Stephen Gerard Schadewald

Title: Inventor Spotlight: Stephen Gerard Schadewald

Introduction

Stephen Gerard Schadewald is an esteemed inventor based in Clifton Park, NY, with a noteworthy contribution to the field of gas turbine technology. He holds a patent for a specialized seal assembly that plays a critical role in enhancing the efficiency of gas turbine combustors.

Latest Patents

Schadewald's most significant patent is titled "Pressure Regulated Piston Seal for a Gas Turbine Combustor Liner." This innovative seal assembly is designed to effectively seal the hot gas path flow at the interface between a combustor liner and a downstream component, such as a stage one turbine nozzle in a gas turbine. The assembly features a piston ring seal housing that defines a cavity, with a piston ring encircling the combustor liner. The piston ring's performance is enhanced by its responsiveness to regulated pressure, ensuring a secure sealing engagement against the outer surface of the combustor liner. Additionally, the design incorporates multiple sectional through-slots, bumps, or channel features that facilitate the flow of high-pressure bypass airflow, which exits a compressor and exerts a radial force on the piston ring, further optimizing the sealing capability.

Career Highlights

Stephen Gerard Schadewald has dedicated his career to advancing fuel efficiency and operational performance in gas turbine systems. He is currently employed at General Electric Company, a leader in energy and technology innovation. Through his work, Schadewald has demonstrated a commitment to developing solutions that improve the efficiency and reliability of gas turbines, contributing to the broader field of clean energy.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Schadewald has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Jinjie Shi and Jason Paul Hoppa. These collaborations have fostered an environment of innovation and have led to significant advancements in gas turbine technology.

Conclusion

Stephen Gerard Schadewald's work exemplifies the spirit of innovation in the energy sector. His patented pressure regulated piston seal for gas turbine combustors highlights the importance of such inventions in promoting efficiency and sustainability. As he continues to collaborate and innovate, Schadewald's contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the industry.