Courses
Renewable Energies Technician (Co-op)-2025/2026
| Level 1 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course. | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| ELEC-1145 | Electrical Theory | 6 | ||
| This course explores the principles of Electricity and Electronics as applied to Renewable Energy technologies. This course will present an in-depth introduction into the use of various tools and test equipment found in the Renewable Energy field including their proper use. Safe working practices are emphasized throughout. The course will provide the foundational knowledge related to wind energy and solar photovoltaic power generation. The course involves an in-depth coverage of AC and DC circuit theory including common sources of conventional power generation techniques contrasted with current methods of power generation using wind turbine and photovoltaic system technologies and their supporting systems. Additionally, there will be an introduction to semiconductor devices and basic digital electronics. The semiconductor devices are applied to analog circuitry including power supplies, transistor switching and amplifier circuits. | ||||
| ELEC-1137 | Applied Electrical Techniques | 2 | ||
| This course covers the proper use of test equipment as applied to A/C and D/C circuits with an emphasis on capacitive, inductive, magnetic, electromagnet, semiconductor and digital circuits. Emphasis is also placed on the basics of electrical measurement and interpretation as applied to power generation with acceptable procedures explained and practiced. Students will become proficient in the interpretation and construction of common electrical and electronic circuits. Practical lab exercises will develop hands-on troubleshooting skills. The student is also introduced to proper mechanical and electrical component interconnections, common wire types and their uses and the ability to solder them to a high standard of reliability. | ||||
| MATH-1213 | Mathematics for Electronics 1 | 2 | ||
| This course is the first of two courses that teach students the fundamental concepts of mathematics required to understand the theory of electricity and electronics. | ||||
| SFTY-1047 | Renewable Energy Safety | 3 | ||
| Upon successful completion of this course, the student will acquire skills utilizing the methods and procedures to safely work in the wind power and solar photovoltaic power generation industries. Students will gain awareness of the mechanical and electrical hazards commonly associated with a renewable energy installation. Students will receive training in the appropriate use of fall arrest equipment and arc flash and arc blast personal protective equipment; Lock-Out Tag-Out procedures; WHIMIS and SDS fundamentals; and insight to safe working procedures in confined spaces. Students will also learn appropriate communication with team members while moving and hoisting equipment through hand signals and basic radio communication. The causes and results of workplace accidents and injuries including common activities such as safe driving will be reviewed. | ||||
| SFTY-1069 | Safe Work Practices | 1 | ||
| This course introduces the student to the accepted techniques commonly used to eliminate and/or control hazards related to potential injury/illness in the renewable energy industry. Specifically, this course will begin the process of creating a "safety culture" that will prepare the student to work safely with electricity and outline the procedures for safe climbing methods and working at heights. Students will gain awareness of and practice various electrical safety protocols including protection from Arc Flash and Arc Blast, as well as, Lock Out/Tag Out procedures and Fire Safety and containment. Students will perform equipment maintenance on climbing and fall-arrest gear; cover the proper use of various PPE and other safety related gear when working on Renewable Energy generation systems and be provided with basic training in the use of lift equipment. Students will become proficient in the application of the Occupational Health & Safety Act & the associated regulations. | ||||
| DEVL-1054 | Skills for Career Success | 2 | ||
| This course will cover topics in digital literacy, career management and workplace communication. | ||||
| Level 2 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| MATH-3090 | Mathematics for Electronics 2 | 2 | ||
| This course is the second of two courses that teach students the fundamental concepts of mathematics required to understand the theory of electricity and electronics. | ||||
| ELEC-3060 | Renewable Energy Wiring Practices | 3 | ||
| Students will study electrical wiring diagrams and design basic electrical distribution systems. Students will continue to expand on their knowledge and skills learned in Renewable Energy Electricity to encompass proper and safe tool usage, and electrical circuit design, testing and troubleshooting. Whereas electrical installers and maintainers are responsible for adherence to the Canadian Electrical Code in order mitigate electrical fire and shock hazards, excellent Code knowledge is a prerequisite to the correct installation and layout of equipment and wiring to specification. This course will cover accurate interpretations and applications of said Electrical Code as applied to wiring systems, grounding and bonding, protection and control, motors, lines and substations, explosion proof areas, and emergency systems. The main objective is to enhance the students knowledge of Section 64 of the Canadian Electrical Code related to renewable energy equipment. The course concludes with coverage of modern electrical distribution systems metering methods used by utilities, electrical energy consumption by type of loads and their effects on distribution frequency and voltage together with a review of circuit protection devices. | ||||
| ELEC-3061 | Practical Wiring Techniques | 1.5 | ||
| This course will provide students with practical wiring exercises involving installation, wiring, and troubleshooting of electrical devices and equipment used in, but not specific to, wind turbine and solar photovoltaic control systems. Related topics include safety, mechanical design, component installation, mounting configurations, system start-up, and system maintenance. Students will complete wiring projects which will develop their workmanship and familiarity with the Canadian Electrical Code as it applies to industrial electrical installations. Projects will focus on electrical power distribution techniques as well as some control system wiring incorporating components such as relays, control transformers, motors, starters and electronic devices. They will also identify and demonstrate raceway installations and their associated wiring methods. | ||||
| MECH-1116 | Wind Turbine Systems | 5 | ||
| In this course students learn fundamental concepts of hydraulics and mechanical systems and their supporting role in wind turbine operation including the physics of energy, work and power as well as lubrication and bearing technology. This course will introduce students to the basic structure and application of hydraulics including how to read hydraulic schematics and troubleshoot basic hydraulic components and systems. Included will be the theory of hydraulics, types of fluids, filtration, conductors and seals, reservoirs, hydraulic actuators, control valves and pumps. Trainees will possess the ability to read engineering prints and be able to interpret hydraulic schematic symbols. The course will also serve as an introduction to the fundamentals of mechanical power. It emphasizes learning the different mechanical components from nuts and bolts to gears, gear boxes, shafts and bearings. It demonstrates the importance of lubrication in maintaining gears and other movable parts. Basic alignment and mechanical physics are taught. Also included will be coverage of correct use of hand and power tools, standard mechanical work practices, fastener selection and application, bearing types and lubrication techniques as well as mechanical troubleshooting techniques. Power transmission theory and practice as applied to the repair and maintenance of industrial machinery will also be covered. Included topics are gear and gear drive components, equipment alignment and preventive maintenance. | ||||
| MECH-1121 | Power Transmission for Ret | 2 | ||
| This course builds on the information taught in Wind Turbine Systems. This course is designed to provide the student with the fundamental skills required to repair and maintain mechanical and hydraulic systems associated with Wind Turbines. This course will also provide the student the opportunity to properly use the various shop tools found in the Renewable Energy field and their proper use. Disassembling and reassembling various hydraulic and mechanical components will also be covered. The student will fully understand the operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of hydraulic systems. The reading and interpretation of schematic drawings will form a large part of the above understanding. All theoretical concepts covered in "Wind Turbine Systems" is reinforced by practical lab work. | ||||
| BUSI-1103 | Introduction to Small Business Concepts | 3 | ||
| This introductory course will examine some of the theoretical concepts and practical experiences necessary for effectively running a small business. A wide variety of topics such as the social and ethical responsibility of a contemporary business, the importance of human resource and financial resource management, and the current trends in Canadian business will be studied. | ||||
| COOP-1020 | Co-operative Education Employment Prep | 1 | ||
| This workshop will provide an overview of the Co-operative Education consultants and students' roles and responsibilities as well as the Co-operative Education Policy. It will provide students with employment preparatory skills specifically related to co-operative education work assignments and will prepare students for their work term. | ||||
| ENVR-3019 | Energy Efficiency & Sustainability | 5 | ||
| Students will learn about a variety of present and possible future alternative renewable energy sources, how these technologies work and how they can be used. Energy Conservation will give the students a background on Energy and its use in modern day society. It will include discussion on the basic principles and facts of Energy, how we measure energy, the history and future of Energy and how we can best meet our Energy needs in the most efficient and sustainable manner. Students will learn why energy conservation is the first line of defense in developing a renewable energy strategy and how it drives the present move to green construction. The course will provide an introduction to energy evaluation principles and techniques, used in Canada and the U.S. Upon completion students will be in a position to assess the energy performance of new and existing buildings and recommend ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness of systems related to energy use in order to improve cost factors and reduce the production of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and harm the environment. Students will also learn through a group project related to Renewable Energy involving the research, presentation and implementation of an Alternative Energy project. | ||||
| Level 3 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| ENGR-3024 | Photovoltaic Systems | 3 | ||
| This course covers the comprehensive knowledge required to site, design and install photovoltaic(PV) systems. The course includes assessment techniques for sizing systems for bothgrid-connected and off-grid PV systems.Coverage will include the analysis of the solar resource, the problems associated with shading and what is the best orientation and tilt for PVarrays. Further discussion will continue surrounding the sizing, configuration and design of systems to serve a given electrical load.An emphasis will be placed on system specifications, mounting styles and equipment selection including parts lists, electrical and mechanical design, schematics and related documentation. | ||||
| ENGR-3025 | Applied Photovoltaic Techniques | 2 | ||
| In this course students will become familiar with popular roof styles and the mitigation of roofing systems after penetration by Photovoltaic mounting hardware.A review of safety practices for installers and Electrical Code applications along with the attributes of various mounting systems for PVarrays and how they affect roofs will also becovered.Students will have the opportunity to actually install a PV system utilizing correct mounting components for the system application. Students will be able to undertake all aspects ofthe activities associated with photovoltaic system maintenance and troubleshooting.. Also included will be the applications of solar systems, the market for solar energy including efficiency,costs, and conservation. | ||||
| ELNC-3036 | Motor Controls & Automation Theory | 5 | ||
| This course takes a comprehensive look at various control devices found in modern control systems as well as industrial sensors and transducers.Students will interpret wiring and ladder diagrams, be introduced to NEMA symbols as well as be able to demonstrate the operation of common control devices.Electric motors, motor controls and their protection devices are studied. Advantages and disadvantages of the various types of motors and their control devices are surveyed. All motor control circuits studied are duplicated by the student in the practical lab sections of the course.The course also introduces electronic control theory. Processes to be controlled and types of systems & methods available to perform control functions are examined. Applications of semiconductor & digital circuits to automation systems are explored. The course also surveys the electronic control of AC motors in industrial situations requiring variable frequency drives. Additional advanced motor control concepts such as time delay circuitry and system feedback are covered. | ||||
| ELNC-3037 | Applied Motor Controls | 2 | ||
| The course represents the practical component of motor controls and automated systems. In this phase of the program of study the student builds simulated motor control circuits as well as automated control systems. Numerous troubleshooting assignments form a large part of the course. Electrical Safety will be stressed. The course concludes with the coverage of feedback control systems, servo systems and networking principles and protocols as applied to renewable energy systems. | ||||
| CADD-1039 | Computer Aided Design for MIM | 2 | ||
| This course is designed to introduce the student to two and three dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) using Solidworks 2014 software. Topics will include: set up of user interface, file management, creating and editing two dimensional sketch geometry, creating solid models, analyzing and editing geometry and creating engineering drawings. | ||||
| ENGR-3026 | Alternative Energy Generation | 2.5 | ||
| This course will specialize in Alternative Energy technologies other than the mainstream Wind Turbine and Solar Photovoltaic sectors. The emphasis shall be on Biogas (Methane) production through the use of agricultural waste by-products for use as a suitable replacement fuel, as well as Hydrogen and its applications, primarily as an energy storage technology. Part 1 Biogas: Students will examine the principles and practices of gaseous biofuel production and usage for heating, power generation and transportation. The opportunities and challenges of biogas will be discussed in regards to environmental impacts, quality, cost, and performance issues. The overall goal is to give students a substantial working knowledge of biogas production technologies. In relation to this, students will learn to assess advantages, problems and principles in biogas production. They will obtain an understanding of how to use different biological materials as an energy source and organisms as a means, of how to produce biogas and of how the individual components (biologically, technologically and economically) interact. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the production of a small scale biogas batch using a state of the art pilot Biogas plant. Part 2 Hydrogen: As hydrogen becomes a more economic and prevalent complement to renewable energy, students should become knowledgeable about its production and uses. The course content will cover hydrogen sources of electrolysis from water, natural deposits, production from fossil fuels, and the concepts of blue, grey and green hydrogen. Hydrogen storage and transportation will be covered. And finally, the use of hydrogen as a replacement fuel in fuel cells and in combustion will be included. Students will work with fuel cells in associated labs. | ||||
| Level 4 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course. | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| CNTL-3012 | Programmable Logic Controllers Theory | 3 | ||
| An introductory course in Programmable Logic Controllers designed to provide the underlying knowledge and skills required to comprehend, program and troubleshoot PLC control systems as applied to Renewable Energy systems.PLC theory is studied as well as programming techniques in ladder logic. Numerous practical problems are assigned. Troubleshooting techniques are emphasized. Control diagrams, programming languages and control circuits will be incorporated. The course also details what is available in PLC control; PLC operation; where and why PLCs are used, common applications and interfacing of equipment. The course takes a fundamental approach to the use of the RSLogix programming platform. It begins with an overview of the architecture and migrates to an introduction of RSLogix5000, the selected programming environment for this course. Students will receive a basic understanding of the structure of a PLC program including an introductory look at Program Files and Data Files. Also included is a section on RSLinx, which will facilitate the students going online and downloading to a PLC processor. | ||||
| CNTL-3013 | PLC Applications | 1.5 | ||
| This course permits the student to apply the knowledge acquired in the PLC Theory course. Students will be able to design, program, debug and implement a wide variety of PLC programs with applications that include PanelVue displays.Upon completion, students will be able to interpret control diagrams and efficiently translate them into working PLC programs utilizing the Ladder Logic programming language. | ||||
| MTNC-5008 | Wind Turbine Maintenance | 5 | ||
| This course represents an immersion in the practices of the Wind Turbine industry regarding planning, site preparation, foundation installation, tower construction, nacelle installation, blade installation and commissioning of wind turbines. This course exposes the student to the various mechanical components used to control turbine operation, which includes a comprehensive survey of the current technologies and systems to effect YAW control, pitch control, braking systems, emergency egress equipment and their supporting systems. There will be coverage of the concepts and operation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems as they apply to the wind energy industry. | ||||
| MTNC-5006 | Wind Turbine Maintenance Techniques | 2.5 | ||
| Wind turbine mechanical and electrical theory is put into practice through the units of this course. Units are primarily laboratory-based activities requiring trainees to demonstrate mastery of concepts related to wind turbine maintenance. Further mechanical topics centre around, rigging and hoisting, torquing, and tensioning. Using modern techniques, vibration analysis, and alignment will be utilized for drive train predictive failure analysis. The course will include coverage of the skill sets necessary to perform inspections and repairs on a modern wind turbine main components and sub systems. Common turbine technician tasks are practiced from start to finish with work based on actual service manuals, schematics, inspections, disassembly and assembly of components, performance of routine maintenance tasks, and collection of documentation and submission of service reports. Turbine ladder rescue will be practiced and demonstrated. Mastery of skill competencies will be measured by instructors and proctors of the practical skill assessments. | ||||
| ENVR-5017 | Alternative Energy Generation Methods 2 | 3 | ||
| This course will be a continuation of the study of alternative energy technologies and methods on the fringe and far less ubiquitous than large scale wind and solar photovoltaic power generation. Topics that will be addressed will include geothermal energy, produced from the heat of the earth; district heating; tidal and wave action power production; and heating with solar energy. As well, project management concepts are introduced as part of a culminating project and continuous learning after certificate completion is demonstrated. | ||||
| Gen Ed - Electives | ||||
| Take 6 General Education Credits - Normally taken in Levels 1 and 4 | ||||
| Program Residency | ||||
| Students Must Complete a Minimum of 19 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency requirement and graduate from this program | ||||