UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

Trane® Residential Heating and Cooling Research Lab at The University of Texas at Tyler Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

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May 8, 2018

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

Today Trane®, a leading global provider of indoor comfort systems and services and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Trane® Residential Heating and Cooling Research Lab at The University of Texas at Tyler. The university and Trane formally inaugurated the lab during an event at two test homes on the university's campus, and invited mechanical engineering undergraduate students to apply for the lab's graduate-level research program.

"Trane is always looking for faster and better ways to introduce innovation that improves energy efficiency and performance of residential home heating and cooling," said Matthew Pereira, vice president of engineering and technology for Trane's residential business. "We're proud to spotlight this program and these unique test houses, where we're designing new technologies while supporting engineering education and leadership. This also demonstrates our longstanding collaboration with the university and our commitment to helping communities where we operate thrive, including East Texas."

Trane engineers embarked on innovative projects and research in the lab this year, which are expected to result in new products for the market within the next two or three years. Trane has a five-year agreement with the university that gives the company exclusive access to the laboratories for HVAC testing and research and to two graduate students to run the tests.

"When universities partner with corporations the resulting research and economic development make both institutions stronger. UT Tyler is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of its partnership with Trane," said Dr. Michael Tidwell, UT Tyler President. "This partnership is helping our engineering students develop the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to thrive in today's complex corporate environment."

Located on the university's campus, the lab is made up of two, identical looking homes - one built with standard construction techniques and the other built with high-performance, energy-saving measures, such as energy-efficient windows, spray-in foam insulation, a tight building envelope, solar panels, and more.

The mayor of Tyler, Texas, the president of the university, members of the media and various Trane leaders, students, and other civic, university and company representatives attended today's ceremony and lab tour.

Trane and the Circle Logo are trademarks of Trane in the United States and other countries.

About Ingersoll Rand and Trane
Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands—including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane®—work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. We are a $14 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. Trane solutions optimize indoor environments with a broad portfolio of energy efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, building and contracting services, parts support and advanced control. For more information, visit www.ingersollrand.com or www.trane.com.

About The University of Texas at Tyler
A member of the prestigious UT System, The University of Texas at Tyler focuses on student success and innovative research in the more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered. With more than 10,000 students, UT Tyler has facilities in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.

With the Trane Residential Heating and Cooling Research Lab, UT Tyler mechanical and electrical engineering students help create future residential HVAC solutions. For more information, contact Dr. Michael McGinnis, mmcginnis@uttyler.edu.