Product certification expert Darryl Denton and Acoustics expert Stephen Lind took home the 2018 Richard C. Schulze Award at the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) leadership forum in Tucson, AZ, yesterday. Both seasoned engineers have made a mark on their respective fields, and both work for Trane, a brand of Ingersoll Rand.
The award winners earned the distinction through decades of service to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. Darryl established the Lab Evaluation and Adjustment Plan (LEAP) program to standardize third-party HVAC testing, and Stephen’s sound modeling and predictions have helped countless customers design building HVAC systems with acoustics in mind.
Standardizing third-party HVAC testing
Darryl and Stephen have made a difference through their outstanding contributions to AHRI"
“Darryl and Stephen have made a difference to our profession through their outstanding contributions to AHRI and the entire HVAC community,” said Stephen Yurek, president and CEO of AHRI, who noted it’s rare for professionals from the same company to take home the award in consecutive years, let alone in the same year.
Stephen adds, “Their knowledge and commitment to excellence represent the high standards of this organization On behalf of AHRI, we thank them for their combined 40 years of service to our industry.”
AC assessment training expert
Darryl Denton, Trane systems engineer, in Tyler, TX, has helped countless HVAC professionals through his mentorship. His innovative thinking and technical expertise also make him a go-to resource for air-conditioning assessment testing and instrumentation.
“Trane’s success comes through Darryl’s passion,” said Matthew Pereira, vice president of engineering and technology for Trane’s residential business. “The HVAC industry is constantly evolving, and accurate test data is vital. Darryl’s expertise and contributions are invaluable to our company and our customers.”
LEAP program for standardized testing
Since the early 1990s, Darryl has been a voting member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard Project Committee 37. Darryl, who has been with Trane since 1999, developed the LEAP program for standardized testing. He remains active on multiple AHRI committees including the compliance, technical and engineering committees. Stephen is an acoustic engineer for Trane Commercial in La Crosse, Wisconsin
Stephen is an acoustic engineer for Trane Commercial in La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA. He is a “sound whiz” who measures product sound emissions and develops products that meet AHRI acoustic standards.
AHRI Technical Committee member
Stephen has been with Trane since 1998 and is active on the AHRI Technical Committee on Sound since 2001. He currently serves as deputy chair for the committee. He is also the chair of multiple sub-committees within AHRI, and a member of the Acoustical Society of America and a board-certified member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering.
“Trane customers heavily consider acoustics during HVAC installations and Stephen’s expertise helps Trane exceed customer’s expectations,” said Ken Schoeneck, vice president of engineering for Trane’s commercial business. “Stephen predicts and models sound to help Trane customers design buildings with acoustics in mind.”