Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Schultz

Kenneth J. Schultz 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).

  • Publication number: 20250026974
    Abstract: A refrigerant composition includes R1132(E) refrigerant, a second refrigerant, and a third refrigerant. The second refrigerant is one of R1234ze(E) refrigerant, R134a refrigerant, or R1234yf refrigerant. The third refrigerant is one of R32 refrigerant, R1132a refrigerant, R1123 refrigerant, and CO2. The refrigerant composition has a GWP of at or about or less than 750. A method of making a refrigerant composition for an HVACR system includes mixing an amount of R1132(E) refrigerant, an amount of a second refrigerant, and an amount of a third refrigerant. A method of retrofitting an HVACR system having an existing refrigerant composition includes adding at least one of R1132(E) refrigerant, a second refrigerant, and a third refrigerant to the existing refrigerant composition to obtain a retrofit refrigerant composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Inventors: Michael PETERSEN, Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz, Alexander Schmig
  • Publication number: 20240084181
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Petersen, Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20240077218
    Abstract: A dehumidifying air handling unit for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system includes a housing, a hollow desiccant drum configured to rotate within the housing, and a heat exchanger disposed within the hollow desiccant drum. The hollow desiccant drum includes channels that extend through a sidewall that surrounds an interior space. A desiccant is provided in the channels. The heat exchanger is configured to cool air flowing through the interior space of the hollow desiccant drum. A method of conditioning air includes rotating a hollow desiccant drum within a housing and directing the air to pass through the hollow desiccant drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Paul Gerard Hoertz, Charles John Bergh, Kenneth J. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20230349566
    Abstract: The AHU includes an air dehumidifying (AD) flow path, an air regeneration (AR) flow path, a first desiccant wheel and a second desiccant wheel each in the AD flow path and the AR flow path, a first cooler heat exchanger in the AD flow path, a second cooler in the AD flow path, and a heater disposed in the AR flow path. An HVACR system includes the AHU and a chiller configured to supply chiller liquid to the first cooler heat exchanger and the second cooler heat exchanger in the AHU. A method of conditioning air in an HVACR system includes directing air through the air dehumidifying (AD) flow path and directing air through an air regeneration (AR) flow path to regenerate the desiccant in a first desiccant wheel and the desiccant in a second desiccant wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Ronnie R. Moffitt, Patrick Birbarah, Kenneth J. Schultz, Chen Wei
  • Patent number: 11421924
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz, Elyse M. Sorenson, Morgan Elizabeth Herried Leehey
  • Patent number: 11351842
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz, Jeffrey B. Berge, Panayu Robert Srichai, Vladimir Sulc, Michal Kolda, John R. Sauls
  • Publication number: 20220127508
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Schultz, Stephen A. Kujak
  • Patent number: 11231205
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Maurice Cosby, II, Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz
  • Patent number: 11220620
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Schultz, Stephen A. Kujak
  • Patent number: 11198805
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20210341190
    Abstract: Purge systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) circuits in chillers can use adsorbent and/or membranes to separate refrigerant from non-condensable gases, allowing the non-condensables to be exhausted while the working fluid can be recovered and returned to the HVACR circuit. The purge systems can include one or more separation chambers including either an adsorbent material or a selectively permeable membrane. The selectively permeable membrane can be solubility-based for its selectivity. Optionally, a pusher pump can be upstream of the separation chambers to pressurize the purge gas through the purge system, including in the separation chamber. The purge system can be controlled using a model correlating pressure differentials in the purge system with purge gas conditions such as non-condensable and working fluid concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Ryan E. Doud, Marcos Eric Perez-Blanco, Elyse M. Sorenson, Abolfazl Maneshi, Lee L. Sibik, Erica L. Gallant, John R. Wold, Kenneth J. Schultz
  • Patent number: 11078392
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Schultz, Stephen A. Kujak
  • Patent number: 11015100
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Schultz, Stephen A. Kujak
  • Patent number: 11008493
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz
  • Patent number: 10969148
    Abstract: A system for detecting if a refrigerant in an HVACR system is contaminated. The system includes a detector that detectes a property of a refrigerant gas in a vapor space and compares the detected property with a reference property for uncontaminated refrigerant gas. The detector determines that a contaminant is present in the refrigerant gas if the detected property is different from the reference property. The property detected by the dectector can be either a speed of sound through the refrigerant gas or a thermal conductivity of the refrigerant gas. Also disclosed is a method for detecting contamination of refrigerant gas in a HVACR system that includes detecting, by a detector, a property of refrigerant gas in a vapor space of the HVACR system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Anthony Kujak, Julie Ann Majurin, Randal Newton, Kenneth J. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20210033323
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz, Elyse M. Sorenson, Morgan Elizabeth Herried Leehey
  • Publication number: 20200291282
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Schultz, Stephen A. Kujak
  • Publication number: 20200283664
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for reducing flammability in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system having R32 refrigerant included in the refrigerant composition. Refrigerant compositions and methods of use are described which can be used for retrofitting, servicing, controlling flammability, improving performance, lubricant solubility and miscibility, and improving the safety of an HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen A. KUJAK, Kenneth J. SCHULTZ
  • Patent number: 10724524
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a compressor system operable for compressing a working fluid such as air. A conditioner is positioned upstream of the compressor to reduce the humidity and in some embodiments may control a temperature of the working fluid entering the compressor. A working fluid aftercooler and a lubricant cooler is positioned downstream of the compressor. A first heat exchange system directs water from a source through the conditioner and then to the aftercooler and oil cooler in parallel. A second heat exchange system directs oil from the compressor to the oil cooler and then to a regenerator prior to reentry into the compressor. A control system with one or more control valves is configured to provide oil to the compressor at a target temperature defined to ensure that the temperature of the discharged compressor is above a pressure dew point temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Industrial U.S., Inc
    Inventors: Michael Peters, Kenneth J. Schultz, James Christopher Collins, Nicholas Able, Matthew Stinson, Srinivasa Rao Yenneti
  • Publication number: 20200172781
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen A. KUJAK, Kenneth J. SCHULTZ