Co-generator utilizing micro gas turbine engine
First Claim
1. A co-generator comprising:
- a micro gas turbine engine including an engine housing, a compressor rotatably supported in said engine housing for drawing air into said gas turbine engine and generating compressed air, a combustor disposed in said engine housing and in fluid communication with said compressor such that said compressed air is directed from said compressor into said combustor, a fuel system for injecting a fuel into said combustor such that said fuel is ignited and burned in said combustor to generate an exhaust gas, and a turbine rotatably supported in said engine housing and in fluid communication with said combustor such that said exhaust gas is expanded in said turbine; and
a heat exchanger assembly including a heat exchanger housing surrounding said micro gas turbine engine and a heat exchanger element providing fluid communication between said micro gas turbine engine and ambient air such that said exhaust gas interacts with said ambient air to generate a heated ambient air which is discharged from said heat exchanger housing.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a turbo heater which utilizes a gas turbine engine and a heat exchanger assembly. The gas turbine engine is adapted to efficiently operate over a prolonged period of time and at varying power outputs without adverse or detrimental effects to the components thereof. For example, the gas turbine engine includes bearing assemblies and a fuel delivery systems which are uniquely designed for the demands of repeated cycling (i.e. starting and stopping), as well as operation at various power outputs without damage to the gas turbine engine. In addition, the use of exhaust gas from the gas turbine engine eliminates direct impingement of combustion on the heat exchanger element, thereby significantly increasing the durability and life span of the turbo heater.
62 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A co-generator comprising:
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a micro gas turbine engine including an engine housing, a compressor rotatably supported in said engine housing for drawing air into said gas turbine engine and generating compressed air, a combustor disposed in said engine housing and in fluid communication with said compressor such that said compressed air is directed from said compressor into said combustor, a fuel system for injecting a fuel into said combustor such that said fuel is ignited and burned in said combustor to generate an exhaust gas, and a turbine rotatably supported in said engine housing and in fluid communication with said combustor such that said exhaust gas is expanded in said turbine; and
a heat exchanger assembly including a heat exchanger housing surrounding said micro gas turbine engine and a heat exchanger element providing fluid communication between said micro gas turbine engine and ambient air such that said exhaust gas interacts with said ambient air to generate a heated ambient air which is discharged from said heat exchanger housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A co-generator comprising:
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a co-generator housing having a shell and a inlet plenum and an exhaust diffuser formed in said shell;
a micro gas turbine engine supported within said shell and including;
an engine housing having a compressor chamber with an intake in fluid communication with said inlet plenum, a turbine chamber with an exhaust in fluid communication with said exhaust diffuser and a combustion chamber interposed between said compressor chamber and said turbine chamber to provide fluid communication therebetween;
a compressor rotatably supported in said compressor chamber;
a fuel system for injecting a fuel into said combustor; and
a turbine rotatably supported in said turbine housing; and
a heat exchanger assembly supported within said shell and including;
a first fluid circuit in fluid communication with said exhaust diffuser; and
a second fluid loop in heat transfer relationship with said first fluid circuit such that an exhaust gas flowing in said first fluid circuit heats an ambient fluid flowing in said second fluid circuit to generate a heated ambient fluid. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification