Patents by Inventor Steven T. SOMMER

Steven T. SOMMER 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: 11378088
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20210372433
    Abstract: An improved variable geometry diffuser (VGD) mechanism for use with a centrifugal compressor. This VGD mechanism extends substantially completely into the diffuser gap so that the VGD mechanism may be used more fully to control other operational functions. The VGD mechanism may be used to minimize compressor backspin and associated transient loads during compressor shut down by preventing a reverse flow of refrigerant gas through the diffuser gap during compressor shutdown, which is prevented because the diffuser gap is substantially blocked by the full extension of the diffuser ring. During start-up, transient surge and stall also can be effectively eliminated as gas flow through the diffuser gap can be impeded as load and impeller speed increase, thereby alleviating the problems caused by startup loads at low speeds. The VGD mechanism can be used for capacity control as well so as to achieve more effective turndown at low loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Steven T. Sommer, Jeb W. Schreiber, Justin P. Kauffman, Kurt F. Nenstiel
  • Patent number: 11092166
    Abstract: An improved variable geometry diffuser (VGD) mechanism for use with a centrifugal compressor. This VGD mechanism extends substantially completely into the diffuser gap so that the VGD mechanism may be used more fully to control other operational functions. The VGD mechanism may be used to minimize compressor backspin and associated transient loads during compressor shut down by preventing a reverse flow of refrigerant gas through the diffuser gap during compressor shutdown, which is prevented because the diffuser gap is substantially blocked by the full extension of the diffuser ring. During start-up, transient surge and stall also can be effectively eliminated as gas flow through the diffuser gap can be impeded as load and impeller speed increase, thereby alleviating the problems caused by startup loads at low speeds. The VGD mechanism can be used for capacity control as well so as to achieve more effective turndown at low loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Steven T. Sommer, Jeb W. Schreiber, Justin P. Kauffman, Kurt F. Nenstiel
  • Publication number: 20190338785
    Abstract: An improved variable geometry diffuser (VGD) mechanism for use with a centrifugal compressor. This VGD mechanism extends substantially completely into the diffuser gap so that the VGD mechanism may be used more fully to control other operational functions. The VGD mechanism may be used to minimize compressor backspin and associated transient loads during compressor shut down by preventing a reverse flow of refrigerant gas through the diffuser gap during compressor shutdown, which is prevented because the diffuser gap is substantially blocked by the full extension of the diffuser ring. During start-up, transient surge and stall also can be effectively eliminated as gas flow through the diffuser gap can be impeded as load and impeller speed increase, thereby alleviating the problems caused by startup loads at low speeds. The VGD mechanism can be used for capacity control as well so as to achieve more effective turndown at low loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Steven T. Sommer, Jeb W. Schreiber, Justin P. Kauffman, Kurt F. Nenstiel (Deceased)
  • Patent number: 10378553
    Abstract: An improved variable geometry diffuser (VGD) mechanism for use with a centrifugal compressor. This VGD mechanism extends substantially completely into the diffuser gap so that the VGD mechanism may be used more fully to control other operational functions. The VGD mechanism may be used to minimize compressor backspin and associated transient loads during compressor shut down by preventing a reverse flow of refrigerant gas through the diffuser gap during compressor shutdown, which is prevented because the diffuser gap is substantially blocked by the full extension of the diffuser ring. During start-up, transient surge and stall also can be effectively eliminated as gas flow through the diffuser gap can be impeded as load and impeller speed increase, thereby alleviating the problems caused by startup loads at low speeds. The VGD mechanism can be used for capacity control as well so as to achieve more effective turndown at low loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Steven T. Sommer, Jeb W. Schreiber, Justin P. Kauffman, Kurt F. Nenstiel
  • Patent number: 9395111
    Abstract: A method for cooling a compressor motor (170) and a cooling circuit utilizing refrigerant that originates in the condenser (30) to cool a motor (170) and electromagnetic bearings (196, 206). The motor drives a compressor (20), while the electromagnetic bearings support the motor rotor (178) during operation of the compressor. Liquid refrigerant from the condenser is expanded into a two-phase mixture, passed over the stator, expanded a second time, passed over the bearings and between the stator and rotor, before being returned to an evaporator (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Steven T. Sommer, Jeb W. Schreiber, Steven J. Estes
  • Publication number: 20150226467
    Abstract: A method for cooling a compressor motor (170) and a cooling circuit utilizing refrigerant that originates in the condenser (30) to cool a motor (170) and electromagnetic bearings (196, 206). The motor drives a compressor (20), while the electromagnetic bearings support the motor rotor (178) during operation of the compressor. Liquid refrigerant from the condenser is expanded into a two-phase mixture, passed over the stator, expanded a second time, passed over the bearings and between the stator and rotor, before being returned to an evaporator (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven T. Sommer, Jeb W. Schreiber, Steven J. Estes
  • Publication number: 20140328667
    Abstract: An improved variable geometry diffuser (VGD) mechanism for use with a centrifugal compressor. This VGD mechanism extends substantially completely into the diffuser gap so that the VGD mechanism may be used more fully to control other operational functions. The VGD mechanism may be used to minimize compressor backspin and associated transient loads during compressor shut down by preventing a reverse flow of refrigerant gas through the diffuser gap during compressor shutdown, which is prevented because the diffuser gap is substantially blocked by the full extension of the diffuser ring. During start-up, transient surge and stall also can be effectively eliminated as gas flow through the diffuser gap can be impeded as load and impeller speed increase, thereby alleviating the problems caused by startup loads at low speeds. The VGD mechanism can be used for capacity control as well so as to achieve more effective turndown at low loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Steven T. Sommer, Jeb W. Schreiber, Justin P. Kauffman, Kurt F. Nenstiel (Deceased)
  • Patent number: 8516850
    Abstract: A cooling system for a motor powering a compressor in a vapor compression system includes a housing and a cavity within the housing. A first fluid circuit has a first connection to receive a refrigerant into the cavity, and a second connection to deliver refrigerant from the cavity to a heat exchanger for a heat transfer relationship with a heat-generating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Ivan Jadric, Steven J Estes, John C Hansen, Koman B Nambiar, Andrew M Welch, Steven T Sommer, Gregory K Beaverson
  • Patent number: 8434323
    Abstract: A cooling system for a motor powering a compressor in a vapor compression system includes a housing enclosing the motor and a cavity located within the housing. A fluid circuit circulates a cooling fluid in the motor, and includes a first connection in the housing to receive cooling fluid and a second connection in the housing to remove cooling fluid. The fluid circuit includes a passageway for cooling fluid positioned in an internal chamber formed in a motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Andrew M Welch, Steven J Estes, John C Hansen, Steven T Sommer, Gregory K Beaverson
  • Patent number: 8424339
    Abstract: A motor coolant method and system is used to cool a compressor motor (36) in a refrigeration system having a multi-stage compressor (38). The compressor includes a first compressor stage (42) and a second compressor stage (44), the first compressor stage providing compressed refrigerant to an input of the second compressor stage. The motor coolant system has a first connection with the refrigerant loop to receive refrigerant into the motor cavity for cooling, the received refrigerant provided from a system component having a high pressure, and a second connection with the refrigerant loop to return refrigerant to an intermediate pressure greater than an evaporator operating pressure. The pressure inside the motor cavity may be approximately the pressure within the first stage discharge and second stage suction to minimized seal leakage between the motor cavity and the internal pressures of the first and second stage compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Steven T. Sommer
  • Publication number: 20120100011
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20100307191
    Abstract: A motor coolant method and system is used to cool a compressor motor (36) in a refrigeration system having a multi-stage compressor (38). The compressor includes a first compressor stage (42) and a second compressor stage (44), the first compressor stage providing compressed refrigerant to an input of the second compressor stage. The motor coolant system has a first connection with the refrigerant loop to receive refrigerant into the motor cavity for cooling, the received refrigerant provided from a system component having a high pressure, and a second connection with the refrigerant loop to return refrigerant to an intermediate pressure greater than an evaporator operating pressure. The pressure inside the motor cavity may be approximately the pressure within the first stage discharge and second stage suction to minimized seal leakage between the motor cavity and the internal pressures of the first and second stage compressors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventor: Steven T. Sommer
  • Publication number: 20100006264
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a motor powering a compressor in a vapor compression system. The cooling system including a housing and a cavity within the housing. A first fluid circuit has a first connection to receive a refrigerant into the cavity, and a second connection to deliver refrigerant from the cavity to a heat exchanger for a heat transfer relationship with a heat-generating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Ivan JADRIC, Steven J. ESTES, John C. HANSEN, Koman B. NAMBIAR, Andrew M. WELCH, Steven T. SOMMER, Gregory K. BEAVERSON
  • Publication number: 20100006262
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a motor powering a compressor in a vapor compression system. The cooling system includes a housing enclosing the motor, and a cavity located within the housing. A fluid circuit circulates a cooling fluid in the motor, the fluid circuit having a first connection in the housing to receive cooling fluid, and a second connection in the housing to remove cooling fluid in fluid communication with the loop. The fluid circuit includes a passageway for cooling fluid positioned in an internal chamber formed in a motor shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew M. WELCH, Steven J. ESTES, John C. HANSEN, Steven T. SOMMER, Gregory K. BEAVERSON