Recuperators

06/29/17

“How can we optimize a combustion chamber?”

 

In engineering, we often use combustion to power a system. However, if we have to use cold air, then we will need significantly more fuel to operate our system. So how could we make a device that would automatically heat up the air for our needs? Well, let’s think about it. First, let’s have a tube where the air flows in. Then, let’s compress this air using a compressor. Afterward, let’s force this compresses air into a heat exchanger where it will be warmed up by some waste heat. Then, let’s take this heated air, have it flow through a turbine for power, and run it through the exhaust pipe to heat up the incoming air and complete the cycle. This system is known as a recuperator and is used in all sorts of systems from ventilation systems to energy transfer processes.