Patents by Inventor Timothy C. Ernst

Timothy C. Ernst 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: 20240097240
    Abstract: A cooling system for an electrified vehicle includes a first cooling loop for circulating coolant for cooling at least one of power electronics and a motor/generator of the vehicle. The first coolant loop includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the coolant in the first cooling loop. A second cooling loop is provided for circulating coolant for cooling a battery of the vehicle. The second cooling loop includes a coolant chiller connected to a refrigeration system of the vehicle for exchanging heat in the coolant received from the battery with the refrigeration system of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Jonathan A. Dickson, Manik Narula
  • Publication number: 20240084727
    Abstract: Heating of the charge air in an intake is provided by a working fluid that is circulated through the intake to exchange heat with the charge air. The heated charge air can be used in response to a thermal management condition for an exhaust gas produced by operation of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Daniel J. Mohr
  • Patent number: 11862779
    Abstract: A cooling system for an electrified vehicle includes a first cooling loop for circulating coolant for cooling at least one of power electronics and a motor/generator of the vehicle. The first coolant loop includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the coolant in the first cooling loop. A second cooling loop is provided for circulating coolant for cooling a battery of the vehicle. The second cooling loop includes a coolant chiller connected to a refrigeration system of the vehicle for exchanging heat in the coolant received from the battery with the refrigeration system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Jonathan A. Dickson, Manik Narula
  • Patent number: 11833902
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes an engine, a transmission, a differential, and a waste heat recovery (WHR) drive that converts thermal energy into mechanical and electrical energy. The WHR drive can include a WHR power unit structured to convert thermal energy into rotation of a WHR drive shaft. A motor/generator having a motor/generator shaft can selectively operate as a motor or a generator. A mechanical linkage is structured to selectively link an output shaft to one of the WHR drive shaft and the motor/generator drive shaft independently of the other of the WHR drive shaft and the motor/generator drive shaft. The output shaft is selectively coupled to one of the engine, the transmission, or the differential. The vehicle system may also include a traction motor to provide drive to the vehicle. The output shaft can be selectively coupled to the traction motor or the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Manik Narula, Timothy C. Ernst, Michael J. Ruth, Jonathan A. Dickson, J. Steven Kolhouse, Nimish Bagayatkar
  • Patent number: 11820359
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery (WHR) hybrid power system can be utilized in vehicles to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. The WHR system can include a WHR power unit structured to convert thermal energy into rotation of a WHR drive shaft. A motor/generator having a motor/generator shaft can selectively operate as a motor or a generator. A mechanical linkage can be structured to selectively link a output shaft to one of the WHR drive shaft and the motor/generator drive shaft independently of the other of the WHR drive shaft and the motor/generator drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Manik Narula, Timothy C. Ernst, Michael J. Ruth, Jonathan A. Dickson, J. Steven Kolhouse, Nimish Bagayatkar
  • Patent number: 11739665
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery (WHR) system that can be utilized in internal combustion engine systems includes at least two circuits, one having a low pressure working fluid and another having a high pressure working fluid. Each circuit can include heat exchangers to allow the working fluid to absorb heat form one or more heat source fluids associated with the engine. The system can also include an expander configured to receive the working fluid from the at least two circuits, and generating mechanical power. The system also can include a condenser, a sub cooler, and at least one working fluid pump to pump the working fluid in the at least two circuits. The cooling system also includes a controller that can receive temperature and pressure values from various locations in the WHR system and control at least the flow rates of the working fluids in the at least two circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, James A. Zigan, Jared Carpenter Delahanty
  • Publication number: 20230117810
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system for an engine system includes a first charge air cooler in communication with a working fluid path of the waste heat recovery system. The first charge air cooler includes a first waste heat recovery core and a first cooling fluid core. The first waste heat recovery core includes a first working fluid inlet configured to receive a working fluid from the working fluid path. The first working fluid conduit is coupled to the first working fluid inlet and a first working fluid outlet. The first cooling fluid core includes a first cooling fluid inlet in fluid communication with a cooling fluid source and a first cooling fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the first cooling fluid inlet and a first cooling fluid outlet. The first cooling fluid conduit is configured to direct cooling fluid from the first cooling fluid inlet to the first cooling fluid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: Jared Carpenter Delahanty, Timothy C. Ernst, Achyut Paudel
  • Publication number: 20220316425
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system comprising a thermal circuit. The thermal circuit includes a boiler and an expander fluidly coupled to the boiler. The thermal circuit further includes a power transfer system integrated to the expander. The power transfer system is configured to receive mechanical energy from the expander. The thermal circuit further includes an ejector fluidly coupled to the boiler and to the power transfer system. The ejector is configured to receive a motive flow of working fluid from the boiler. The ejector is further configured to receive a suction flow of working fluid from the power transfer system. The ejector is further configured to combine the motive flow of working fluid and the suction flow of working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Jared Carpenter Delahanty, Nathan Thomas Honican
  • Publication number: 20220228513
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery (WHR) system that can be utilized in internal combustion engine systems includes at least two circuits, one having a low pressure working fluid and another having a high pressure working fluid. Each circuit can include heat exchangers to allow the working fluid to absorb heat form one or more heat source fluids associated with the engine. The system can also include an expander configured to receive the working fluid from the at least two circuits, and generating mechanical power. The system also can include a condenser, a sub cooler, and at least one working fluid pump to pump the working fluid in the at least two circuits. The cooling system also includes a controller that can receive temperature and pressure values from various locations in the WHR system and control at least the flow rates of the working fluids in the at least two circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, James A. Zigan, Jared Carpenter Delahanty
  • Patent number: 11187185
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system comprising a thermal circuit. The thermal circuit includes a boiler and an expander fluidly coupled to the boiler. The thermal circuit further includes a power transfer system integrated to the expander. The power transfer system is configured to receive mechanical energy from the expander. The thermal circuit further includes an ejector fluidly coupled to the boiler and to the power transfer system. The ejector is configured to receive a motive flow of working fluid from the boiler. The ejector is further configured to receive a suction flow of working fluid from the power transfer system. The ejector is further configured to combine the motive flow of working fluid and the suction flow of working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Jared Carpenter Delahanty, Nathan Thomas Honican
  • Publication number: 20210300328
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery (WHR) hybrid power system can be utilized in vehicles to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. The WHR system can include a WHR power unit structured to convert thermal energy into rotation of a WHR drive shaft. A motor/generator having a motor/generator shaft can selectively operate as a motor or a generator. A mechanical linkage can be structured to selectively link a output shaft to one of the WHR drive shaft and the motor/generator drive shaft independently of the other of the WHR drive shaft and the motor/generator drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: Manik Narula, Timothy C. Ernst, Michael J. Ruth, Jonathan A. Dickson, J. Steven Kolhouse, Nimish Bagayatkar
  • Publication number: 20210305644
    Abstract: A cooling system for an electrified vehicle includes a first cooling loop for circulating coolant for cooling at least one of power electronics and a motor/generator of the vehicle. The first coolant loop includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the coolant in the first cooling loop. A second cooling loop is provided for circulating coolant for cooling a battery of the vehicle. The second cooling loop includes a coolant chiller connected to a refrigeration system of the vehicle for exchanging heat in the coolant received from the battery with the refrigeration system of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Jonathan A. Dickson, Manik Narula
  • Patent number: 11125139
    Abstract: An engine cooling system comprises an engine cooling circuit, comprising a first pump structured to circulate engine coolant fluid therethrough. A remote coolant radiator positioned along the engine cooling circuit downstream of the engine and outside of a vehicle cooling package area is structured to transfer heat from the engine coolant fluid to air. A coolant heat exchanger is positioned along the engine cooling circuit in parallel to the remote coolant radiator. A waste heat recovery system comprises a working fluid circuit comprising a second pump. The coolant heat exchanger is positioned along the working fluid circuit and is structured to transfer heat from the engine coolant fluid to the working fluid. An expander is structured to convert energy from the heat transferred to the working fluid from the engine cooling fluid to mechanical energy. A condenser positioned downstream of the expander is structured to cool the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Christopher R. Nelson, Jared Carpenter Delahanty
  • Patent number: 11092069
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery (WHR) system and method for regulating exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooling is described. More particularly, a Rankine cycle WHR system and method is described, including an arrangement to improve the precision of EGR cooling for engine efficiency improvement and thermal management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Nelson, Timothy C. Ernst
  • Patent number: 11008972
    Abstract: A system for cooling a cylinder head includes a cylinder head, a cylinder block, and a waste heat recovery system. The cylinder head includes a first water jacket and a second water jacket. The cylinder block is coupled to the cylinder head. The cylinder block includes a third water jacket. The first water jacket is coupled to a first cooling circuit. The second water jacket is coupled to a second cooling circuit. The third water jacket is coupled to a third cooling circuit. The waste heat recovery system is coupled to at least one of the first cooling circuit, the second cooling circuit, and the third cooling circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Stanley, Jason R. Griffin, Timothy C. Ernst
  • Patent number: 11001250
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery (WHR) hybrid power system can be utilized in vehicles to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. The WHR system can include a WHR power unit structured to convert thermal energy into rotation of a WHR drive shaft. A motor/generator having a motor/generator shaft can selectively operate as a motor or a generator. A mechanical linkage can be structured to selectively link a output shaft to one of the WHR drive shaft and the motor/generator drive shaft independently of the other of the WHR drive shaft and the motor/generator drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Manik Narula, Timothy C. Ernst, Michael J. Ruth, Jonathan A. Dickson, J. Steven Kolhouse, Nimish Bagayatkar
  • Patent number: 10968785
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system (100) is provided. At least one heat exchanger (104) is fluidically coupled to a waste heat source (102) and is configured for selectively recovering heat from the waste heat source (102) to heat a working fluid (108). An energy conversion device (112) is fluidically coupled to the at least one heat exchanger (104) and is configured to receive the working fluid (108) and to generate an energy for performing work or transferring the energy to another device using the heat recovered from the waste heat source (102). A condenser (122) is fluidically coupled to the energy conversion device (112) and configured to receive the working fluid (108) from the energy conversion device (112) and to condense the working fluid (108) into a liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Jared C. Delahanty, Timothy C. Ernst, J. Steven Kolhouse, Brett A. Boas
  • Patent number: 10914228
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery (WHR) and coolant system with active coolant pressure control includes an engine cooling system, a WHR system, and a coolant pressure control system. A coolant heat exchanger positioned along each of the engine cooling and working fluid circuits, and is structured to transfer heat from the coolant fluid to the working fluid. The coolant pressure control system includes a pressure line operatively coupled to an air brake system and to the coolant tank. A valve is coupled to the pressure line upstream of the coolant tank. A coolant pressure controller is in operative communication with each of the valve, an air pressure sensor, and a coolant temperature sensor. The coolant pressure controller is structured to determine a target coolant pressure based on a coolant temperature and control a valve position of the valve so as to cause the air pressure to approach the target coolant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, James A. Zigan, John Scott Blackwell
  • Patent number: 10900383
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and an expander. The first heat exchanger receives working fluid from a first portion of a first loop and provides the working fluid to a second portion of the first loop. The second heat exchanger receives the working fluid from a first portion of a second loop and provides the working fluid to a second portion of the second loop. The expander provides the working fluid to a first portion of a common line. The expander includes a stator. The stator includes a first inlet and a second inlet. The common line provides the working fluid to both the first loop and the second loop upstream of the first portion of the first loop and upstream of the first portion of the second loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Christopher R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20210001703
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes an engine, a transmission, a differential, and a waste heat recovery (WHR) drive that converts thermal energy into mechanical and electrical energy. The WHR drive can include a WHR power unit structured to convert thermal energy into rotation of a WHR drive shaft. A motor/generator having a motor/generator shaft can selectively operate as a motor or a generator. A mechanical linkage is structured to selectively link an output shaft to one of the WHR drive shaft and the motor/generator drive shaft independently of the other of the WHR drive shaft and the motor/generator drive shaft. The output shaft is selectively coupled to one of the engine, the transmission, or the differential. The vehicle system may also include a traction motor to provide drive to the vehicle. The output shaft can be selectively coupled to the traction motor or the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: Manik Narula, Timothy C. Ernst, Michael J. Ruth, Jonathan A. Dickson, J. Steven Kolhouse, Nimish Bagayatkar