Craig Bradshaw

Craig Bradshaw is an Associate Professor and Executive Director of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Center (ACRC) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Grainger College of Engineering. He holds a PhD and BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University (2012 and 2007). His research focuses on compressors, heat pumps, low-GWP refrigerants, and energy utilization, with emphasis on decarbonization and model development. Bradshaw leads the ACRC and previously directed Oklahoma State University's Center for Integrated Building Systems.

His work includes developing experimental charge models for heat exchangers, advancing compressor performance analysis, and promoting sustainable HVAC technologies. Notable awards include the 2024 ASHRAE Distinguished Service Award and the 2022 Excellent Faculty Award. He teaches courses like ME 200 AL2 - Thermodynamics and collaborates with industry partners on refrigeration and energy systems.

• Key Projects: Differential Mass Measurement Scale (DMMS) for charge validation, vapor-injection compressor characterization, and low-GWP refrigerant evaluation.
• Grants/Labs: ACRC, CIBS (Industry/University Cooperative Research Center), and partnerships with Koura, AAON, and Danfoss.
• Recent Contributions: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles since 2022, including studies on gray-box models, charge tuning methods, and spool compressor optimization.