THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF DIABATIC CYCLIC REGENERATORS

Mathematical models describing the operation of diabatic regenerators have been derived and solved numerically using finite-difference schemes for the prediction of system thermal performance. The present formulations include the effects of radial conduction and storage of heat in the regenerator walls as well as heat loss, which can be quite important in experimental situations but which were neglected in all previous investigations. The effects of the above phenomena are explored, and indications are given under what regenerator conditions these effects could be reduced. In addition, the models are used to examine the available experimental data for the contribution of such effects.