Craig Kersten

Title: Craig Kersten: Innovator in Refrigerant Charge Technology

Introduction

Craig Kersten is a notable inventor based in Mooresville, Indiana, who has made significant contributions to the field of air conditioning systems. With a total of 2 patents, he has developed innovative methods for determining the adequacy of refrigerant charge, which is crucial for the efficient operation of air conditioning units.

Latest Patents

One of Craig's latest patents is the "Refrigerant charge adequacy gauge." This invention provides a method and apparatus for assessing the sufficiency of refrigerant charge in an air conditioning system using only two temperature measurements. By sensing the temperature of the liquid refrigerant leaving the condenser coil and the temperature of the condenser coil itself, the difference between these two measurements is calculated to indicate the adequacy of refrigerant charge. The process is refined to eliminate measurements during transient operations and filter signals to reduce noise. A permitted threshold of deviation is calculated using probability theory.

Another significant patent is the "Dual thermochromic liquid crystal temperature sensing for refrigerant charge indication." This invention determines the sufficiency of refrigerant charge by comparing two sensed temperatures in the system. One temperature is the liquid line temperature, while the other is either the outdoor temperature or the condenser coil temperature. In one embodiment, the two temperatures are displayed on thermochromic strips, providing a visual indication of refrigerant charge adequacy. In another embodiment, the temperatures are displayed using LEDs and a temperature scale marker, allowing users to easily assess whether the refrigerant charge is optimized.

Career Highlights

Craig Kersten is currently employed at Carrier Corporation, a leading company in the HVAC industry. His work focuses on enhancing air conditioning systems through innovative technologies that improve efficiency and performance.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Craig has collaborated with talented individuals such as Timothy P. Galante and Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan, contributing to the advancement of refrigerant charge technologies.

Conclusion

Craig Kersten's innovative work in refrigerant charge technology has significantly impacted the air conditioning industry. His patents reflect a commitment to improving system efficiency and performance, making him a valuable contributor to the field.