Michael Knauff

Director of Electrical Engineering @Verdagy

Moss Landing, CA, US

Responsible for all electrical aspects of product designs, pilot plant, projects under development, and commercial proposals covering voltages ranging from 24V to 138kV.• Ensured interconnection of a 60MW self-development project and worked with external parties to establish high voltage substation design to meet project needs• Oversee technical aspects of rectifier selection process (20MW each) for self-development and commercial projects including aspects such as harmonics, reactive power compensation, efficiency, reliability, cost, and schedule.• Work with vendors to obtain quotes for rectifiers, harmonic filters, switchgear, motor control centers, transformers, dead tank breakers, control and SCADA systems, and other equipment. • Oversee electrical aspects of FEED study performed with major EPC firm• Investigate means of ensuring electrical safety in unique electrically floating electrolytic cell line environment and establish strategy for Verdagy products.• Developed product electrical specification document.• Develop single line diagrams, junction box designs, electrical layouts.• Conduct load flow, short circuit, cable sizing, reactive compensation, and other calculations to support projects and product designs.• Ensure designs comply with the national electric code (NFPA70) and other applicable standards. Ensure designs are suitable for use in class 1 division 2 hazardous areas.• Work with sales, business development teams, and customers on commercial proposals, defining scope of work, identifying deviations between RFPs and standard product offerings, and resolving clarifications raised by customers.• Work with electrician and other members of the operations teams to develop new pilot plant capabilities and troubleshoot issues.

Drexel University

PhD, Power Engineering

Drexel University

M.S.E.E, Power Engineering

University of Hartford

B.S.E, Acoustic Engineering