About Daniel

Natural Gas Research: Zimmerle was a principal investigator on four major studies of methane emissions in the natural gas supply chain, including studies of upstream, midstream, and distribution systems at a nation and/or regional scale. Zimmerle is also principal investigator and director of the Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Center, a DOE-sponsored test facility at CSU that tests next generation leak detection solutions. Research on natural gas emissions includes studies of both above- and below-ground emission locations, and several leak detection and quantification technologies, including optical gas imaging (OGI), high flow sampling, and downwind methods.

Energy Systems Research: Zimmerle leads research in remote and distributed energy systems. Recent and ongoing studies include the assessment of in-building DC power distribution and end-use efficiency, high-penetration PV in distribution systems, and the aging of distribution transformers. The research team works extensively on village utility systems – electricity, gas, water, and communications – as a catalyst for village economic development. The team primarily works in Africa, much of it in partnership with Mesh Power Rwanda.

History: Prior to CSU, Zimmerle served as the Chief Operating Officer at Spirae, Inc. and 20 years at Hewlett Packard and Agilent Technologies including experience as both a division general manager and R&D manager. He has led organizations in several business areas, including computer aided design software, test systems, and consumer products. Organizations included personnel in the US, Ireland, Singapore and other countries.

He holds a BSME and MSME from North Dakota State University.

Research Interests:

I strongly favor research based upon the collection and analysis of primary data, including field measurements, in-community research, and laboratory experiments. Most of my research is inherently systems engineering and I particularly enjoy research that integrates multiple diverse disciplines.

[email protected]

(970) 581-9945

Powerhouse Energy Campus
430 N College Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80524

1374 Campus Delivery