JIM KESSELI - PRESIDENT:

Jim leads Brayton Energy LLC and is responsible for corporate strategy and planning, business development, and financial analysis for the company and its products. From 1994 until 2001, Jim led the Ingersoll-Rand/NREC Energy Systems Business Unit, responsible for the technical direction of the PowerWorks 70 and 250-kW microturbines, recuperators, and other advanced energy system development programs. In addition to responsibility for overall technical direction, Jim provided financial management for the autonomous Business Unit and its 50-person technical staff. Under Jim’s leadership, Ingersoll-Rand and NREC successfully introduced the line of 70-kW microturbines, the WR21 recuperator, Siemens-Westinghouse hybrid fuel cell gas turbine, and completed over $30M in development contracts for the power industry. From 2001 to 2003, Jim was Ingersoll-Rand’s Director of New Product Development and Director of Advanced Technology. During that period he made significant contributions to the microturbine industry, leading the high-efficiency ceramic turbine development, innovations in combined heat and power, and advancements in low-emission combustion for alternative fuels. Formerly, Jim managed the high altitude UAV program at NREC. Early in his career, working for Lockheed-Sanders, Jim was lead engineer on the early “microturbine” program, solar Dish-Brayton programs, several NASA solar-dynamic projects, and Stirling engine systems. Jim holds 16 patents relating to recuperators, combustors, and gas turbines. Jim graduated from MIT with an M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently the Co-Chair of the ASME International Gas Turbine Institute (IGTI) representing the Microturbine sessions. Jim spends time in musical pursuits while not at work.

TOM WOLF - DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING:

Tom is Brayton Energy’s expert in thermodynamic cycle analysis and performance modeling, as applied to gas turbines and other advanced engine systems. Formerly, at Ingersoll-Rand, he led the design efforts associated with high efficiency radial inflow turbines and compressors. During the 10-year development of PowerWorks microturbines, Tom led the analysis and testing for over 12 new product development programs. His design, test and analysis experience at Ingersoll-Rand included the PowerWorks microturbines, gas-turbine driven refrigeration and compressor packages, the Siemens-Westinghouse hybrid fuel cell, hybrid PEM fuel cells, the Chrysler Patriot racecar, and other complex engine cycles. Tom also performed the analysis and test supporting the Aurora Perseus-B high-altitude turbocharger project. Throughout his career, Tom has concentrated on challenging fluid dynamics issues within turbomachinery. His 25-year professional career covers a wide range of analysis and testing techniques, including those for propeller blade dynamics and acoustic radiation. Tom has a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT (1990), an M.S in Aeronautics & Astronautics from MIT (1978), and a B.S from Cornell University. Tom spends his limited free time golfing.

JAMES NASH - V.P., MECHANICAL ENGINEER:

Jim Nash leads Brayton’s Mechanical Engineering group. He has over 22 years of mechanical engineering experience focused on gas turbine hot-section design. Jim has in-depth understanding of high temperature structures, most notably applied to gas turbine recuperators. His expertise covers a wide range of disciplines, including structural mechanics, testing, manufacturing, brazing, welding, and metallurgy. Dating back to his early work on the Army’s AGT-1500 and later Ingersoll-Rand gas turbine recuperators, Jim pioneered innovations in high temperature thermal strain management in heat exchanger structures. Prior to joining Brayton, Jim was the Director of Recuperator Products at Ingersoll-Rand. In that capacity he led the highly successful recuperator program, from concept to full production. Among the several successful products are the Rolls-Royce/Northrop-Grumman WR21 recuperator, and the IR-70 and 250 kWe microturbine recuperators. Jim also led several recuperated gas turbine integration test programs for IR, including the KHI 700-kWe, the TurboMeca TM1800, and the Siemens-Westinghouse hybrid SOFC programs. Other relevant projects in which Jim served as the PI/PM include the preliminary PBMR recuperator system design the alternate LV-100 and LV-50 military vehicle recuperated gas turbines. The first nine years of his career were with Textron Lycoming, where he was a key contributor to the AGT-1500 tank recuperator development and testing. Jim has a B.S.M.E from the University of New Hampshire, and has completed the Ingersoll-Rand Executive Management Training Program. Jim is an avid bicycle and ski racer as well as cabinet maker when not working at Brayton.

MALCOLM CHILD - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER:

Malcolm is the leader of Brayton Energy’s mechanical design team. His experience with gas turbine and recuperator design includes design for manufacturing, stress, thermal, and rotor dynamics analysis. From 1994 to 2004, Malcolm was the lead mechanical design engineer for the NREC/ Ingersoll-Rand 70 and 250kW microturbines development effort. Malcolm was also a key team member and co-patentee of the IR recuperator. Specific accomplishments include design of a 250-kW gas turbine rotor system, including mechanical analysis, dynamic analysis, support structures, flow path, component interfaces, and core engine detail design. His gas turbine design skills include hot section design and analysis, rotating component design including FMEA analysis of rotor overspeed, burst and containment issues, seals, bearings, and shaft dynamics. Malcolm is also very experienced in the laboratory environment, serving as Test Director in several prototype engine test programs. While in the lab at NREC/IR, he performed instrumentation for engine dynamics diagnostics, efficiency measurements and the evaluation of test data. While at Ingersoll-Rand he provided prime mover engineering support for pre-production manufacturing, including in-house test units and field test units. Malcolm has managed bill of materials, vendor variation approvals, and provided continued evaluation and improvement of test engines, and field test support. He is proficient with the following tools and training: Pro/Engineer, Pro/Mechanica, Pro/Intralink, Pro/PDM, SolidEdge, ANSYS, LabView, MSC/Aries, Personal Designer, Excel, MathCad, MatLab, MS Office, Fortran, Pascal, Visual Basic. Rotor Bearing Dynamics Course, Defect Tolerant Design, Materials in Rotating Machinery. Malcom earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Malcolm is a classic aircraft enthusiast as well as a boater when not crunching numbers.

ERIC VOLLNOGLE - MECHANICAL ENGINEER III:

Since joining Brayton, Eric has taken on a key role in mechanical design, manufacturing, and testing projects, employing CAD, FEA and CFD tools. Under the tutelage of our chief aerodynamicist, Tom Wolf, Eric has become the team’s expert in CFD, applying his skills to some of the company’s most challenging projects. Prior to joining Brayton he gained valuable manufacturing and design experience working in the aircraft industry. He was formerly part of a team of engineers tasked with the design and manufacture of automated aircraft assembly tooling and drilling/fastening machines for Boeing and Airbus aircraft. That project led to his participation in the factory layout of an assembly facility for the Airbus A380 aircraft. Eric gained experience from projects which included 3-D CAD modeling of a flexible, automated, configurable wing assembly jig for Boeing aircraft. Eric received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University.

JOHN KARP - OPERATIONS MANAGER:

John comes to Brayton with a mixture of Mechanical Engineering and business experience. During his engineering career, John has designed systems and equipment for U.S. Navy nuclear submarine refueling, designed and built industrial automation systems, managed the engineering group of Navtec, a leader provider of America’s Cup and mega-yacht rig components and hydraulics. John has also started up several successful businesses of his own, and has developed several patented devices in the medical equipment field. The management experience gained in his own businesses and Navtec has allowed John to consult with numerous technology companies in their growth up to $10 million in revenues. John’s responsibilities at Brayton are facilitation / planning of growth as well as engineering support in areas of his expertise.

JOHN THOMSON - PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER:

John has worked in the gas turbine industry for over 40 years with General Electric, and with two start-up companies, Wingaersheek Turbine, a small hydro-turbine company. John’s lengthy career with GE stationed him at both Evendale and Lynn divisions, and on assignment with the Italian Air force for three years. From 1998 to 2001 John was a consultant to the NREC and Ingersoll-Rand microturbine group, performing controls, instrumentation, and test support, serving a critical role in that intense new product development effort. Formerly, John served as Chief Engineer on the Westward, an educational sailing ship for the Sea Education Association, and worked 13 years on engineering projects at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. As evidence to his diverse engineering skills, John is an inventor of a practical variable pitch propeller currently manufactured for the marine engine market. At Brayton, John is the inspiration behind both mechanical and electrical system innovations. John received a BS degree from Tulane University, and held a Professional Engineering license in Louisiana.

ANNETTE CHASSE - ENGINEER I:

Annette holds an Honors Bachelors degree from University of Massachusetts,  Lowell in Mechanical Engineering.  She has a background as a research and test engineer and was the recipient of multiple scholarships at Lowell.  She has worked in the Village Empowerment Program in Peru to analyze, develop and install pediatric physical therapy systems. An avid surfer, Anette keeps us updated on surf conditions frequently.

HENDRICK “HENRY” RASMUSSEN - SENIOR LAB TECHNICIAN:

Henry served a marine apprenticeship and blacksmith training in Denmark and has worked extensively in the marine field, both as a ship’s engineer and a shore based marine systems mechanic / engineer.  He has co developed a unique electric drive for yachts  and can make virtually anything the Brayton Engineers come up with appear in metal.  His hobbies are music and wood working.

JILL WELCH - OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR:

Jill holds an Associates degree in Business Management from Northern Essex Community College.  Jill has a background of retail management experience as well as education.  Jill enjoys hiking, gourmet cooking and gourmet chocolate making in what little spare time she has while raising three daughters.

LEO ROGERS - MECHANICAL DESIGNER:

Leo holds a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University. Leo has an extensive background in design and fabrication in many materials from his industrial model making years. While not working at Brayton, Leo enjoys making wooden flutes and other items of wood.

MATT BALDWIN - MECHANICAL ENGINEER II:

Matt holds a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering from University of Massachusetts, Amhearst and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University. Matt served as an intern in turbine development and after graduation gained has extensive mechanical design experience in the defense industry. Matt gained lots of excellent experience as technical advisor to the Lincoln –Sudbury Battlebots Robotics Team.  We all hope he does not bring the testing to work.

MATT CASTNER - LAB TECHNICIAN:

Matt served as a Mechanical Technician at Cal Tech’s Palomar Mountain Observatory. Matt has had a lifelong passion for alternative energies and has designed and used his own vertical wind turbine. Sticking to his California roots, Matt remains an avid surfer.

RANDY FINSTAD - PROGRAM MANAGER:

Randy holds Bachelors degrees in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, as well as a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering  from University of California, Long Beach. Randy brings a career of aircraft and industrial turbine experience to Brayton. His hobbies include antique machinery and vehicle restoration and “If I live long enough to have much free time” model railroading.

SHARON PUESCHEL - FINANCIAL MANAGER:

Sharon holds a Associates degree in liberal arts from El Camino College, a Batchelors Degree plus Multiple Credentials Certificate in Education from University of California, Long Beach. Sharon’s background includes teaching as well as building a high end produce business which catered to Hollywood’s elite. She enjoys hiking and hopes to complete bagging all of the 4000 ft peaks in NH soon. In the meantime, she enjoys beating her kids at paintball.

SHAUN SULLIVAN - SENIOR AERODYNAMICS ENGINEER:

Shaun  holds a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Rensellear Polytechnic Institute and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from MIT.  Shaun brings 7 years of experience in turbine based energy system design. Shaun has attained many honors and scholarships, and has also attained Eagle Scout status. Additionally, he volunteers with Greyhound Friends and an area youth center.

BILLY VANDERVALK - ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I:

Billy holds a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from University of Massachusetts at Amherst.  He has worked with testing of the F22 Raptor and now supports the electronic and software side of Brayton’s test labs.  Billy is an avid bicyclist as well as a creative alternative fuel system designer, having engineered vegetable oil conversion systems for diesel vehicles.

JEFF BEACH - PRODUCTION SPECIALIST:

Jeff holds a Bachelors degree in Forestry from Oregon State University, Corvallis.  Jeff brings years of recuperator manufacturing management to Brayton and is heading up our recuperator manufacturing area. Jeff is an avid outdoorsman, pursuing hunting, fishing snowshoeing and hiking.

DAVID STAPP - LEAD TURBINE DESIGN ENGINEER - CONSULTANT:

David brings over 20 years of aircraft turbine and turboshaft engine design experience to Brayton Energy.  His skills in program management, finite element analysis  and mechanical design are a tremendous asset to our team.  David is an avid pilot and often flies to work at Brayton via nearby Hampton Airfield from his home in Maine.

DAVID T. LAFORTUNE - GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ADVISOR (CONSULTANT):

David is a retired Controller for a subsidiary of Ingersoll-Rand Company, with over 20 years experience overseeing the Accounting Department and responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, contract administration and U.S. Government Contract Accounting and compliance. David was also Accounting Manager for a division of a Fortune 500 company and has several years experience as an auditor for a major Boston, MA CPA firm. David holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Bentley College and his class standing was in the top 1% of his graduating class. David spends much of his free time playing classical music on his pianos.

DR. STEVEN FREEDMAN – EXECUTIVE TECHNOLOGY MANAGER (CONSULTANT):

Dr. Freedman  brings a distinguished career in the energy field to Brayton with teaching history including MIT and University of Pennsylvania.  His experience in the post of Department of Energy Assistant Director, Combustion and Advanced Power and as the Executive Technology Manager at the Gas Research Institute plus having played a significant part in the startup of General Electric’s Advanced Nuclear Systems Division give Dr. Freedman a uniquely qualified perspective to assist Brayton in pursuing many varied opportunities in the energy field.

ELISE KESSELI - GEOLOGY CONSULTANT:

Elise Kesseli serves as Brayton’s Geology consultant. Working on our US Department of Energy sponsored SolarCAT program, she is surveying and analyzing geological formations suitable for compressed air energy storage. Elise has a degree from the University of Connecticut in geology and archeology.  When she is not performing geology studies, Eli spends much of her time on archeology digs in Mexico and Italy.

ROY NORSTER - COMBUSTION SPECIALIST:

Roy has over 40 years experience in the design and development of gas turbine combustors, industrial combustion applications. He has extensive experience in the design and analysis of burners, heat exchangers, and steam boilers for power plants. From 1973 to 1977 Roy worked at NREC, as Manager of Applied Sciences, leading major projects in the areas of catalytic combustion, and low emission combustors for such clients as NASA and the US Airforce. In 1977 he formed Norster Combustion Research, expanding his work on gas turbine combustors with projects for Engelhard, Solar Turbines, Westinghouse Corp, IHI, Dresser-Rand, ADL, Hauge International, Fern Engineering and NREC. During his long association with NREC he made major contributions towards CFD applied to combustor reacting flows. As a long-time collaborator with Arthur Lefebvre, Roy authored NREC’s comprehensive Design and Development of Gas Turbine Combustors Handbooks, which evolved into Gas Turbine Combustion, (McGraw-Hill,1983) by Arthur Lefebvre. From 1990 to 1997, Roy worked for European Gas Turbines, taking responsibility for the introduction of dry low NOx combustors for their line of small gas turbines (1- 8 MW), and the implementation of advanced CFD techniques. In 1996 he was awarded the Fellden Prize for Design and Innovation, and was a Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award Finalist.  Returning to Norster Combustion in 1997, Roy led the development of the NREC/Ingersoll-Rand microturbine combustors, providing the enabling technical insights behind the success of this line of ultra-low emission combustors.  Recently, Roy has provided significant contributions to the development of combustors for new gas turbine engines by OPRA and MANN. Roy continues to be a lecturer at Cranfield University, where he earned his MS degree.

FIONA HUGHES - MECHANICAL ENGINEER I:

Fiona holds a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from MIT, where her studies were focused on thermal fluids and energy conversion.  She gained manufacturing and mechanical design experience as a member of the MIT Solar Electric Vehicle Team.  In her spare time, Fiona enjoys hiking, photography and furniture design.

TODD BOWSER - SENIOR DESIGNER:

Todd holds an Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from New Hampshire Technical College. Todd brings a diverse mix of design and manufacturing experience having worked on laser systems and infrared optical systems in the defense industry. When not working, Todd is a boating enthusiast who enjoys spending time on the ocean.

MARK LAFRANCE - MECHANICAL ENGINEER:

Mark began with Brayton as an intern, focusing on the connections between laboratory fabrication and the designs leading to a developed product. Mark brings a strong understanding of manufacturing through a former internship with Tucker Engineering. Mark was an active member of the University of New Hampshire Formula SAE team, designing, fabricating, and testing a small-scale formula style race car for nationwide competition. Mark holds a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University New Hampshire and is currently an active graduate student pursuing his Masters in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on mechanical design.  While not working at Brayton, Mark can usually be found modifying or rebuilding major components of his high performance vehicles.