Patents by Inventor Keith S. McAllister

Keith S. McAllister has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5537813
    Abstract: The operational capacity and efficiency of a combustion turbine is increased by treating the turbine inlet air to increase its density. The inlet air treatment is achieved in a columnar tower with the inlet air being drawn in at the top of the tower. Treatment water is injected into the tower at a downward velocity greater than that of the inlet air to establish a vertically descending, two-phase co-current flow of inlet air and treatment water. The system utilizes the natural phenomenon of drag-induced pressure boost to the air achieved by the difference in the relative velocities of the inlet air and the treatment water in the co-current flow. By utilizing a cold treatment water, for example at 32.degree.-40.degree. F., the tower creates a direct contact heat transfer situation that cools the inlet air, thereby further increasing its density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Carolina Power & Light Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. Davis, John P. Shell, Todd W. Beadle, Keith S. McAllister, Alexander O. Hobbs