Robert G Ireland

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Robert G. Ireland

Introduction

Robert G. Ireland is a notable inventor based in Indianapolis, IN (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of cooling systems, particularly in power plants. His innovative designs have the potential to enhance efficiency and performance in energy production.

Latest Patents

One of Robert G. Ireland's key patents is for a "Dry cooling tower with water augmentation." This invention is an air cooling tower system designed for condensing exhaust steam in power plants. It incorporates water cooling augmentation to maintain the plant's cooling capacity during periods of high atmospheric temperatures. The cooling tower features multiple banks of brazed aluminum plate and fin type heat exchangers arranged in inverted 'V' shaped sets. These heat exchangers are responsible for cooling ammonia, which is used as the cooling fluid in the primary condenser for the power plant turbine exhaust steam.

The design includes a core made up of parallel aluminum plates spaced apart by fin assemblies, creating a series of fluid passes. Notably, every other pass has closed sides that open at the ends to headers, defining ammonia passes. The adjacent passes are open at the sides, allowing air to flow transversely through the heat exchanger cores. Additionally, the system includes water passes that communicate with a water inlet and outlet manifold, ensuring effective cooling. The cooling tower is engineered to operate efficiently at varying air temperatures, providing necessary cooling for ammonia to meet plant requirements.

Career Highlights

Robert G. Ireland is associated with Stewart Warner Corporation, where he has applied his expertise in developing innovative cooling solutions. His work has contributed to advancements in energy efficiency and sustainability in power generation.

Collaborations

One of his notable coworkers is Vernon N. Tramontini, with whom he has likely collaborated on various projects within the company.

Conclusion

Robert G. Ireland's contributions to cooling technology in power plants exemplify the importance of innovation in the energy sector. His patented designs not only enhance operational efficiency but also address environmental concerns associated with energy production.