Patents by Inventor Curtis Christian Crane
Curtis Christian Crane 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).
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Patent number: 11920843Abstract: A chiller includes an evaporator, a compressor including a prime mover, a first pressure sensor that detects a first pressure in the evaporator, a second pressure sensor that detects a second pressure in a condenser, and a controller. The controller determines a predicted energy level of the compressor based on the first pressure and the second pressure, the predicted energy level associated with liquid droplet flow into the compressor, compares the predicted energy level to an operating energy level, and modifies the at least one of the input power and the input current to the prime mover based on the comparison satisfying a modification condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLPInventors: Shimin Sheng, Xiuping Su, Shenglong Wang, Curtis Christian Crane, Mark Robinson Bodell, II, Justin Patrick Kauffman
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Patent number: 11686511Abstract: A method of cooling a motor coupled to a compressor of a chiller includes adjusting a position of a motor cooling valve located fluidly between the motor and a refrigerant source, using a motor temperature control system coupled to the motor cooling valve to regulate an amount of refrigerant introduced into the motor from the condenser according to a temperature control scheme performed as a function of a monitored temperature in the motor, a first temperature threshold, and a second temperature threshold lower than the first temperature threshold. The temperature control scheme includes a motor cooling control process that adjusts the position of the motor cooling valve based on a stator winding temperature set point relating to stator windings of the motor. A proportionally limited close command override associated with a first temperature range above the second temperature threshold proportionally limits a close command provided to the motor cooling valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLPInventor: Curtis Christian Crane
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Publication number: 20230147950Abstract: A compressor includes a diffuser passage configured to receive refrigerant flow from an impeller of the compressor, where the diffuser passage is at least partially defined by a compressor discharge plate of the compressor. The compressor also includes a variable geometry diffuser positioned within the diffuser passage and configured to adjust a dimension of a refrigerant flow path through the diffuser passage, an actuator coupled to the variable geometry diffuser and configured to adjust a position of the variable geometry diffuser within the diffuser passage, and a controller configured to regulate operation of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2021Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Bryson Lee Sheaffer, Jordan Quinn Steiner, Paul William Snell, Curtis Christian Crane
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Publication number: 20230144991Abstract: A chiller includes an evaporator, a compressor including a prime mover, a first pressure sensor that detects a first pressure in the evaporator, a second pressure sensor that detects a second pressure in a condenser, and a controller. The controller determines a predicted energy level of the compressor based on the first pressure and the second pressure, the predicted energy level associated with liquid droplet flow into the compressor, compares the predicted energy level to an operating energy level, and modifies the at least one of the input power and the input current to the prime mover based on the comparison satisfying a modification condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2022Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Shimin Sheng, Xiuping Su, Shenglong Wang, Curtis Christian Crane, Mark Robinson Bodell, II, Justin Patrick Kauffman
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Patent number: 11499768Abstract: A chiller includes an evaporator, a compressor including a prime mover, a first pressure sensor that detects a first pressure in the evaporator, a second pressure sensor that detects a second pressure in a condenser, and a controller. The controller determines a predicted energy level of the compressor based on the first pressure and the second pressure, the predicted energy level associated with liquid droplet flow into the compressor, compares the predicted energy level to an operating energy level, and modifies the at least one of the input power and the input current to the prime mover based on the comparison satisfying a modification condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLPInventors: Shimin Sheng, Xiuping Su, Shenglong Wang, Curtis Christian Crane, Mark Robinson Bodell, II, Justin Patrick Kauffman
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Patent number: 11480373Abstract: A chiller system includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator in fluid communication. A motor drives the compressor. A variable speed drive powers the motor. An oil heater and pump system circulate heated lubricating oil in the compressor. A control panel is arranged to determine whether an input parameter is greater than or equal to a threshold parameter; deactivate the VSD in response to sensing that the input parameter is less than the threshold parameter; determine at least one chiller capacity control parameter at a point when the VSD is deactivated, and maintain the at least one chiller capacity control parameter while the VSD is deactivated; determine that the input parameter has been restored; determine a motor rotation and motor rotational speed; and in response to determining that the input parameter is restored and the motor is rotating in a forward direction, reactivate the VSD.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLPInventors: Curtis Christian Crane, Mark Bodell, II, Curtis G. Rager, John C. Hansen, Dean K. Norbeck
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Patent number: 11378088Abstract: A control system is provided that can identify the occurrence of a single surge cycle in centrifugal compressor using various methods and devices. Once the occurrence of a single surge cycle is identified, the control system can take remedial action to respond to the surge cycle, such as by adjusting the position of a variable geometry diffuser, and restore the centrifugal compressor to stable operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLPInventors: Steven T. Sommer, Curtis Christian Crane, Florin Iancu, John Trevino, Jr., Robert E. Stabley, Gregory K. Beaverson, Eric J. Smyder, Patrick C. Marks, Rudy Chervil
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Patent number: 11340002Abstract: A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that includes a vapor compression system having a refrigerant, a compressor of the vapor compression system configured to circulate the refrigerant through the vapor compression system, an expansion device of the vapor compression system configured to adjust a flow of the refrigerant through the vapor compression system, and a controller configured to adjust a position of the expansion device based on a measured amount of superheat of the refrigerant entering the compressor, a measured discharge temperature of the refrigerant leaving the compressor, or a combination thereof, such that the measured amount of superheat of the refrigerant entering the compressor reaches a target amount of superheat, the measured discharge temperature of the refrigerant leaving the compressor reaches a target discharge temperature, or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2018Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLPInventors: Gail Elaine Lindberg, Curtis Christian Crane, Carlos Jose Uribe
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Patent number: 11073319Abstract: A control system includes processing and memory circuitry, the memory circuitry storing a temperature-based capacity control scheme for a chiller system and the processing circuitry being configured to perform the temperature-based capacity control scheme. The motor temperature-based capacity control scheme is performed as a function of a monitored temperature in a motor configured to drive a compressor of the chiller system, a first temperature threshold corresponding to the monitored temperature, and a second temperature threshold corresponding to the monitored temperature higher than the first temperature threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Curtis Christian Crane
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Publication number: 20210207861Abstract: A chiller includes an evaporator, a compressor including a prime mover, a first pressure sensor that detects a first pressure in the evaporator, a second pressure sensor that detects a second pressure in a condenser, and a controller. The controller determines a predicted energy level of the compressor based on the first pressure and the second pressure, the predicted energy level associated with liquid droplet flow into the compressor, compares the predicted energy level to an operating energy level, and modifies the at least one of the input power and the input current to the prime mover based on the comparison satisfying a modification condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2018Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Shimin Sheng, Xiuping Su, Shenglong Wang, Curtis Christian Crane, Mark Robinson Bodell, II, Justin Patrick Kauffman
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Publication number: 20210010732Abstract: A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that includes a vapor compression system having a refrigerant, a compressor of the vapor compression system configured to circulate the refrigerant through the vapor compression system, an expansion device of the vapor compression system configured to adjust a flow of the refrigerant through the vapor compression system, and a controller configured to adjust a position of the expansion device based on a measured amount of superheat of the refrigerant entering the compressor, a measured discharge temperature of the refrigerant leaving the compressor, or a combination thereof, such that the measured amount of superheat of the refrigerant entering the compressor reaches a target amount of superheat, the measured discharge temperature of the refrigerant leaving the compressor reaches a target discharge temperature, or a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2018Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Gail Elaine Lindberg, Curtis Christian Crane, Carlos Jose Uribe
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Publication number: 20200386460Abstract: A method of cooling a motor coupled to a compressor of a chiller includes adjusting a position of a motor cooling valve located fluidly between the motor and a refrigerant source, using a motor temperature control system coupled to the motor cooling valve to regulate an amount of refrigerant introduced into the motor from the condenser according to a temperature control scheme performed as a function of a monitored temperature in the motor, a first temperature threshold, and a second temperature threshold lower than the first temperature threshold. The temperature control scheme includes a motor cooling control process that adjusts the position of the motor cooling valve based on a stator winding temperature set point relating to stator windings of the motor. A proportionally limited close command override associated with a first temperature range above the second temperature threshold proportionally limits a close command provided to the motor cooling valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventor: Curtis Christian Crane
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Patent number: 10782057Abstract: A method of cooling a motor coupled to a compressor of a chiller includes adjusting a position of a motor cooling valve located fluidly between the motor and a refrigerant source, using a motor temperature control system coupled to the motor cooling valve to regulate an amount of refrigerant introduced into the motor from the condenser according to a temperature control scheme performed as a function of a monitored temperature in the motor, a first temperature threshold, and a second temperature threshold lower than the first temperature threshold. The temperature control scheme includes a motor cooling control process that adjusts the position of the motor cooling valve based on a stator winding temperature set point relating to stator windings of the motor. A proportionally limited close command override associated with a first temperature range above the second temperature threshold proportionally limits a close command provided to the motor cooling valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Curtis Christian Crane
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Patent number: 10458690Abstract: A control system controls the output capacity of a compressor to avoid surge conditions in the compressor. The control system determines a capacity control output for the compressor and then modifies the capacity control output in view of any output limiters or overrides as determined by system operating parameters and to maintain a minimum frequency of operation for the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Curtis Christian Crane
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Publication number: 20190323751Abstract: A chiller system includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator in fluid communication. A motor drives the compressor. A variable speed drive powers the motor. An oil heater and pump system circulate heated lubricating oil in the compressor. A control panel is arranged to determine whether an input parameter is greater than or equal to a threshold parameter; deactivate the VSD in response to sensing that the input parameter is less than the threshold parameter; determine at least one chiller capacity control parameter at a point when the VSD is deactivated, and maintain the at least one chiller capacity control parameter while the VSD is deactivated; determine that the input parameter has been restored; determine a motor rotation and motor rotational speed; and in response to determining that the input parameter is restored and the motor is rotating in a forward direction, reactivate the VSD.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Inventors: Curtis Christian Crane, Mark Bodell, II, Curtis G. Rager, John C. Hansen, Dean K. Norbeck
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Publication number: 20190203998Abstract: A method of cooling a motor coupled to a compressor of a chiller includes adjusting a position of a motor cooling valve located fluidly between the motor and a refrigerant source, using a motor temperature control system coupled to the motor cooling valve to regulate an amount of refrigerant introduced into the motor from the condenser according to a temperature control scheme performed as a function of a monitored temperature in the motor, a first temperature threshold, and a second temperature threshold lower than the first temperature threshold. The temperature control scheme includes a motor cooling control process that adjusts the position of the motor cooling valve based on a stator winding temperature set point relating to stator windings of the motor. A proportionally limited close command override associated with a first temperature range above the second temperature threshold proportionally limits a close command provided to the motor cooling valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2018Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventor: Curtis Christian Crane
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Publication number: 20190203996Abstract: A control system includes processing and memory circuitry, the memory circuitry storing a temperature-based capacity control scheme for a chiller system and the processing circuitry being configured to perform the temperature-based capacity control scheme. The motor temperature-based capacity control scheme is performed as a function of a monitored temperature in a motor configured to drive a compressor of the chiller system, a first temperature threshold corresponding to the monitored temperature, and a second temperature threshold corresponding to the monitored temperature higher than the first temperature threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2018Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventor: Curtis Christian Crane
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Patent number: 10337781Abstract: A chiller system includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator in fluid communication. A motor drives the compressor. A variable speed drive powers the motor. An oil heater and pump system circulate heated lubricating oil in the compressor. A control panel is arranged to determine whether an input parameter is greater than or equal to a threshold parameter; deactivate the VSD in response to sensing that the input parameter is less than the threshold parameter; determine at least one chiller capacity control parameter at a point when the VSD is deactivated, and maintain the at least one chiller capacity control parameter while the VSD is deactivated; determine that the input parameter has been restored; determine a motor rotation and motor rotational speed; and in response to determining that the input parameter is restored and the motor is rotating in a forward direction, reactivate the VSD.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2013Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Curtis Christian Crane, Mark Bodell, II, Curtis G. Rager, John C. Hansen, Dean K. Norbeck
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Patent number: 9574805Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling temperature of a compressor motor (170) having a motor cooling circuit in a refrigeration system (1014) is provided. The motor cooling circuit includes a second expansion valve (1043) providing fluid communication between the condenser and the compressor motor. The compressor motor (170) is in fluid communication with the refrigeration circuit (1014) between downstream of the first expansion valve (1040) and a compressor inlet. Refrigerant is provided as a cooling fluid to the motor cooling circuit. A primary PID loop (402) and a secondary PID loop (414) are used to control the temperature and the flow of refrigerant to the motor (170).Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Liming Yang, Curtis Christian Crane
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Publication number: 20160245559Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling temperature of a compressor motor (170) having a motor cooling circuit in a refrigeration system (1014) is provided. The motor cooling circuit includes a second expansion valve (1043) providing fluid communication between the condenser and the compressor motor. The compressor motor (170) is in fluid communication with the refrigeration circuit (1014) between downstream of the first expansion valve (1040) and a compressor inlet. Refrigerant is provided as a cooling fluid to the motor cooling circuit. A primary PID loop (402) and a secondary PID loop (414) are used to control the temperature and the flow of refrigerant to the motor (170).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2014Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventors: Liming YANG, Curtis Christian CRANE