Energy Systems Engineering Technology

The new Energy Systems Engineering Technology program will train people to understand how energy is generated, distributed and consumed and how we need to make smart choices to ensure a sustainable flow of energy while maintaining our lifestyle. If you are interested in equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the way we use energy to ensure sustainability of the planet this program is the place to start.

During the two years of this program, students will learn about the different types of traditional energy production, storage, distribution and utilization. Software such as RETSREEN will be used to model energy loads and evaluate choices for energy conservation and efficiency.

Hands-on installations of renewable energy technologies, including solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind, geothermal, biomass, biofuel and others will be explored in the laboratory and in the field. Training will take place in the newly constructed facility in Charlottetown which itself incorporates innovative building controls and efficient systems as well as solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and geothermal technologies. The new facility has been designed to give students access to the building systems during their course of study. Students will be exposed to both residential and commercial systems and learn to prepare reports, proposals and presentations for new construction or to conserve energy in existing buildings and industries. This wide spectrum of knowledge and skills will serve as the springboard for your new career.

Courses

Energy Systems Engineering Technology Courses

  print full list with descriptions

Take the following course(s), minimum grade: Pass

Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety

In this course students will learn the information needed to prevent accidents and protect themselves and others from injury on the worksite. As well, students will be able to take appropriate steps in the event of an accident. Special components of the course are: provincial legislation regarding workplace health and safety, first aid, CPR, WHMIS, fires and extinguishers, proper use of ladders and scaffolding, fall arrest, foreperson position in the workplace, and a practical safety component.

Hours: 45
Course Code: SAFE-1020
Detailed Course Outline: SAFE-1020 Occupational Health and Safety
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Take the following course(s), minimum grade: 70%

Blueprint Reading and Sketching

Blueprint Reading and Sketching

This course introduces students to blueprint reading and sketching. Reading of construction and engineering drawings is a core skill for technicians in the energy systems sector. Students will work with various types of technical drawings and specification packages. Students will be able to estimate materials from drawing packages and will be able to create simple sketches using standard drawing implements.

Hours: 30
Course Code: BLPR-1000
Detailed Course Outline: BLPR-1000 Blueprint Reading and Sketching
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

This course is designed to enable students to create a business plan depicting the financial and organizational road map used to increase the likelihood of business success. Generating a business idea and subjecting it to evidence based analysis will create a clear understanding of the complexities of creating business viability. Students will craft an organizational strategy which capitalizes on distinct or unique aspects of the business. This strategy is then filtered through the financial projections and analysis that complete the final business plan.

Hours: 45
Course Code: BUSI-2005
Detailed Course Outline: BUSI-2005 Entrepreneurship
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Computer Aided Design

Computer Aided Design

This course is an introduction to basic terminology, concepts and functions of CAD software. Students will acquire the skills and knowledge to produce technical drawings using CAD software. They will set up and manage an electronic filing system for drawing storage and archiving. Additionally, they will acquire the skills to specify hardware and peripheral equipment required to operate the software and generate drawings.

Hours: 45
Course Code: CADD-2005
Detailed Course Outline: CADD-2005 Computer Aided Design
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Technical Communications

Technical Communications

The vital role that communications plays in technology will be emphasized in this course. The importance of accurate recording of laboratory and field activities, as well as the ability to summarize, interpret and report data and/or observations to both technical and non-technical audiences will be stressed.

Hours: 45
Course Code: COMM-1100
Detailed Course Outline: COMM-1100 Technical Communications
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Business Communications

Business Communications

In this course, students will prepare for employment pursuits by creating a personal resume, cover letter and professional career portfolio. Students will further prepare for employment by conducting effective job searches and participating in mock job interviews.

Hours: 15
Course Code: COMM-2100
Detailed Course Outline: COMM-2100 Business Communications
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Computer Literacy

Computer Literacy

This course is designed to provide learners with a basic introduction to computer hardware and software. Upon completion, learners will be able to use GroupWise electronic mail software, use file management techniques to organize documents and files, use word processing to create and edit documents, format paragraphs, set overall document formats, insert tables and images into documents. Learners will also be introduced to Excel spreadsheet software to create, track, and update data. Using Excel's calculating functions, learners will create estimates, invoices, financial tables, and various charts.

Hours: 45
Course Code: COMP-1006
Detailed Course Outline: COMP-1006 Computer Literacy
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Electrical Fundamentals

Electrical Fundamentals

This course will introduce the learner to the basic principles required to solve alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) circuits. The relationships among voltage, impedance, and current are analyzed and reinforced with theory and practical lab activities. The fundamentals in this course will be used for future studies in electrical equipment.

Hours: 75
Course Code: ELEC-1000
Detailed Course Outline: ELEC-1000 Electrical Fundamentals
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Electrical Equipment

Electrical Equipment

This course is designed to introduce learners to the electrical equipment used in energy systems. Students will become familiar with typical industrial, generation, and distribution equipment, with attention paid to installation techniques, the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), theory of operation, testing and maintenance of equipment and systems.

Hours: 75
Course Code: ELEC-1010
Detailed Course Outline: ELEC-1010 Electrical Equipment
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Electrical Distribution and Energy Storage

Electrical Distribution and Energy Storage

This course is designed to give students an understanding of modern electrical distribution and storage systems. Students will explore how renewable energy sources are connected to the utility to grid as well as an off-grid application. Batteries and energy storage systems will be examined. Metering methods and the technologies used by utilities to track electrical energy generation and demands will be explored. Distribution architectures are compared and contrasted as well as switching configurations used in the energy sector.

Hours: 60
Course Code: ELEC-2005
Detailed Course Outline: ELEC-2005 Electrical Distribution and Energy Storage
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Automation and Controls

Automation and Controls

In this course students will learn the importance of automation in relation to energy conservation as well as energy creation. A basic knowledge in various controllers will be developed to further the foundation of automation controls of the Energy Systems Engineering Technician.

Hours: 45
Course Code: ELEC-2010
Detailed Course Outline: ELEC-2010 Automation and Controls
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Energy Policies and Regulations

Energy Policies and Regulations

This course will allow students to examine the influence of federal and provincial governments on legislation and policy. The significant impact that climate change has on policy development will be studied through an examination of current policies and programs. The role of the Energy Assessment specialist will also be examined including the applicable programs on PEI.

Hours: 30
Course Code: ENER-1000
Detailed Course Outline: ENER-1000 Energy Policies and Regulations
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Solar Thermal Technology

Solar Thermal Technology

This course is designed to introduce students to solar heating systems. Students will learn how the components of systems work together to provide hot water and hot air. As well, students will be able to recommend an appropriately-sized system and install and maintain systems.

Hours: 75
Course Code: ENER-1010
Detailed Course Outline: ENER-1010 Solar Thermal Technology
Academic Year: 2012-2013

HVAC and Geothermal Technology

HVAC and Geothermal Technology

This course is designed to introduce students to equipment within facilities to meet the HVAC requirements including Geothermal systems. Students will learn the types of HVAC systems and their best applications. As well, students will be able to make detailed recommendations for improvement based on an energy and financial analysis.

Hours: 60
Course Code: ENER-1020
Detailed Course Outline: ENER-1020 HVAC and Geothermal Technology
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Residential Energy Auditing

Residential Energy Auditing

This course will introduce students to the field of energy auditing. An analysis will be performed to benchmark facilities based on industry standards. An audit process will then be conducted that may include a visual inspection, speaking with clients, utilizing an infrared camera and a blower door test. Students will learn to model residence size facilities in computer simulation software to identify the optimal energy conservation improvements. In addition, students will be expected to convey all relevant information in a technical report as well as orally.

Hours: 75
Course Code: ENER-1030
Detailed Course Outline: ENER-1030 Residential Energy Auditing
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Workface Planning

Workface Planning

This course will introduce students to the importance of planning work and projects before dispatching to the worksite and coordinating the arrival of materials and workers on site in a timely manner. Students will learn the basics of estimating time and materials required for work and projects as well as in what sequence work must be performed. Students will complete a Field Instruction Work Package (FIWP) with special attention to safety, availability of resources and the required government regulations.

Hours: 30
Course Code: ENER-2005
Detailed Course Outline: ENER-2005 Workface Planning
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Solar, Photovoltaic and Emerging Renewable Energy Platforms

Solar, Photovoltaic and Emerging Renewable Energy Platforms

This course will introduce students to renewable forms of energy such as photovoltaic solar panels, biomass and biofuel. Factors affecting performance and different types of photovoltaic panels will be examined including proper sizing of systems. Biomass source processes and final products will be reviewed to give the students a basic understanding of biomass fuels. Finally, students will be given the opportunity to explore emerging forms of renewable energy generation.

Hours: 75
Course Code: ENER-2010
Detailed Course Outline: ENER-2010 Solar Photovoltaic and Emerging Renewable Energy Platforms
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Industrial Energy Systems

Industrial Energy Systems

This course is designed to introduce students to equipment associated within industrial sized facilities such as steam systems, air compressors and commercial scale refrigeration equipment. Students will be exposed to a wide range of equipment both in the classroom and in the field to allow a smooth transition to the field of commercial energy auditing.

Hours: 45
Course Code: ENER-2020
Detailed Course Outline: ENER-2020 Industrial Energy Systems
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Wind and Hydro Technology

Wind and Hydro Technology

This course will introduce students to the basics of wind and hydroelectric energy. Students will learn the history of wind and hydro power, the different types of turbine designs, the components of turbine systems, turbine fluid mechanics and site selection. Installation and maintenance of small scale wind turbines will also be examined.

Hours: 90
Course Code: ENER-2030
Detailed Course Outline: ENER-2030 Wind and Hydro Technology
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Commercial Energy Auditing

Commercial Energy Auditing

This course will reinforce the skills and knowledge gained in Industrial Energy Systems by performance of an energy audit on a commercial scale. Students will be expected to conduct a visual inspection and utilize an infrared camera. Following the audit, students will use computer software to model their audit as well as perform a historical bill analysis. An energy audit report will be produced and presented via a technical report as well as orally.

Hours: 75
Course Code: ENER-2040
Detailed Course Outline: ENER-2040 Commercial Energy Auditing
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Capstone Project

Capstone Project

This course will provide students with the opportunity to research energy efficient / renewable energy project of their preference. Topics will be provided if students are unable to develop their own projects (I.e. Solar Vehicle, Greenhouse design, etc.). Students will focus on the technical aspect of the project and will be required to submit a proposal, report of their findings and a final presentation to the class.

Hours: 60
Course Code: ENER-2200
Detailed Course Outline: ENER-2200 Capstone Project
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Technical Mathematics I

Technical Mathematics I

This course is designed to enable the student to develop technician level math skills. Students will acquire competency in the math skills as they relate to their energy systems engineering technology program and future career. Emphasis will be placed on developing problem solving and critical thinking skills that the student will use in troubleshooting. Students will be challenged to continually make connections between math and their main program, as well as every day applications.

Hours: 60
Course Code: MATH-1100
Detailed Course Outline: MATH-1100 Technical Mathematics I
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Physics

Physics

This course is designed to introduce students to mechanical physics. Topics in this course include kinematics, statics, energy, states of matter and waves. Emphasis will be placed on developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills as the students relate the physics' concepts to their program of study and their future career.

Hours: 45
Course Code: PHYS-1000
Detailed Course Outline: PHYS-1000 Physics
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics

Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics

This course will introduce the learner to the basic principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Fundamental principles of thermodynamics will be analyzed and reinforced with theory and practical lab activities with special attention being paid to the refrigeration process. Pressure losses and pump work required will be examined in piping and ductwork as they relate to renewable platforms. Thermodynamic design considerations for sustainable housing will also be examined through building envelope and thermal mass evaluations.

Hours: 60
Course Code: PHYS-1300
Detailed Course Outline: PHYS-1300 Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Academic Year: 2012-2013

Program Facts
Start Date:September
Length:2 years
Location:Charlottetown
Credential Issued:Diploma, Energy Systems Engineering Technology

Graduate Opportunities

Graduates may find employment as:

  • Design, sales, technical support or installation for energy equipment manufacturers, dealers or installers
  • Energy management companies
  • Engineering and architectural firms
  • General contractors
  • Energy site developers
  • Energy intensive industries
  • Municipalities
  • Real estate developers
  • US Federal Student Aid - Gainful Employment Disclosure

Admission Requirements

  • Academic Grade 12
  • Preference will be given to applicants with academic Grade 12 math and Grade 11 or 12 physics
  • Resumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program

Tuition & Fees

Tuition
Year 1 $3,500
Year 2 $3,500

View a full breakdown of costs and booklist for this program.

Contact

If you have any questions concerning the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program, contact: