Question

Recuperators are more suitable than regenerators when:

• A. Fuel is solid
• B. Operation is continuous
• C. Fuel cost is negligible
• D. Space is not an issue

Hint:

Recuperators are ideal for systems that operate continuously, such as industrial heat recovery applications, where a constant heat exchange process is needed to optimize energy efficiency.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Recuperators are heat exchangers that recover heat from exhaust gases and transfer it to the incoming air. They are particularly beneficial when continuous operation is required, as they work efficiently in systems where there is a constant flow of fluids. Unlike regenerators, which are more suited for intermittent flow or batch processes, recuperators offer advantages in systems that run continuously.
- Option (1) "Fuel is solid" is incorrect because recuperators are not specifically designed for solid fuels; their advantage is not tied to the state of the fuel but rather to the type of operation.
- Option (3) "Fuel cost is negligible" is not relevant to the choice of recuperator versus regenerator.
- Option (4) "Space is not an issue" is incorrect because space requirements can be a consideration, but the continuous operation factor makes the recuperator more suitable in such cases.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option (2) Operation is continuous.