Electrical Power Generation Technician

 

Program Highlights

This specialized, intensive diploma program will prepare you to install, maintain and test electrical power generation units up to 10,000 kilowatts used for emergency power, standby power and prime power generation, in compliance with regulated standards. You will also be able to maintain, service and install diesel, gasoline and natural gas powered generators. The job market for qualified specialists in the electrical and alternate power generation field is strong and growing, due to supply shortages, climate disruptions and the increase in energy demands. Power generator systems ensure consistent power generation in response to unreliable electricity grids or when traditional hydroelectricity is unavailable. Employment opportunities include work with power supply servicing companies, mining and aggregate production industries, the construction industry, and any large-scale industrial setting, such as manufacturing plants, or hospitals, hotels and large buildings that require a continuous source of portable, standby and emergency power. The operation of these generators is a highly regulated area and only those trained in their use and service have the skills to deal with such equipment. Upon successful completion of this program, you will have acquired this expertise and will receive an Ontario College Diploma in Electrical Power Generation at the Technician level. You will take the same program of study as the Motive Power Techniques-Heavy Equipment certificate during the first three semesters. Some of these courses are common to both areas of study. The second (summer) semester is a paid internship. The forth semester focuses intensively on the skills required to work in the field of electrical and alternate power generation.

 

Word from the Workplace

 

"As a result of the paid internship, I was offered a job prior to graduation. This is a unique program in a highly specialized field. The  industry is growing quickly and many companies are looking for skilled technicians. Fleming College provided a good balance in the curriculum between  the necessary safety aspects and the knowledge of how to work with the generation systems."

- Andrew Kilgour, 2008 program graduate.

 

Why Choose Fleming?

The Centre for Heavy Equipment Technology at Frost Campus in Lindsay is the only one of its kind in Canada. The Centre is known for its up-to-date equipment, extraordinary hands-on learning opportunities, high industry employment rates, and skilled, knowledgeable faculty. The opportunity to acquire two specialized, in-demand skill sets, through a certificate in Motive Power Techniques - Heavy Equipment, and a diploma in Electrical Power Generation, will provide you with a unique, comprehensive and powerful combination of expertise when it comes to your job search.

 

What it Takes to Succeed

The following skills and personal qualities are key to your success in this field:

• strong electrical skills
• safety training and awareness
• knowledge of and adherence to industry-approved standards and relevant codes
• math skills
• computing ability
• a strong customer service orientation
• self-motivation, discipline
• good manual dexterity
• willingness to work long/various hours

Students would benefit by having basic computer skills including e-mail, word processing, file management and web browsing.

 

Career Opportunities

Servicing companies that maintain power supply, including companies such as Total Power Ltd., Toromont Energy, Harper Detroit Diesel and Cummins Onan employ electrical power generation technicians. Hospitals, airports and buildings over five storeys high all require a backup, uninterrupted power supply to meet fire code regulations. Mining and aggregate production industries, which are frequently operating in remote locations, also require technicians to install and maintain generators and electrical power supply. With rising energy demands, the instability of the power grid, and mining industry growth in Alberta and the north, it is easy to understand why the need for qualified technicians is on the increase in Ontario and across the country. Starting salaries range from $14.00 to $16.00 per hour, with plenty of overtime potential. Job titles include:

• electrical power generation technician
• service technician
• maintenance technician
• generator maintenance technician
• emergency and standby generator technician
• diesel mechanic.

 

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12) 
• 1 College (C) Math course (Grade 11)

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.

 

Selection Process

 

Related Programs

Students who have successfully completed the following programs (or their equivalent) may apply for direct entry into the fourth semester of the Electrical Power Generation Technician program:

• Motive Power Techniques - Heavy Equipment
• Other Motive Power Techniques Certificates, such as Automotive Service Technician, Truck and Coach Technician or Farm Equipment Technician.

 

Additional Costs

*Students complete their paid internship over the summer semester. In this program, you pay tuition and fees for three semesters.

 

University Transfer Agreements

• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Basic Shop Practice	42.00
Electrical Systems I	75.00
Engines I	75.00
Hydraulic Systems I	75.00
Parts, Maintenance and Service	45.00
Powertrains I	75.00
Welding & Materials	18.00
Semester 2
HET Internship	450.00
Semester 3
Electrical Systems II	75.00
Electronic Engine Management	60.00
Engines II	75.00
Environmental Issues for Industry	45.00
Hydraulic Systems II	75.00
Powertrains II	75.00
Shop Practice	45.00
Semester 4
Electrical Systems III	90.00
Installation, Code and Safety	75.00
Power Generation	60.00
Prime Movers	75.00
System Controls	105.00
General Education Elective

Semester 1

Professional Portfolio Development

Course Number: GNED033

Get the Work You Want! This course will assist post-secondary students to locate and win positions they want in the workplace. The use and development of a professional portfolio will be emphasized. Through career analysis self-assessment, goal setting, and portfolio development participants will improve their ability to link their skills and knowledge to appropriate career positions. The basics of job searching will be enhanced with sessions on electronic resume posting, web site searches, and online job links. Participants will complete this course with the foundation of a professional portfolio and the knowledge to find the work they want.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Basic Shop Practice

Course Number: MECH006

This introductory level course will consist of equipment circle checks, and identification of machine controls. A review of the operator's manual as well as safe manoeuvring procedures for equipment will be emphasized. This course will also consist of hands-on maintenance of engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and drive lines of heavy equipment. Emphasis will be placed on the safe procedures and practices during the servicing of various pieces of equipment. This course will help to better prepare the student for their summer internship placement.

Units: 42.00
Hours: 42.00

Electrical Systems I

Course Number: ELCT008

This course studies electrical fundamentals including magnetism, current, voltage, resistance, series and parallel circuits. Meter usage, test equipment and electrical schematics will be emphasized. Electrical systems on heavy equipment such as batteries, starters, and alternators will be tested and evaluated.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Engines I

Course Number: MECH019

This Engines I course covers the theory and overhaul of diesel and gasoline engines. Wear measurements, valve grinding, cylinder honing, component evaluation, plastigauging, and cylinder bore measurements are some of the skills developed. Lubrication, cooling, fuel, intake and exhaust systems are also discussed with practical testing and diagnosis of system operation. Within a lab group, students will perform a complete disassembly and reassembly of an internal combustion engine. The shop work, which is part of this course, is designed to amplify the students' understanding of the topics discussed in the theory part of the course.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Hydraulic Systems I

Course Number: MECH030

This course begins with general hydraulic fundamentals and leads into a detailed study of hydraulic systems on heavy mobile equipment. Topics include pumps, cylinders, control valves, reservoirs, actuators, lines and fittings, fluids, hydraulic control circuits for machine implement, drive and steering functions, and troubleshooting of hydraulic systems on machines.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Parts, Maintenance and Service

Course Number: MECH046

This course introduces the student to the preventative maintenance required to minimize down-time on heavy equipment. Fuels, lubricants, synthetics, and their appropriate applications are studied along with oil analysis for wear particles. Safe hoisting, blocking, and handling of heavy components is included, along with safe use of tools, fire suppression equipment, and the appropriate use of fasteners, fittings, tubing, hoses and other shop equipment.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Powertrains I

Course Number: MECH048

This is the first of a two-part course (Powertrains I and Powertrains II) and it covers clutches, standard transmissions, planetary gearing, propeller shafts and U-joints, standard, no spin and limited slip differentials, planetary and non-planetary axles, final drives, air, hydraulic and disc brakes, tires and tire sizes, undercarriages, winches, suspension systems, machine safety, and maintenance procedures. The shop work, which is part of this course, is designed to amplify the students' understanding of the topics discussed in the theory part of the course.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Welding & Materials

Course Number: MECH071

Students' skills will be developed in all types of gas welding and cutting. Arc welding including MIG and hard facing will be practiced. In addition, students will study basic metallurgy and strength of materials.

Units: 18.00
Hours: 18.00

Semester 2

HET Internship

Course Number: APST031

The internship is an integral part of the learning and mentoring process for the trainees. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 15 weeks (450 hours) of work placement in a related field. This portion of the program will let students apply the skills they have obtained in the first semester. This credit must be earned before a diploma can be granted. To obtain a credit for the internship placement students must have their employer sign and complete the Heavy Equipment Technician Intern Evaluation Form and return it to the college no later than one month after completion of the work term.

Units: 450.00
Hours: 450.00

Semester 3

Electrical Systems II

Course Number: ELCT009

This course is a continuance of Electrical Systems I. Students will study more in-depth electrical fundamentals. Electronic devices such as semiconductors and other solid state devices will be emphasized and their applications in alternators, regulators and controls. Oscilloscope usage and proper wiring repair will be studied. Various types of wiring schematics and their interception will be analyzed.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Electronic Engine Management

Course Number: ELCT011

This course is an in-depth study of electronic engine controls including fuel and emission management for both gasoline and diesel engines. The focus will be to evaluate engine computer systems and their components including input and output devices such as sensors, actuators and stepper motors, etc. Other subsystems such as electronic transmission controls and antilock braking systems will be studied. System diagnosis and schematic interruption will be the main emphasis.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Engines II

Course Number: MECH020

This is the second of a two-part course (Engines I and Engines II) which it covers the theory, operation and adjustment of diesel fuel injection systems. Students test and calibrate a Cummins PT fuel pump, a Stanadyne distributor fuel injection pump, a Bosch in-line fuel injection pump, perform a Detroit and Cummins injector test on a Bacharach comparitor, perform a Cummins tune-up using dial indicators, and perform a Detroit Diesel engine tune-up, and then dyno test the engine on our Clayton Engine Dynamometer. Along with these projects students will remove, analyze and install a fuel system on a live diesel engine assigned to their group. The engine must then be ran to ensure proper procedures and that the engine runs properly by the completion of the course.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Environmental Issues for Industry

Course Number: GNED014

This course is designed for students who will work in an industrial setting. The course takes a broad look at environmental issues relating to industrial practices. In some cases, technical details of recovery/recycling processes are covered. Topics include industry's effect on and remediation of natural resources such as water, air, soil, and biotic life. New approaches by industry toward sustainability and waste management are also included.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Hydraulic Systems II

Course Number: MECH031

This is the second of a two-part course (Hydraulic Systems I and Hydraulic Systems II) which is a detailed study of advanced hydraulic systems used in the heavy equipment industry. The study begins with a review of hydraulic principles and culminates with a comprehensive study of systems containing pressure and temperature compensating systems and load sensing capabilities. Also detailed will be the theory and operation of pneumatic circuits for brakes, schematics and ISO symbols. Students will receive extensive hydrostatic drive systems training and evaluation of operating systems.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Powertrains II

Course Number: MECH049

This is the concluding part of a two-part course which covers torque converters, clutch packs, powershift, automatic and hydrostatic transmissions. It also covers electronically controlled powershift transmissions, hydraulic propulsion systems and electronically controlled hydrostatic drives, as well as machine safety and maintenance procedures. The shop work, which is part of this course, is designed to amplify students' understanding of the topics discussed in the theory portion of the course.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Shop Practice

Course Number: MECH052

This course will consist of hands-on practice in maintenance and repair of engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and drive lines of heavy equipment. Air conditioning systems, climate control systems, ozone depletion prevention techniques and refrigerant handling will be the focus of this program.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 4

Electrical Systems III

Course Number: ELCT061

This course covers the basic principles of electricity, the laws and formulas which are used to solve electrical problems. Students will discover the principles of magnetism and their relationship to direct/ alternating current generators and alternators plus other electrical machinery. The fundamental principles of alternating current electricity including problem solving, current, voltage, impedance, reactance and power factor in series and parallel circuits will be utilized.

Units: 90.00
Hours: 90.00

Installation, Code and Safety

Course Number: ELCT064

This course covers the fundamentals of generator set installations. Topics include: air flow requirements for combustion and cooling, methods of air ducting, thermodynamic principles as applied to heat exchangers, acceptable methods of mounting of generators, and vibration analysis. The Electrical Code and CSA code C282 will be reviewed along with safe electrical practices.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Power Generation

Course Number: ELCT062

Extensive instruction in the configuration and electrical production of generators and alternators (synchronous generators) will be the focus. Instruction in the testing and failure diagnosis of these units will be provided.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Prime Movers

Course Number: MECH164

This course covers the basic principles of operation of the mechanical power devices necessary to generate electrical power. These include air and liquid cooled spark and diesel engines, dual-fuel engines and other designs. Maintenance, servicing and repair of these prime movers will be emphasized. Emission controls and ventilation systems will be discussed.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

System Controls

Course Number: ELCT063

Intensive instruction in troubleshooting, schematic diagram reading, servicing and repair of power generation system controls will be provided. Lecture discussions and laboratory applications will focus on generator operation, paralleling and the role that switch gear and governors play in power generation systems. A basic understanding in specialized devices such as power relays, volt-amp reactive (VAR) power factor controllers, uninterruptible power supply systems (UPS) and circuit protection controls will be emphasized.

Units: 105.00
Hours: 105.00