Patents by Inventor Stephen A. Kujak
Stephen A. Kujak 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: 11976858Abstract: A method of converting a refrigerant includes recovering a refrigerant from a refrigeration unit with an evacuation pump and containing the recovered refrigerant in a container. The method also includes converting the recovered refrigerant. The converted refrigerant is different from the recovered refrigerant. A system for converting a refrigerant includes an evacuation pump, a container, and one or more refrigerant containers. The evacuation pump and container are configured to recover a refrigerant from a refrigeration unit. The one or more refrigerant containers deliver one or more refrigerant components into the container to convert the recovered refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2021Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Dermott Crombie, Stephen A. Kujak
-
Publication number: 20240084181Abstract: A refrigerant composition includes R1225ye(E) refrigerant, a second refrigerant that is one of R1234ze(E) refrigerant and R32 refrigerant, and a third refrigerant that is one of R227ea refrigerant, R125 refrigerant, and R1234yf refrigerant. The refrigerant composition has a GWP of at or less than about 2000. A method of making a refrigerant composition includes mixing at least an amount of R1225ye(E) refrigerant, an amount of a second refrigerant, and an amount of a third refrigerant to obtain a refrigerant composition that has a GWP of at or about or less than 2000. A method of retrofitting a refrigerant composition in an HVACR system includes adding an amount of at least one refrigerant to a refrigerant composition to produce a retrofit refrigerant composition that includes R1225ye(E) refrigerant, a second refrigerant, and a third refrigerant.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2022Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Michael Petersen, Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz
-
Publication number: 20230394601Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for power demand management are described herein. More specifically, embodiments comprise systems and methods for powering, controlling, and/or operating various types of controllable load for integration with power fluctuations from intermittent power generation plants, such as photovoltaic arrays and wind turbine farms.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Michael Sean Day, Matthew M. Corulli, Stephen A. Kujak, Ronald Maurice Cosby
-
Patent number: 11703240Abstract: A system and method of retrofitting a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system (HVACR) including one or more brazed, soldered, or mechanical connections between refrigerant lines is disclosed. The method includes removing a refrigerant from the HVACR system. The refrigerant that is removed is a non-flammable refrigerant. An enclosure is installed over the one or more brazed, soldered, or mechanical connections between refrigerant lines. A refrigerant is added to the HVACR system. The refrigerant being added has a global warming potential (GWP) that is relatively lower than the refrigerant removed from the HVACR system. The refrigerant being added has a relatively higher flammability than the refrigerant removed from the HVACR system.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: William G. Hansen, Stephen A. Kujak
-
Patent number: 11615488Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for power demand management are described herein. More specifically, embodiments comprise systems and methods for powering, controlling, and/or operating various types of controllable load for integration with power fluctuations from intermittent power generation plants, such as photovoltaic arrays and wind turbine farms.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Michael Sean Day, Matthew M. Corulli, Stephen A. Kujak, Ronald Maurice Cosby, II
-
Patent number: 11421924Abstract: A heat transfer circuit that includes a main flow path for a working fluid that extends through a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator. The working fluid includes CF3I. The heat transfer circuit also includes an additive stream configured to supply additive for the CF3I to the working fluid in the main flow path based on a discharge temperature of the compressor. A method for operating a heat transfer circuit that includes directing a working fluid including CF3I through a main flow path of the heat transfer circuit. The method also includes changing a concentration of additive for the CF3I based on a discharge temperature of the working fluid from the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2019Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz, Elyse M. Sorenson, Morgan Elizabeth Herried Leehey
-
Patent number: 11351842Abstract: A transport refrigeration system (TRS) includes a first heat transfer circuit including a first compressor, a condenser, a first expansion device, and a cascade heat exchanger. The first compressor, the condenser, the first expansion device, and the cascade heat exchanger are in fluid communication such that a first heat transfer fluid can flow therethrough. The TRS includes a second heat transfer circuit including a second compressor, the cascade heat exchanger, a second expansion device, and an evaporator. The second compressor, the cascade heat exchanger, the second expansion device, and the evaporator are in fluid communication such that a second heat transfer fluid can flow therethrough. The first heat transfer circuit and the second heat transfer circuit are arranged in thermal communication at the cascade heat exchanger such that the first heat transfer fluid and the second heat transfer fluid are in a heat exchange relationship at the cascade heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz, Jeffrey B. Berge, Panayu Robert Srichai, Vladimir Sulc, Michal Kolda, John R. Sauls
-
Publication number: 20220127508Abstract: Refrigerant compositions for an HVACR system that includes R1123, R32 and at least one more refrigerant. The refrigerant composition has a reduced GWP of about or less than 1500. Some of the refrigerant composition may be suitable for replacing R410A, R32, and/or R22. Methods for making the refrigerant composition including mixing an amount of R1123, and amount of R32, and an amount of at least one more refrigerant. Methods of retrofitting an existing refrigerant composition include adding an amount of at least one refrigerant to an existing refrigerant composition to produce a retrofitted refrigerant composition. The retrofitted refrigerant composition includes at least R1123 and R32.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Kenneth J. Schultz, Stephen A. Kujak
-
Publication number: 20220049882Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses are described that are directed to on-site recovery and/or repurposing of refrigerant, where an original refrigerant is converted into a refrigerant different from the original refrigerant. The refrigerant different from the original refrigerant can have relatively lower global warming potential (GWP) than the original refrigerant. The recovery and/or repurposing can be implemented for example in a refrigeration circuit, such as for example in general cooling and/or heating applications, which may be embodied in a heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and/or unit, in a transport refrigeration system and/or unit, as well as in commercial, residential and/or industrial cooling and/or heating applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2021Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Dermott Crombie, Stephen A. Kujak
-
Publication number: 20220049884Abstract: A system and method of retrofitting a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system (HVACR) including one or more brazed, soldered, or mechanical connections between refrigerant lines is disclosed. The method includes removing a refrigerant from the HVACR system. The refrigerant that is removed is a non-flammable refrigerant. An enclosure is installed over the one or more brazed, soldered, or mechanical connections between refrigerant lines. A refrigerant is added to the HVACR system. The refrigerant being added has a global warming potential (GWP) that is relatively lower than the refrigerant removed from the HVACR system. The refrigerant being added has a relatively higher flammability than the refrigerant removed from the HVACR system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2021Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: William G. Hansen, Stephen A. Kujak
-
Patent number: 11231205Abstract: Heat is recovered from a heat source to heat water to high temperatures. Apparatuses, systems and methods are described to heat water to a high temperature by using heat, such as may be considered in some instances as waste heat, recovered from a heat source. The methods, systems, and apparatuses described utilize low pressure refrigerant(s) as a fluid to provide a refrigeration cycle that utilizes a source of heat to heat water to a high temperature. The refrigeration cycle can be with or without a cascade cycle. The refrigerant cycle in some examples uses an oil free compressor.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Ronald Maurice Cosby, II, Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz
-
Patent number: 11220620Abstract: Refrigerant compositions for an HVACR system that includes R1123, R32 and at least one more refrigerant. The refrigerant composition has a reduced GWP of about or less than 1500. Some of the refrigerant composition may be suitable for replacing R410A, R32, and/or R22. Methods for making the refrigerant composition including mixing an amount of R1123, and amount of R32, and an amount of at least one more refrigerant. Methods of retrofitting an existing refrigerant composition include adding an amount of at least one refrigerant to an existing refrigerant composition to produce a retrofitted refrigerant composition. The retrofitted refrigerant composition includes at least R1123 and R32.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2020Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Kenneth J. Schultz, Stephen A. Kujak
-
Patent number: 11198805Abstract: Compositions and methods are configured to reduce flammability in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system having R32 refrigerant included in the refrigerant composition. Refrigerant compositions and methods can be used for retrofitting, servicing, controlling flammability, improving performance, lubricant solubility and miscibility, and improving the safety of an HVAC system.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz
-
Patent number: 11162722Abstract: A system and method of retrofitting a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system (HVACR) including one or more brazed, soldered, or mechanical connections between refrigerant lines is disclosed. The method includes removing a refrigerant from the HVACR system. The refrigerant that is removed is a non-flammable refrigerant. An enclosure is installed over the one or more brazed, soldered, or mechanical connections between refrigerant lines. A refrigerant is added to the HVACR system. The refrigerant being added has a global warming potential (GWP) that is relatively lower than the refrigerant removed from the HVACR system. The refrigerant being added has a relatively higher flammability than the refrigerant removed from the HVACR system.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: William G. Hansen, Stephen A. Kujak
-
Patent number: 11162720Abstract: A method of converting a refrigerant includes recovering a refrigerant from a refrigeration unit with an evacuation pump and containing the recovered refrigerant in a container. The method also includes testing the recovered refrigerant and converting the recovered refrigerant. The converted refrigerant is different from the recovered refrigerant. A system for converting a refrigerant includes an evacuation pump, a container, and one or more refrigerant containers. The evacuation pump and container are configured to recover a refrigerant from a refrigeration unit. The one or more containers deliver one or more refrigerant components into the container to convert the recovered refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2016Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Dermott Crombie, Stephen A. Kujak
-
Patent number: 11118822Abstract: A detection system and method of detection directed towards the detection of refrigerant leaking from a refrigerant circuit in a heating, ventilation, air condition, and refrigeration (HVACR) system. The system including a refrigerant circuit utilizes a mixture of working fluid and an additive. The system also includes a detection device that can detect the additive when external to the refrigerant circuit. A method of detecting leaking refrigerant includes adding a detectable fluid to a refrigerant circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventor: Stephen A. Kujak
-
Patent number: 11078392Abstract: A non-flammable refrigerant composition for a HVACR system that includes R134a refrigerant, a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant that has a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 150 or a hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant, and CF3I. A method of making a refrigerant composition for a HVACR system that includes selecting an amount of a first refrigerant that is a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant or a hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant, selecting an amount of CF3I, and selecting an amount of R134a refrigerant. A method of retrofitting a refrigerant composition in an HVACR system that includes adding one or more compounds to the refrigerant composition. The retrofitted composition including R134a refrigerant, a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant having a GWP of less than 150, and CF3I, or R134a refrigerant, a hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant, and CF3I.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2017Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Kenneth J. Schultz, Stephen A. Kujak
-
Patent number: 11015100Abstract: A non-flammable refrigerant composition for a HVACR system that includes R134a refrigerant, a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant that has a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 150 or a hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant, and CF3I. A method of making a refrigerant composition for a HVACR system that includes selecting an amount of a first refrigerant that is a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant or a hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant, selecting an amount of CF3I, and selecting an amount of R134a refrigerant. A method of retrofitting a refrigerant composition in an HVACR system that includes adding one or more compounds to the refrigerant composition. The retrofitted composition including R134a refrigerant, a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant having a GWP of less than 150, and CF3I, or R134a refrigerant, a hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant, and CF3I.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2017Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Kenneth J. Schultz, Stephen A. Kujak
-
Patent number: 11008493Abstract: A refrigeration system is disclosed. The system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator fluidly connected to form a refrigeration circuit. A refrigerant composition including an environmentally-suitable chiller refrigerant that has a 100 year direct global warming potential (GWP) of less than 150 is included. The refrigerant composition includes a mixture including R-1336mzz-(Z) and R-1130-(E), wherein an amount of R-1336mzz-(Z) in the mixture is in a range from at or about 69% by weight to at or about 81% by weight, and an amount of R-1130-(E) in the mixture is in a range from at or about 31% by weight to at or about 19% by weight.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz
-
Publication number: 20210126457Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for power demand management are described herein. More specifically, embodiments comprise systems and methods for powering, controlling, and/or operating various types of controllable load for integration with power fluctuations from intermittent power generation plants, such as photovoltaic arrays and wind turbine farms.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2020Publication date: April 29, 2021Applicant: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Michael Sean Day, Matthew M. Corulli, Stephen A. Kujak, Ronald Maurice Cosby, II