JOHN A PALMER, Ph.D., P.E. portrait
  • Associate Professor (Lecturer), Elect & Computer Engineering
801-682-6732
http://www.pe4n6.com

Education

  • B.S., Electrical Engineering - Power, Brigham Young University
  • M.Eng., Electric Power Engineering , Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Project: The Effect of Harmonics on the Current Carrying Capacity of Pipe-Type Cables
  • Ph.D., Electric Power Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Project: The Dynamics of Streaming Electrification in Large Power Transformers

Biography

Synopsis

Dr. Palmer has extensive experience in cause and origin analysis of electrical accidents, electrical equipment failures, electrical fires, structural fires, vehicle fires, and explosions. He also performs product testing and design review. He has consulted on cases involving industrial processes, electric machinery and systems, elevators, consumer electronics, control systems, electric shock and electrocution. Dr. Palmer's education and research experience includes a vast array of aspects relating to electrical engineering, electric power, control systems, and electromechanical systems. An area of particular emphasis throughout his career has been his focus on electric power equipment, including transformers and electric machines and drives. He has conducted power system fault studies, protective device coordination, and load flow studies. Dr. Palmer’s extensive experience includes electro-magnetic fields and high-voltage systems. His responsibilities and research often include working with thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and liquid dielectrics. Career research projects include: analytical and computational assessment of overheating of pipe-type underground cables; experimental, analytical and computational assessment of static electricity problems in large power transformers; modeling of pulsed linear induction motors; distributed generation; and optical and ultrasonic diagnostic and monitoring tools for power equipment. Dr. Palmer’s research has led to the development of a controller device for a power transformer cooling system, resulting in a patent. In addition, he has taught principles of electromechanical energy conversion, power systems, power electronics and power quality. He has authored over twenty journal and conference publications.

Registration

Registered Professional Engineer in Utah, Colorado, Alabama, Wyoming, Arizona, Idaho and Florida                   

Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (NAFI)                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                                         

 

EXPERIENCE

Palmer Engineering and Forensics, LLC, Kaysville, Utah

President                                                                                                                                                        2009 – Pres

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

 Associate Professor (Lecturer) – Electrical Engineering Department                                                                     2011-Pres

 Knott Laboratory, LLC, Centennial, Colorado

Manager, Electrical Engineering and Fire Investigations                                                                       2005 - 2009

Senior Engineer                                                                                                                                             2000- 2005

University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado

 Adjunct Instructor – Electrical Engineering Department                                                                     2006-2008

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado

Assistant Professor – Division of Engineering/Center for Adv. Ctrl of Elec Pow Systems              1996-2000

NEI Electric Power Engineering, Inc., Arvada, Colorado,

 Consulting Engineer                                                                                                                                     1999-2000

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York

Research Assistant                                                                                                                                        1991-1996

Expert Testimony

Dr. Palmer has provided expert testimony in various jurisdictions across the country. He has been qualified as an expert witness and has provided litigation support in cases involving personal injury, product defects, intellectual property, and class action lawsuits.

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Palmer is a member of the following technical and professional societies:

NSPE - National Society of Professional Engineers               IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

NAFI - National Association of Fire Investigators                            Industrial Application Society

NFPA - National Fire Protection Association                                   Power Engineering Society

ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers                      Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Society

NAFE – National Academy of Forensic Engineers