Mr. Fred Lang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

President at Exergetic Systems Limited, United States

Fred D. Lang, P.E., P.Eng., is a distinguished power plant engineer with over 50 years of experience in energy systems, nuclear safety, and thermal performance monitoring. Renowned across North America and Europe, he has significantly contributed to power plant engineering through software innovation, advanced testing methodologies, and novel monitoring techniques. As the President of Exergetic Systems Limited, he has developed industry-transforming tools for power plant efficiency and safety. His contributions include consulting for major utilities and government agencies in the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Japan, focusing on nuclear safety, fossil emissions monitoring, and performance analysis. Lang’s expertise spans simulation, plant design, exergy analysis, and fuel efficiency optimization, making him a leader in the energy sector. His commitment to research and technological advancements has led to groundbreaking methodologies that enhance power plant performance and operational safety, earning him a reputation as an innovator in the field.

Professional Profile

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Education

Fred D. Lang has a strong academic background in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, and business administration. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from Kansas State University, where he developed a deep understanding of power generation and reactor safety. He further advanced his expertise with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho, completing coursework at the Idaho National Laboratory, a leading nuclear research facility. To complement his technical knowledge with management skills, he pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Oregon. In addition to his formal degrees, Lang holds several professional certifications, including a California Energy Auditor Certificate (#5872). He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in California for mechanical and nuclear engineering and an active P.Eng. in British Columbia (#54236). His diverse educational background has provided him with the expertise to drive innovation in power plant engineering.

Professional Experience

Fred D. Lang has had an illustrious career spanning over five decades in power plant engineering. He is the President of Exergetic Systems Limited, a company specializing in power plant performance monitoring and efficiency solutions. Previously, he founded and led Exergetic Systems, Inc., which for nearly 40 years served major utilities across North America with software and engineering services. Lang is known as the “Father of PEPSE,” a widely used power plant simulation software. His expertise includes thermodynamic analysis, emissions monitoring, and nuclear safety systems. He has conducted hundreds of power plant studies and has been involved in 33 thermal performance evaluation projects, each lasting several months. His professional experience also includes consulting for Babcock & Wilcox, Exxon Nuclear (now Framatome), and government agencies in Sweden and Japan on critical nuclear safety issues. His work has shaped modern approaches to fuel monitoring, efficiency testing, and safety in power generation.

Research Interests

Fred D. Lang’s research focuses on power plant thermodynamics, nuclear safety, emissions monitoring, and exergy analysis. His work aims to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of fossil-fuel and nuclear power plants. A major area of his research is the development of advanced monitoring techniques, such as the Input/Loss Method, which allows real-time determination of fuel chemistry, calorific value, and heat rate in coal-fired power plants. Another significant contribution is the NCV Method, a groundbreaking approach to nuclear reactor monitoring, neutron flux measurement, and coolant flow analysis, which improves nuclear safety. Lang has also developed innovative instrumentation for emissions testing, heat balance analysis, and fuel efficiency optimization. His research integrates software development, thermodynamic modeling, and real-world application, ensuring that power plants operate more efficiently while reducing environmental impact. His findings have led to significant improvements in plant performance and fuel economy worldwide.

Awards and Honors

Fred D. Lang has received numerous accolades for his contributions to power plant engineering and nuclear safety. He holds 38 patents, including 22 in the U.S. and 16 in Canada, Australia, and Europe, covering innovations in power plant instrumentation, Rankine cycle modifications, and emissions monitoring technologies. His pioneering Input/Loss Method and NCV Method have been recognized as transformative advancements in the energy sector. Lang has been invited by major utilities and government agencies to develop new technologies, including a 2021 invitation to design a novel nuclear plant monitoring system. His software tools, such as PEPSE, EX-FOSS, and THERM, are used by leading power utilities worldwide. In addition to his technical achievements, he has been honored for his mentorship and leadership in the engineering field. His work has redefined power plant efficiency, fuel monitoring, and nuclear safety standards, earning him a reputation as a pioneer in the industry.

Conclusion

Fred D. Lang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his profound contributions to power plant engineering, groundbreaking patents, and practical innovations in thermal performance and nuclear safety. While strengthening academic publications and mentorship efforts could further solidify his influence, his technical advancements have already had a significant impact on the industry. His work represents a paradigm shift in power plant monitoring and nuclear reactor safety, making him a strong contender for this recognition.

Publications Top Noted

• Lang, F. D. (Year Unknown). “Verified Knowledge of Nuclear Power Plants Using the NCV Method.” Conference Paper. Citations: 0

• Lang, F. D., Mason, D., & Rodgers, D. A. T. (Year Unknown). “Effects on Boiler Efficiency Standards and Computed Coal Flow Given Variable Ambient Oxygen and Humidity.” Conference Paper. Citations: 0