SUBMITTED PHOTO A pair of SolarWind turbine prototypes have been installed at Medicine Hat College and are nearly ready for operation.
Two SolarWind turbine prototypes at Medicine Hat College will begin turning in the coming weeks.
Both Bluenergy SolarWind PowerStations were installed at the MHC campus over the past year for testing and educational purposes.
Tracy Stroud, MHC’s manager of business development, says the turbines will be involved in 80 hours of commissioning tests before the end of March.
“Members of the community can expect to see the turbines spinning, but there may also be some down time as adjustments are made following each test,” she explained.
The solar and wind structures are part of a broader initiative at the college, the Community Renewable Energy Microgrid Demonstration Project, which includes a solar canopy and electric vehicle charging stations.
Community microgrids allow for more localized, and thus less expensive, energy production.
Although southeastern Alberta has abundant wind and solar resources, there are limited opportunities for research, innovation and training, which is where MHC steps in.
“Our microgrid offers a great learning opportunity for those interested in the technology from across southern Alberta, and we have had students from as far as Calgary come to the area to see the demonstration site. At the same time, our own students have access to these technologies and practical, hands-on experience with real-time data,” Stroud said.
Jacob Lukasiewich, a third-year business administration student who spent two summers working on the microgrid, says it was a valuable opportunity to learn more about renewable energy.
“I learned all about electric vehicles and charging stations, as well as wind and solar power. I was also lucky enough to take part in planning an electric vehicle information seminar and a hemp and cannabis conference with MHC, which gave me valuable industry-related experience that will benefit me in my future endeavours,” he said.
