Altalink Gift Powers Learning in Electrical Engineering

October 20, 2016

Students in the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)’s Electrical Engineering Technology program are energized for the future, thanks to a new leading-edge power system simulator funded by AltaLink.

The equipment was made possible through a $760,000 donation from AltaLink, Alberta’s largest regulated electricity transmission company. 

By providing the gift, AltaLink has made it possible for SAIT to be the first to use the transformational learning tool at a Canadian post-secondary institution. Shown in the photo, L-R: Scott Thon, Altalink, SAIT Electrical Engineering Technology student Braden Hanna, and Dr. David Ross, SAIT.

“It’s another first for SAIT,” says Dr. David Ross, President and CEO. “AltaLink is a tremendous partner who believes in action-based learning. Thanks to them, this generous gift will help ensure our students have relevant job experience that gives them a competitive advantage. With the power system simulator, our graduates will be career-ready with the skills today’s industry demands.”

Partnerships made it possible

“We couldn’t be more pleased to be able to support SAIT’s students and prepare them for a career in the electrical industry,” says Scott Thon, President and CEO of AltaLink. “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.”

By modelling the management of electricity from a variety of energy sources (wind, solar, natural gas, coal and 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 in a way that’s safe and cost effective.

Students will gain hands on experience in incorporating intermittent, renewable sources of generation like wind and solar, while maintaining grid stability. They’ll also learn vital concepts of power generation, transmission and distribution from a single control centre.

Photo courtesy of SAIT.