Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the recuperator of a microturbine system in a vertical position above a turbine. The apparatus including a plurality of spring supports supporting the recuperator while simultaneously allowing thermal expansion of the turbine with a minimum amount of force being applied thereto. Thermal expansion of the turbine causes it to lift the recuperator while simultaneously de-compressing the springs an amount equal to the amount of thermal expansion experienced by the turbine.

Abstract: A plate-fin heat exchanger includes a stacked array of cells. Each cell includes top and bottom sheets defining manifolds and header finned members disposed between the top and bottom sheets. The top and bottom sheets include substantially planar portions, diverging portions angled with respect to the planar portions, and divergence edges defined between the planar and diverging portions. The header finned member extends beyond the divergence edges of the top and bottom sheets and is supported in cantilevered fashion within the manifold.

Abstract: A flexible duct for fluidly communicating between first and second components includes a first duct section with an intake end and an exhaust end. A first joint pivotally couples the intake end to the first component for pivotal movement about a first axis. The flexible duct also includes a second duct section with a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the exhaust end by a second joint, and a third joint pivotally couples the second end to the second component. The second joint is pivotable about a second axis that is generally parallel to the first axis, and the third joint is pivotable about a third axis that is generally perpendicular to the first and second axes.

Abstract: A heat exchange cell for a recuperator includes top and bottom plates sandwiching a matrix finned member and a pair of header finned members. The top and bottom plates each include a pair of manifold openings, and the header finned members each include a curved free edge following the curvature of an associated manifold opening. The header finned member includes a high fin density portion along the free edge and a low fin density portion communicating with the high fin density portion. The dual fin density header finned member thus provides increased structural strength along the free edge and provides a low pressure drop through the low fin density portion.

Abstract: A heat exchange cell for a recuperator includes top and bottom plates sandwiching a matrix finned member and a pair of header finned members. The top and bottom plates each include a pair of manifold openings, and the header finned members each include a curved free edge following the curvature of an associated manifold opening. The header finned member includes a high fin density portion along the free edge and a low fin density portion communicating with the high fin density portion. The dual fin density header finned member thus provides increased structural strength along the free edge and provides a low pressure drop through the low fin density portion.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a core adapted to heat air with counter-flowing hot gases. Substantially isothermal hot and cool portions of the core are interconnected by a matrix portion exposed to a temperature gradient. A top sheet is positioned over the core and includes first and second ends and a middle portion between the first and second ends. The middle portion includes a window and compliant ligament portions extending alongside the window and interconnecting the first and second ends. The first and second ends of the top sheet are positioned over the isothermal cool and hot portions of the core, respectively, and the middle portion of the top sheet is positioned over the matrix portion of the core. The compliant ligament portions of the top sheet are deflectable in response to the temperature gradient across the matrix portion of the core to reduce strain on and deflection of the first and second ends of the top sheet.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a core adapted to heat air with counter-flowing hot gases. Substantially isothermal hot and cool portions of the core are interconnected by a matrix portion exposed to a temperature gradient. A top sheet is positioned over the core and includes first and second ends and a middle portion between the first and second ends. The middle portion includes a window and compliant ligament portions extending alongside the window and interconnecting the first and second ends. The first and second ends of the top sheet are positioned over the isothermal cool and hot portions of the core, respectively, and the middle portion of the top sheet is positioned over the matrix portion of the core. The compliant ligament portions of the top sheet are deflectable in response to the temperature gradient across the matrix portion of the core to reduce strain on and deflection of the first and second ends of the top sheet.

Abstract: A method of making a heat exchanger includes assembling one or more heat exchange cells. Each heat exchange cell is assembled by providing a top plate having an inlet aperture at one end thereof, an outlet aperture at the other end thereof, a first surface, a second surface and peripheral edges; and providing a bottom plate having an inlet aperture at one end thereof, an outlet aperture at the other end thereof, a first surface, a second surface and peripheral edges. The second surfaces of the top and bottom plates are juxtaposed with one another so that the inlet and outlet apertures of the plates are in substantial alignment with one another. The peripheral edges of the top and bottom plates are attached to form a high pressure chamber between the second surfaces of the plates. After being assembled, each individual heat exchange cell is tested before being attached to other heat exchange cells. The testing may include pressure testing of the heat exchange cell.