Kenneth A Darrow

Title: Innovations of Kenneth A. Darrow

Introduction

Kenneth A. Darrow is a notable inventor based in Sprakers, NY, who has made significant contributions to the field of turbine technology. With a total of 10 patents to his name, Darrow's work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and performance of turbine components.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is a method of manufacture of cooled turbine or compressor buckets. This innovative method discloses practical construction techniques for liquid-cooled buckets that efficiently transport heat energy from the inside of the airfoil skin surface in contact with hot gas to the outer surface of preformed tubes recessed into the bucket core. These tubes allow liquid coolant to pass during operation. The bucket is constructed from a series of preformed solid components that are assembled, consolidated, and converted into a unified structure. Notably, one of the preformed solid components is a flat bimetallic sheet that comprises an erosion and corrosion-resistant layer, along with a layer of high thermal conductivity, which are joined by an optimized metallurgical bond.

Another significant patent is for a liquid-cooled turbine bucket with enhanced heat transfer performance. In this design, individual coolant passages in the airfoil portion of the bucket are equipped with a series of inwardly protruding circumferentially-extending crimps or rings. These features are strategically located at spaced intervals along each passage, extending along the inner periphery in a plane generally perpendicular to the wall of the coolant passage. This design allows the main flow of liquid coolant to be broken up and dispersed over an enlarged area of the interior of the coolant passage, improving efficiency during turbine operation.

Career Highlights

Darrow's career has been marked by his association with General Electric Company, where he has applied his expertise in turbine technology. His innovative approaches have contributed to advancements in the field, particularly in the design and manufacturing of turbine components.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Darrow has collaborated with notable colleagues, including John W. Daly and James T. Dakin. These collaborations have further enriched his work and contributed to the development of cutting-edge technologies in turbine engineering.

Conclusion

Kenneth A. Darrow's contributions to turbine technology through his innovative patents and collaborations highlight his significant role in advancing engineering practices. His work continues to influence the efficiency and performance of turbine systems in various applications.