Patents Assigned to Trane International Inc.
  • Patent number: 11162495
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system including a scroll compressor is disclosed. The scroll compressor includes a compression mechanism having an orbiting scroll and a non-orbiting scroll aligned in meshing engagement. The scroll compressor also includes an electric motor. A bearing housing is disposed between the compression mechanism and the electric motor. A lubricant drain is formed in the bearing housing. The lubricant drain is disposed in a location that lubricant draining from the bearing housing via the lubricant drain is directed toward the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Branch, Derrick Lepak
  • Patent number: 11162723
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling working fluid flow in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) unit for an HVACR system are disclosed. The unit includes a compressor having a motor and a drive. The unit also includes a condenser fluidly connected to the compressor. A subcooler is located downstream of the condenser. The unit further includes an evaporator fluidly connected to the condenser. Also the unit includes a controller. The unit also includes a bypass assembly connected to the condenser. The bypass assembly includes a bypass flow control device and a bypass fluid line controlled by the bypass flow control device. When a heat recovery demand is detected by the controller, the controller is configured to open the bypass flow control device to allow a first portion of working fluid to bypass the condenser or the subcooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jun Wang, Yves Jacques Raimbault, Daoud A. Jandal, Todd J. Love, Kevin D. Pfaff, Fred Ahlstrom
  • Patent number: 11162702
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for validating the installation and operation of a fault detection and diagnostic module that monitors a component of an HVAC system. A remote diagnostic server is in operative communication with the HVAC system, and with the fault detection and diagnostic module. A user device communicates data to the remote diagnostic server that defines an association between the fault detection and diagnostic module and the HVAC system. The remote diagnostic server initiates an installation validation by sending a command to the HVAC system that causes the monitored component to initiate an event that is expected to be reported by the fault detection and diagnostic module. For example, a fan motor is turned on. If correctly installed, the fault detection and diagnostic module senses the event, and reports the event to the remote diagnostic server, which confirms the association. The remote diagnostic server sends a message to the user device indicating the result of the validation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel John Blair, Drew Whitehurst, Carl L. Garrett, Christopher Blake Smith, Bradley T. Wilson, James W. Barnard
  • Publication number: 20210328481
    Abstract: Architectures or techniques are presented that can improve operation of permanent magnet (PM) motors, which can be part of a compressor or other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) device. Such improvements can be achieved by integration of inductive filtering into the motor assembly. A higher overall inductance can reduce current ripple and can further result in a lower total harmonic distortion, reduced power loss, and reduced heat generated. For example a first architecture can include a ferromagnetic core element in the PM motor that can cause a non-torque-producing reluctance path to the shaft. A second architecture can integrate a signal filter, which is customarily external, into a housing of the PM motor. Such can significant reduce costs and provide other advantages. A third architecture can couple an inductor (e.g., of the signal filter) to the shaft. Rotation of the shaft can thus serve to provide additional cooling for the inductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sykora, Seth M. McGill, Petri J. Mäki-Ontto
  • Patent number: 11137183
    Abstract: Oleophobic and/or philic surface(s) are utilized for oil separation, direction, and/or collection in a refrigeration system. Surfaces of component(s) of a refrigeration system (compressor, oil separator, evaporator, etc.) are produced to be oleophobic or philic. The oleophobic and/or philic surfaces are utilized to direct a flow path of oil within the refrigeration system or to prevent oil connection in an area. Refrigerant phobic and/or lubricant phobic material(s) also may be utilized to help promote separation of refrigerant vapor from refrigerant liquid and/or from oil in refrigeration systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Maurice Cosby, II, Stephen Anthony Kujak, Jay Johnson
  • Patent number: 11137180
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system includes a first compressor having a first capacity, a second compressor having a second capacity, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator fluidly connected. The first compressor and the second compressor are arranged in parallel. The first compressor includes a first lubricant sump. The second compressor includes a second lubricant sump. The first lubricant sump is fluidly connected to the second lubricant sump via a lubricant transfer conduit. A flow restrictor is disposed in the lubricant transfer conduit. The flow restrictor is configured to reduce a refrigerant flow between the first compressor and the second compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignees: TRANE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD., TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jun Ouyang, Long Zhang
  • Patent number: 11137156
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to subcooling control of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. An HVAC system may include a first electronic expansion valve (EEV) fluidly coupled to an indoor coil, wherein the first EEV is adjacent to the indoor coil. The HVAC system may also include a second EEV fluidly coupled to an outdoor coil, wherein the second EEV is adjacent to the outdoor coil. A system controller may be configured to control the first and second EEVs to control a flow of refrigerant to control subcooling (SC) produced by the HVAC system. The second EEV remains open during a cooling mode, and the first EEV modulates during the cooling mode. The second EEV modulates during a heating mode, and the first EEV remains open during the heating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Trane International Inc
    Inventor: Raymond Walter Rite
  • Patent number: 11131972
    Abstract: Systems and methods of improving building automation system (BAS) performance includes collecting performance parameters associated with building automation devices, comparing the parameters to a benchmark, and adjusting the performance benchmark to match the corresponding performance parameter if the corresponding performance parameter exceeds the performance benchmark, or utilizing the performance parameter and the identity of the building automation device associated therewith to remediate the performance defect. The collected performance parameters may be used to prioritize system tasks based on current system performance. A performance monitoring agent included in a building automation system controller or a device controller determines a performance parameter thereof to assess and benchmark BAS performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Glaser, Udhaya Kumar Dayalan, Thomas Christopher Basterash
  • Patent number: 11133957
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a CAN network topology for an HVAC communication system. The CAN network topology comprises at least three primary nodes having a predetermined termination impedance and a plurality of end nodes coupled to each primary node, wherein the predetermined termination impedance is set to the optimal setting of 180 ohms. Advantageously, the present disclosure eliminates the need for physically setting CAN node terminations. This reduces install time and removes variability of the install settings. Further, removing this variability reduces the risk for post-installation call-backs due to incorrect system setup. The present disclosure optimizes signal slew rate, which improves signal reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Ramon Portillo, Neal Harrington, Nathan Smith, Caleb A. Davis, Brad T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 11125482
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system is disclosed. The HVACR system includes a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator fluidly connected. A controller is electronically connected to the compressor. The controller is configured to prevent the compressor from operating at a speed that is less than a minimum speed limit. A lubricant separator has an inlet fluidly connected between the compressor and the condenser and a plurality of outlets. A first of the plurality of outlets is fluidly connected to the condenser. A second of the plurality of outlets is fluidly connected to one or more components of the compressor to provide a lubricant to the one or more components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Salesman, Kevin P. Hughes
  • Patent number: 11125465
    Abstract: A furnace is disclosed. The furnace may include an enclosure having a vertical support column formed by a heat exchanger compartment panel and a blower compartment panel. The furnace may include a window assembly having venting openings hidden by a viewing window. The furnace may also include a rail to support a removable heat exchanger system. The furnace may further include a wire retaining fin assembly to retain a wire. A heat exchanger header design including features to retain a sealant is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Hamilton Hanks, Nathan Wagers, Thomas Gort
  • Patent number: 11125480
    Abstract: An HVACR system includes first and second compressors arranged in parallel, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator, and a lubricant separator fluidly connected. The first compressor includes a first lubricant sump and a first suction inlet. The second compressor includes a second lubricant sump and a second suction inlet. The lubricant separator is disposed between the evaporator and the first and second compressors, and includes a fluid inlet and two fluid outlets. A first of the two fluid outlets is fluidly connected to at least one of the first and second lubricant sumps. A second of the two fluid outlets is fluidly connected to the first and second suction inlets. The second fluid outlet includes a nozzle disposed within a flow passage of the lubricant separator such that a space is maintained between an outer surface of the nozzle and an inner surface of the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kristin Rice Sullivan, Eric S. Mlsna, Andrew Thomas Plzak, James P. Crolius
  • Patent number: 11118822
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Kujak
  • Patent number: 11112157
    Abstract: A system includes first and second compressors arranged in parallel, a condenser, expansion device, evaporator, and flow control device fluidly connected. The first compressor includes a first lubricant sump and the second compressor including a second lubricant sump. A lubricant transfer conduit fluidly connects the first lubricant sump and the second lubricant sump. The flow control device is disposed between the evaporator and the first and second compressors, and includes a fluid inlet and two fluid outlets. A first of the two fluid outlets is fluidly connected to the first compressor, a second of the two fluid outlets is fluidly connected to the second compressor. The second fluid outlet includes a nozzle disposed within a flow passage of the flow control device such that a space is maintained between an outer surface of the nozzle and an inner surface of the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: James P. Crolius, Matthew Cambio
  • Patent number: 11105531
    Abstract: An air handling unit has a blower assembly, a first interior zone, and a second interior zone and the blower assembly physically separates the first interior zone from the second interior zone. A method includes providing a cabinet configured to receive a blower assembly, inserting a blower assembly into the air duct, and closing a cabinet door of the cabinet, wherein upon closing the cabinet door, the primary air flow path from a location within the cabinet downstream of the blower assembly to a location within the cabinet upstream of the blower assembly is through a blower housing of the blower assembly. A blower assembly has a blower housing comprising at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet and a blower deck extending from the outlet, wherein the blower deck comprises at least one substantially flat component having a substantially orthogonal wall extending from the flat component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Kirk W. Beason
  • Patent number: 11108286
    Abstract: An electrical machine has passages in the coil ends of a stator. The passages have an inlet port and an exit port disposed at different locations. The passages remove heat from the electrical machine during operation. The passages formed in the coil ends can receive a cooling fluid discharged from cooling passages formed in a stator core. Tooling can be used to form the passages. In some embodiments passages are also formed in the rotor. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for electrical machines and the cooling of electrical machine rotors and/or stators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: Fredrik Boxberg
  • Patent number: 11105544
    Abstract: A refrigerant circuit is disclosed. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, a first expansion device, an economizer, a second expansion device, and an evaporator fluidly connected. A working fluid flows through the refrigerant circuit. A bypass segment is fluidly connected to the refrigerant circuit. A portion of the working fluid is provided from the refrigerant circuit to the bypass segment from a location in the refrigerant circuit disposed between the condenser and the evaporator with respect to flow of the working fluid. The portion of the working fluid flows through the bypass segment in a flow enabled state and is provided to a location in the refrigerant circuit disposed between the economizer and the evaporator with respect to flow of the working fluid. A vortical flow is induced at the location in the refrigerant circuit disposed between the economizer and the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Maurice Cosby, II, Brian T. Sullivan, Steven J. Pitts, Thomas Gallant
  • Patent number: 11092365
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed to help create longitudinal refrigerant streams, for example, in a shell and tube type evaporator, so as to manage refrigerant and/or lubricant in the evaporator. In some embodiments, the shell side of the evaporator may include a plurality of longitudinally extended pans stacked in a vertical direction. In some embodiments, refrigerant can be directed onto a top pan. The refrigerant can form a longitudinal refrigerant stream along the pan and flow down to the next pan in the vertical direction and form another longitudinal refrigerant stream. Each of the pans may form a refrigerant pool to help exchange heat with a process fluid carried in heat exchanger tubes. By forming longitudinal refrigerant streams in the pans, heat exchange efficiency may be improved and a lubricant content in refrigerant streams may be concentrated toward a bottom of the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Bin Liu, Jing Ma, Fei Huang
  • Patent number: 11092151
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors are described. The method generally allows the system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors, to maximize unit modulating capability. The method allows the use of a variable speed compressor that is relatively smaller, which can lead to cost savings, easier installation, manufacturing, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: John Qianghua Zhou, Roger Joseph Voorhis, Caleb Ryan Joiner, Benjamin Hayes, James Philip Crolius, William Hansen
  • Patent number: 11085684
    Abstract: The unloading of multi-stage compressors may include the introduction of flow from a gas bypass from a condenser into a second-stage inlet duct to induce a swirl in the flow into second stage compression. This unloading may be performed on multi-stage compressors in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) circuits that include a gas bypass from a condenser to the second-stage inlet housing of the compressor. The multi-stage compressor may include an impeller inlet duct including a flow straightener receiving fluid flow from the first stage discharge, and one or more channels to introduce gas from the gas bypass into the flow passing through the impeller inlet duct. The flow introduced by the channels may have a direction of flow including a component opposite to the direction of flow of the fluid flow from the first stage discharge via the flow straightener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Lee L. Sibik