What to Expect
Graduates of NAIT's Alternative Energy Technology diploma will possess a solid technical knowledge of solar, geothermal, wind, biofuel, fuel cell, co-generation and small hydro system applications, as well as their systematic integration. The knowledge and skills acquired are needed to support and promote Canada's growing sustainable energy industry.
Classroom & Study Hours
Course delivery is based on the classroom/lab model. Classroom lecture courses are usually 1 - 3 hours long. Hands-on laboratory work complements the lecture material. Both lectures and labs are supplemented by in-the-field learning experiences. Students are expected to attend all classes and labs to permit evaluation by instructors and to facilitate learning.
Students can expect to:
- spend, on average, 27 hours per week attending classes
- spend, on average, an additional 25 - 30 hours per week studying and completing assignments outside of scheduled class times
- complete 12 hours of corporate citizenship for the program and community partners
- attend a weekend field trip (overnight camping) as part of ALTE2203
Facilities
The Alternative Energy Technology program is housed in NAIT's Alternative Energy Centre on Main Campus. This centre includes:
- a classroom with a computer at each station.
- an attached laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment for demonstrating, testing and measuring alternative energy generation and storage.
- a rooftop meteorological station, broadcasting live NAIT weather, 24/7.
Technology
Minimum computer requirements:
- Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Series Intel Core i7-6700HQ up to 3.50 GHz
- 15.6” UHD (3840 x 2160) Touch Screen Display
- 8GB RAM
- NVIDIA®GeForce® GTX 960M 4GB GDDR5
- 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive)
- 1TB SATA Hard Drive
- Microsoft Windows 10
- Kensington Mobile Bluetooth Mouse
- 8GB NAIT-Branded Flash Drive
- Neoprene Laptop Sleeve
- Kaspersky anti-virus 1 year educational subscription
- Dell 2 Year Warranty including accidental coverage
Designed for:
- School of Applied Sciences & Technology Programs requiring enhanced graphics capability (ARC, LAT, IDT and EDDT)
- Spare battery or backup power supply – minimum 4 hours
- An equivalent will do as long as it's not MAC or Linux OS.
Alternative Energy Centre
Lab Features
Learning is enhanced by
- full-scale working geothermal unit in the laboratory
- a 2.4 kW wind turbine, north of the alternative energy building
- roof-mounted solar PV and solar thermal panels
- a meteorological station
- micro fly wheel system
- photobio reactor
- 10 kW Yamar Co-Gen
- Micro hydro pumped storage system
The energy generated will be recorded and incorporated in the laboratory activities and used to provide some of the power to operate the Centre. Information from the meteorological station will be used to assess environmental conditions and suitability for wind or solar power generation.
Is This Program For You?
This program will appeal to people with a(n):
- entrepreneurial spirit
- strong mechanical aptitude
- desire to effect change
- aptitude for describing systems in mathematical terms
- commitment to life-long learning and the willingness to stay current in a fast-paced and evolving industry
Student Experience
Students will acquire skills (certifications) in:
- calculating thermal and electrical loads
- working with electrical and mechanical systems
- energy management system design and integration
- computer based energy modeling and drafting using MS Excel, AutoCAD, RETScreen, and HOMER.
- reading and applying codes, regulations, and standards
- safety certifications including First Aid, CSTS and Fall Protection.
- project management (certification in Project Leadership)
- life cycle analysis
- time management
- communication, presentations, and networking
Women in Technology and Trades
The Alternative Energy Technology program is supported by Women in Technology and Trades (WITT), an offering of NAIT Student Engagement. The goal of WITT is to ensure that all female students are aware of and prepared for the career opportunities that are available to them in diverse technical fields. Throughout the year, WITT provides networking events, lunch and learns, mentorship opportunities and support services that are available to women in technology and trades programs at NAIT.