providing the highest quality in wind energy instrument calibration.
JOHN OBERMEIER
President
Mechanical Engineer, PE
Email: jobermeier@otechwind.com
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| Wind Tunnel Test Lab 2007 | WindNET SCADA System cr. 1984 |
Education:
Mechanical Engineering (1967-1971)
University of Minnesota
BS Mechanical Engineering (1973)
MS Mechanical Engineering (1975)
Montana State University>
Biography:
In the late 1970's, Otech founder and President John Obermeier, a visionary leader in the U.S. wind energy industry recognized the unsecured potential that renewable energy held for powering the future. Wind energy technology was in its infancy at that time. Its potential as a viable, energy source and alternative to fossil fuels was unrecognized and the initial strides in technological wind energy development had thus far proved unreliable, cumbersome and cost-prohibitive.
From the late 1970’s to the present wind tunnel facility at Otech Engineering, Inc., John Obermeier has been a major influence in the renewable energy industry with a specific focus on wind energy. John has been a pioneer in the research and development phases of wind farms in Montana and California. He completed his graduate and undergraduate work at the University of Montana and is a registered professional engineer in mechanical engineering. In 1979 he was appointed as Wind Energy Specialist for the State of California. John spearheaded California's efforts under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) to identify and evaluate potential wind turbine sites, conduct testing, monitor performance, and negotiate contracts with the largest of the states utilities. He additionally co-authored a groundbreaking book on wind energy Common Sense Wind Energy published by Sacramento: California Energy Commission, Office of Appropriate Technology, 1981.
One of the critical aspects in the success of wind farms has been the need for quality wind measurements. With this in mind, Mr. Obermeier addressed the importance of advanced calibration technology at a time when the wind industry had no systematic method of measuring and certifying accuracy. With John’s inception of the early vehicle test programs of over twenty-five years ago, to the pivotal transition to the wind tunnel which now provides global customers with standard-setting industry calibration accuracy and process control, Otech has remained at the leading edge of wind energy technology.
In 2005, Otech Engineering installed its first wind tunnel. The research for the tunnel purchase involved John’s father who was involved in wind tunnels a generation before. Carl Obermeier was a lead draftsman and designer for Fluidine Engineering, Inc. (currently Aero Systems Engineering) and was involved in the design work for multiple wind tunnels. John called upon his dad and some of his dads’ co-workers from Fluidine for referrals for low speed wind tunnels suitable for calibration testing.
John Obermeier’s career in wind energy began long before the 70’s. In fact, John can track wind interest in his family history to three generations. His grandfather had a Windcharger® on the family farm in Iowa and his mother can remember when that charger was installed because it was no longer required of her to clean the glass of the kerosene burning lanterns.
In 2007, Otech Engineering installed a second wind tunnel.