Biography
Jeff Hammitt has over forty years of experience in the design, construction, and maintenance of utility-scale wind turbines and traditional power plants.
Jeff’s deep knowledge in blade design & repair and wind farm structural components is unmatched in the industry and was demonstrated by earning the trust of one of the largest global wind farm operators to manage the integrity of its entire fleet (~22,000 MWs) of wind turbine blades, towers, foundations, and other structural components.
In his previous role, Jeff routinely worked with a team of engineers to assess wind turbine mechanical damages and prioritize maintenance & repairs based on his understanding of the assets remaining useful life.
At OCI-USA, Jeff brings his unique knowledge in the renewable energy space to insurance carriers, adjusters, and their legal counsel as they navigate the complexities of wind turbine damage claims.
Selected Experience
Description
Wind Turbines
Blade Development
Blade Damage Detection
Blade Specification & Procedure Development
Root Cause Analysis for Blade Failures
Test & Evaluate New Technologies
Field Trial Execution & Performance Evaluation
Manufacturing Technique Studies
Stakeholder Liaison for Blade Development
Power Plants
Specification & Procedure Design
Quality & Safety Plan Development
Facility Maintenance
Retrofit Design Improvements
Mechanical Piping Design
Construction Drawings Error & Detection
NOTABLE EXPERIENCE
RENEWABLE ENERGY
20,000 MW Wind Energy Fleet
Jeff was appointed as the wind turbine blade subject matter expert for one of the globe’s largest owneroperators. He regularly performed blade failure root cause analysis to create and implement countermeasures and assess fleetwide risk. Jeff developed a blade fleet management program that included inspection, maintenance, and repair strategies to ensure blade reliability and availability within budget constraints. Jeff utilized his damage evaluation expertise to prioritize individual blade repairs whilst considering the long-term implications on a fleet-wide basis. Moreover, Jeff led the execution of field trials and developed performance evaluation initiatives to improve blade aerodynamic properties. Jeff also created procedures for blade repairs and consulted with suppliers to resolve technical challenges. During his role, he acquired a unique knowledge of the supply chain, including blade construction materials, manufacturing techniques, and common defects/failure modes. As new and emerging blade technologies surfaced, Jeff would routinely evaluate and test these technologies to ensure superior reliability over common defects experienced in current blade technologies.
POWER GENERATION
Power Plant
Jeff developed engineering scopes for planned maintenance and special projects, and he managed various contractor work schedules and implemented cost-tracking measures. In addition, Jeff created procedures and specifications and led the contract administration process, including supervision of construction field work. Furthermore, Jeff was appointed as the company representative to review and evaluate several blanket contract agreements.
Power Plant Design
Jeff performed the mechanical design for a power plant retrofit on numerous facilities, and he led a team of engineers to ensure design compliance with industry standards and boiler, and power piping codes.
Conversion Project
Jeff led the engineering design for two existing 800 MW oil-fired units to burn Orimulsion, and he coordinated with vendors to install equipment for flue gas desulfurization, ash removal, and wastewater treatment. Jeff also produced mechanical drawings for design modifications and supervised all discipline drawings to obtain necessary environmental permits.
Biomass Power Plant.
Jeff created the design for a 27 MW biomass-fueled fluidized bed combustion power plant, including the physical design of the boiler, steam turbine, precipitator, and ash handling equipment.
Coal-Fired Power Plant
Jeff created the design for mechanical equipment involving all HVAC components, ductwork, piping systems, and high-energy steam & boiler feedwater systems. He reviewed and approved drawings from the manufacturer, detailed ductwork, and plant layout and was appointed to monitor the execution of construction activities on a variety of projects.
PATENTS
U.S. Patent No. 8746053, Methodology for Determining Optimum Placement of Vortex Generators on Wind Turbine Blades
U.S. Patent No. 083586, Pier and Mat Foundation, Fortification, and Monitoring System
U.S. Patent No. 091847, Wind Turbine Damage Protection System Using Machine Learning
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
2022 – Present | OCI – USA Stuart, FL Senior Consultant – Structural Blades |
2007 – 2022 | NextEra Energy Resources Juno Beach, FL Technical Specialist, PGD Wind Fleet Engineering |
1989 – 1992 | Ahlstrom Pyropower Corporation San Diego, CA Field Service Engineer & Project Group Leader |
1987 – 1989 | Schneider Engineering, for American Electric Power Corp Columbus, OH Lead Mechanical Design |
1979 – 1986 | Black & Veatch Overland Park, KS Mechanical Designer |