초록 ▼

Various forms of energy, such as mechanical, electrical, and/or heat energy are produced by an energy conversion mechanism which includes a spool, the spool including a shaft on which a compressor and turbine are mounted. A generator is operably connected to the energy conversion mechanism for conve

Various forms of energy, such as mechanical, electrical, and/or heat energy are produced by an energy conversion mechanism which includes a spool, the spool including a shaft on which a compressor and turbine are mounted. A generator is operably connected to the energy conversion mechanism for converting mechanical energy thereof into electrical energy. Fuel and air are supplied separately to the compressor. A regenerator type heat exchanger has a cold side for conducting compressed air traveling from an outlet of a compressor to an inlet of the microturbine, a hot side for conducting hot waste gas from the energy conversion mechanism, and a rotary core movable sequentially through the cold and hot sides for absorbing heat in the hot side and giving up heat in the cold side. A catalytic combustor combusts the fuel at a location upstream of the turbine. During start-up, the catalytic combustor is preheated independently of the heat exchanger by an electric heater.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An energy producing apparatus comprising:an energy conversion mechanism comprising a compressor side for compressing air/fuel, and a turbine side for driving the compressor side;an air and fuel supply for conducting air and fuel into a compressor of the compressor side

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An energy producing apparatus comprising:an energy conversion mechanism comprising a compressor side for compressing air/fuel, and a turbine side for driving the compressor side;an air and fuel supply for conducting air and fuel into a compressor of the compressor side to be compressed and mixed therein;an electrical generator operably connected to the turbine side to be driven thereby for producing electrical energy;a regenerator heat exchanger having a first passage for conducting compressed air/fuel traveling from an outlet of the compressor side, a second passage for conducting hot waste gas from an outlet of the turbine side in heat exchange relationship with the compressed air/fuel in the first passage, and a movable core passing through sequentially through the first and second passages for being heated in the second passage and transferring heat to the compressed air/fuel passing through the first passage;a catalytic combustor disposed between an outlet of the first passage of the regenerator heat exchanger and an inlet of the turbine side for reacting compressed air/fuel mixture received from the first passage prior to entry thereof into the turbine side; andpreheating means for preheating the catalytic combustor independently of the regenerator during start-up.