Steven Coppess

Title: Innovations in Gas Turbine Efficiency: The Patented Work of Steven Coppess

Introduction: Steven Coppess, an innovator based in Cincinnati, OH, has made a significant contribution to the field of gas turbine technology with his patented invention. As an employee of Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, he focuses on enhancing the performance and efficiency of gas turbines, which are critical in various energy production applications.

Latest Patents: Steven holds a patent for a unique seal assembly that includes grooves on the aft-facing side of a platform in a gas turbine engine. This design features a stationary vane assembly and a rotating blade assembly positioned axially upstream from the vane assembly. The patented platform design has a radially outwardly facing first surface and an axially downstream facing second surface that defines an aft plane. The grooves recessed from the aft plane create a circumferential space between adjacent grooves, allowing for more efficient guiding of purge air during engine operation. This innovative mechanism imparts a circumferential velocity component to the purge air, directing it toward the hot gas path in alignment with the flow of hot gases, thereby improving engine efficiency.

Career Highlights: Throughout his career, Steven has focused on advancing gas turbine technology, leveraging his expertise to contribute to significant projects at Siemens Aktiengesellschaft. His work not only enhances the reliability of gas turbines but also aims to improve their operational efficiency, making a lasting impact on energy production.

Collaborations: Steven's innovative work has been supported through collaborations with colleagues such as Ching-Pang Lee and Kok-Mun Tham. Their collective expertise and teamwork have been instrumental in bringing cutting-edge solutions to the industry, furthering advancements in gas turbine engineering.

Conclusion: Steven Coppess stands out as an inventive force in the gas turbine sector, demonstrating how innovations in design can lead to increased efficiency and performance. His patented seal assembly represents a significant stride toward optimizing gas turbine operations, showcasing the importance of collaboration and ingenuity in the field of engineering. As technologies evolve, contributions like those of Steven will continue to shape the future of energy generation.