phase II, RCI with design input from Lycoming will develop a prototype CMC recuperator.