NoMac Engergy Systems, Inc. is developing a circumferential recuperator for small gas turbines. It is smaller, lighter and substantially less expensive than conventional recuperators. Although the current planning is for stationary and vehicular applications, it would easily be adapted to helicopter gas turbines to improve the range an/or payload. The fundamental change would be to weld, rather than form, the heat transfer surface, thus permitting the use of thinner gauge material and increasing the surface area. The circumferential recuperator has been evaluated be the Gas Research Institute and is now being demonstrated under a contract from them. NoMac is also under contract from the Ford Motor Company to design a gas turbine using the same concept. Delivery is in the summer of 1992. Finally, the recuperator has been thoroughly analyzed by Allison Gas Turbine Division of General Motors Corporation. They have agreed that the circumferential recuperator would improve the efficiency of their 250 series, helicopter, gas turbines with a minimum effect on weight and frontal area. Allison will support NoMac if NoMac wins this solicitation.
Benefits: The two most important benefits are the increase in range and payload for light helicopters. Another benefit is the decrease in noise. This is applicable to commercial as well as military rotary wing aircraft.
Keywords: Circumferential Circumferential Heat Exchanger Heat Exchanger Gas Turbine Gas Turbine NoMac NoMac Recuperator Recuperator Bellows Bellows Turboshaft Turboshaft Allison Allison
