The OxEon Energy team has more than 30 years of experience in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC/SOEC) development and a diverse background in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, and skilled technicians.
Dr. S. Elango Elangovan
VP Development
Elango is responsible for solid oxide device development to meet current and future customer and market needs. He has over 30 years of technology management experience in the field of electrochemical ceramic membrane technology focusing on solid oxide fuel cell, solid oxide electrolysis devices and hydrogen transport membranes. He has directed numerous government and privately supported projects in these areas. He is also the lead scientist in materials development to improve performance and lifetime of these devices.
He received his Ph.D. from the University of Utah in Materials Science and Engineering, his M.S. from the California Institute of Technology, and his B.S. from the Indian Institute of Science.
Other interests include pencil art and family time.
Joseph Hartvigsen
VP Engineering
Entering the solid oxide systems field from a defense aerospace simulation background, Joe's work was initially focused on detailed multi-physics simulations of SOFC stacks. He also applies analytical models to stack operation and ceramic manufacturing processes used in the fabrication of fuel cell components.
Joe earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University and his M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University of Science and Technology. His graduate research was conducted at the Ames Laboratory of the DOE on the topic of "The preparation of silicon nitride by pyrolysis of iminopolysilanes."
Joe has powerful (MW) friends in high (elevation) places around the world. From his home-based business he has produced hundreds of micro-hydro and small-hydro turbines which are currently generating many megawatts of clean power for happy customers worldwide. To recharge, Joe maintains antique Caterpillar tractors, which he and his brothers use to raise wheat on their Aspen Hollow ranch in the mountains of Idaho, a family heritage he hopes to teach his grandchildren.
Lyman Frost
Chief Executive Officer
Lyman is currently the CEO of OxEon Energy. He previously worked as Director of Business Development for a division of CoorsTek. Through 2007, Mr. Frost worked at the Idaho National Laboratory, a US Department of Energy Laboratory as Director of Alternate Fuels and Energy Systems and was responsible for development of programs in the area of hydrogen, fuel cells, and fossil energy. Prior to the work at the Idaho National Laboratory, Mr. Frost worked for McDermott Incorporated where he managed the corporate portion of its R&D program and managed a patent portfolio of ~4500 patents. Mr.
Mr. Frost was born on a Native American reservation in New York state and received his undergraduate degree from Clemson University. He then served over four years in the US Air Force, including a tour in Southeast Asia in the late 60’s, and went on to receive his advanced degree from Purdue University. Mr. Frost’s career expertise in the energy market place have previously led to his placement on both the Utah and Idaho Governor’s science advisory councils. He is a current board member for several start-ups and the Idaho-Nevada CDFI, an organization funding low-income housing for seniors.
Dennis Larsen
Technical Operations Manager
Dennis is involved in the ceramic process development and manufacturing of SOFC and SOEC components at OxEon Energy. He has over 25 years of engineering experience with 24 of that working with SOFC and SOEC components and devices, and has expertise in cell and stack development and testing. He has hands on experience in screen printing, ink processing, and stack fabrication, and has built over 500 SOFC/SOEC stacks. He has been an influential member of many cross functional teams, including one which successfully developed stackable screen printed co-fired SOFC cells.
Dennis received his BS in Materials Science and Engineering from University of Utah with an emphasis in polymer and composite materials.
When not focused on production at OxEon, Dennis takes advantage of Utah’s great outdoors by off road riding, hunting, fishing, skiing and hiking.
Piotr Czernichowski
Plasma and Synfuel Research Engineer
Piotr is responsible for process instrumentation and data acquisition and is OxEon’s resident GC specialist. He is responsible for method development for the plasma reformers and synfuel pilot operations, and is an asset in the implementation of test stand improvements for stack testing.
Piotr received his Bachelors in Mathematics and Natural Sciences from the University of Orleans in France. He also has extensive training in gas chromatography from the Engineering University of Nancy, in France.
Don Claus
Chemical Engineer
Don is involved in the Non-Thermal Plasma Reforming and Fischer Tropsch processes for the production of liquid fuels and chemical feedstocks at OxEon Energy. His work is focused on the scale up of our successful Fischer Tropsch catalyst and heat transfer systems along with the integration our efficient Non-Thermal Plasma Reforming units. Don has extensive experience in the gasification of various feedstocks.
Don received his bachelor of engineering physics with a concentration in chemical engineering from The University of Kansas and is focused on the scale up and commercialization of our successful Fischer Tropsch and Non-thermal Plasma processes, while supporting the stack build operations.
Don's interests include mountain biking and sea kayaking on the nearby Great Salt Lake. Don also supports local non-profits such as GREENBike SLC and Wasatch Community Gardens with the fabrication of custom greenhouses and bike pulled trailers.
Tyler Hafen
Materials Science Engineer
Tyler is a hands-on researcher involved in the development and characterization of various materials at OxEon Energy. His work focuses on ceramic powder processing for fuel cell electrodes and interconnect coatings but is also experienced with catalysts and hydrogen membrane materials.
Tyler received his B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Utah with a focus on ceramic materials and computational methods.
In his free time, Tyler enjoys camping, archery, and guitar playing.
Abel Gomez
Mechanical Engineer
Abel received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah with an emphasis in manufacturing. Abel’s primary duties have focused on the design and production of the mechanical parts OxEon needs for its various technologies. Abel’s expertise in solid model designs and the creation of detailed manufacturing drawings makes him an essential team member for all of OxEon’s technologies. Abel works closely with OxEon’s senior engineers, scientists, and manufacturing partners to help move from the concept of an idea to the finished product.
In his free time Abel enjoys spending time with his loving family. He supports his children in their athletic and scholastic pursuits throughout the year and likes to find time to work on cars or his own inventions.
Tim Madsen
Technician/ Machinist
Tim is an extremely talented technician here at OxEon. Tim has decades of first hand experience and knowledge working with and producing fuel cell and electrolysis stacks. From laser cutting electrolyte, programming glass dispensing robots, to the final stack assembly, Tim is involved in all parts of OxEon’s fuel cell and electrolysis stack production. Tim’s true strengths lie in his ability to learn to program and operate any machinery he is given a chance with.
Outside of OxEon Tim likes being, well, outside. He loves the outdoors and tries to spend as many days a year in nature as he can. Tim regularly goes camping, hunting, fishing, and ATV’ing, regardless of the season or weather.
Ask an OxEon Expert how we can help with:
Ruggedized Hermetic SOEC Stacks Hydrogen/Oxygen/Syngas Production (SOEC)
SOFC Stacks for Power Generation (SOFC)
Systems Development Support
Supporting Technologies for Liquid Fuel Production (Fischer Tropsch or Plasma Reformer Technologies)