September 18, 2016 – Thanks to a new power system simulator, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology says its Electrical Engineering Technology students are “energized for the future”.

The equipment—made possible through a $760,000 donation from AltaLink—is the first of its kind to be used in a Canadian post-secondary institution, says SAIT.

“AltaLink is a tremendous partner who believes in action-based learning,” said David Ross, SAIT president & CEO. “With the power system simulator, our graduates will be career-ready with the skills today’s industry demands.”

By modelling the management of electricity from a variety of energy sources (e.g. wind, solar, natural gas, coal, nuclear), students are able to simulate various electrical scenarios. Using realistic and real-time scenarios, the simulator and supporting curriculum teaches students how to deliver power to industrial, commercial and residential consumers safely and cost-effectively. Additionally, students will be able to simulate the incorporation of intermittent renewable sources while maintaining grid stability.

“As our province shifts to a greener future, technology such as the AltaLink power system simulator will help us understand how the grid can enable our transition to renewables and position our province as a leader in the energy sector,” said Scott Thon, AltaLink president & CEO.

The simulator will be housed in the MacPhail School of Energy; according to SAIT, it is the first school of energy in Canada, and one of only a handful of energy schools in North America.

— Photo courtesy Southern Alberta Institute of Technology @SAIT.