Power Engineering Technology

Program Description

Courses in power theory, thermodynamics and extensive lab training will prepare you for an empowering career. Learn how to operate, maintain and manage industrial equipment with theoretical and hands-on training that will lead you to your power engineer certification.

Our Power Engineering Technology diploma arms you with the skills to become a third class power engineer responsible for controlling large, complex power and process systems, and performing production work in the operation and development of large-scale energy projects. SAIT also offers flexible continuing education training for fifth to first class to prepare you for your ABSA exams, or you can pursue a bachelor’s degree with our transfer options.

In Canada, power engineering certification progresses from fifth to first class (most advanced) and the ABSA is the pressure equipment safety authority for Alberta.

Program Overview

Your Career

Graduates find work as plant operators, design assistants, research and development assistants and process operators in the petroleum, power, petrochemical, refining, and pulp and paper industries. Opportunities also exist for positions in field and design offices and mechanical or industrial sales outlets.

Student Success

Manual dexterity and mechanical ability is helpful. Students should be aware that colour blind testing may be required by some employers. Eighty per cent attendance is a requirement to successfully complete the program. Successful students will have the ability to gather technical information and use it to troubleshoot large electromechanical systems.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Power Engineering Technology.

This program is integrated with the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Certification System. Graduates are eligible to write the Alberta Boilers Branch Fourth-Class certification exams as well as the Alberta Boilers Branch Third-Class exams. Following successful completion, graduates will have full 4^th class certification through ABSA and will require additional experience in industry to receive their third class certification.

Graduates are eligible for membership in the following professional associations:

• Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA)

• Institute of Power Engineers (IPE)

• International Pressure Equipment Integrity Association (IPEIA)

• National Association Corrosion Engineers (NACE)

Accreditation

The program is currently under review by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC). Graduates are eligible for registration in the Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists.

Progression

The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following (or equivalent), as well as the English Proficiency requirement.

1. The following courses or equivalents:

At least 60% in Math 30-1, or at least 75% in Math 30-2.
At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 75% in English Language Arts 30-2.
At least 60% in Physics 30.

2. Completion of the SAIT Power and Process Operations certificate program and at least 60% in Physics 30.

Program Outline

First Year

Semester 1

COMP 261 - Applied Digital Technologies 1.5 Credits
ELCT 254 - Electrical and Controls I 1.5 Credits
PENG 201 - Power Theory I 3 Credits
PENG 203 - Power Lab I 3 Credits
SFTY 215 - Safety and Environment 1.5 Credits
THRM 208 - Thermodynamics I Theory 3 Credits

Semester 2

COMM 238 - Technical Communications I 3 Credits
MATH 238 - Math for Engineering & Tech I 3 Credits
PENG 251 - Power Theory II 3 Credits
PENG 253 - Power Lab II 3 Credits
PWEN 282 - Unit Operations 1.5 Credits
THRM 258 - Thermodynamics II Theory 3 Credits

Second Year

Semester 3

AMEC 306 - Applied Mechanics I 3 Credits
ELCT 304 - Electrical and Controls II 3 Credits
MATH 288 - Mathematics for Engineering & Technology ll 3 Credits
PENG 301 - Power Theory III 3 Credits
THRM 317 - Thermodynamics III Theory 3 Credits
THRM 319 - Thermodynamics I Lab 1.5 Credits

Semester 4

AMEC 356 - Applied Mechanics II 3 Credits
ELCT 354 - Electrical and Controls III 1.5 Credits
PENG 351 - Power Theory IV 3 Credits
PROJ 351 - Power Engineering Technology Capstone Project 3 Credits
THRM 357 - Thermodynamics IV Theory 3 Credits
THRM 359 - Thermodynamics II Lab 1.5 Credits

Total Credits 61.5

Program Outcomes

Explain the theories and concepts used to optimize cycle conditions to improve overall performance.
Perform start up, shutdown, and continued operation of process equipment according to safe operating practices and design parameters.
Manage the impact of water chemistry on equipment efficiency and reliability.
Communicate with co-workers via verbal, non-verbal, and written instructions to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Identify abnormal conditions and take corrective action.
Troubleshoot abnormal conditions and take corrective action.
Optimize performance in a process environment to ensure maximum efficiency.
Locate and outline the intent of relevant government, safety and environmental regulations.
Develop and maintain procedures.
Apply data analysis with the degree of accuracy required to solve problems and make decisions.
Interpret technical documents.