Abstract: Disclosed is a recuperative heat exchanger, comprising a body of ceramic material having a plurality of generally parallel flow channels arranged adjacently to one another generally axially with respect to the body, with adjacent flow channels having a common partition wall. The plurality of flow channels include a plurality of first flow channels for carrying a first heat transfer medium and a plurality of second flow channels, alternatingly arranged with respect to the first flow channels, for carrying a second heat exchange medium. Each of the first channels has an inlet positioned on one lateral side of the body near a first longitudinal end of the body and an outlet positioned in the opposite, second longitudinal end of the body, and each of the second flow channels has an inlet positioned on one lateral side of the body near the second longitudinal end of the body and an outlet in the first longitudinal end of the body.

Abstract: The heat exchanger elements, arranged in a ring around a compressor, gas bine and combustion chamber that have a common axis of symmetry, are supported on a framework having elastic inserts for compensating for or accommodating to thermal stresses and are so connected to an inner and an outer casing portion that free spaces for each of the heat exchanging media (hot exhaust gas and compressed air) are provided inside the unit communicating with the heat exchanger elements. Ducts for the hot gases are surrounded by cooler gases provided in these free spaces to reduce thermal stresses. The casing portions themselves provide some of the duct walls, so that a compact and sturdy unit is provided.