Sustainable Energy Systems

Program Overview: Graduates of the Sustainable Energy Systems (SES) Program have a broad understanding of energy efficiency and conservation, comprehensive energy and electrical-load audits, alternative electrical energy generation using photovoltaics, wind turbines, fuel cells, and microhydro. They also understand how active and passive solar technology (including geothermal systems) can be used to produce air conditioning via heat pumps and radiant floor heating. They comprehend solar hot water heating systems as well as well as tankless hot water heating. Graduates understand the importance of codes, standards, and permits as well as fees, financing, and payback. They also have the necessary skills to use electronic test equipment to make measurements, understand electrical schematics and blueprints, analyze electronic circuits and understand fundamental design concepts. The graduates are ready to work in alternative energy product and service development, testing and alternative energy product certifications with an emphasis on the electrical and electronic systems. The SES program helps prepare you to take the Alternative Energy Integrator Certification examinations offered by the Electronics Technicians Association, International.

Work & Employment: Successful graduates secure positions as sustainable energy system designers and consultants, sales and service professionals, or as part of an alternative energy hybrid system integration support team. Areas of employment as electronics technicians to support a wide variety of manufacturing and service needs are also included in career selections. Hands-On Learning: EET (SES) classes include alternative energy trainers and systems to give students a more complete grasp of concepts. Several field trips are required to look at installed systems. Internships to obtain actual working experience are required. EET classes include a hands-on laboratory component taught by instructors with industrial experience. You will learn how to use electronic test equipment like oscilloscopes, function generators, and digital multimeters.

Transfer Opportunities: Graduates have the option to pursue a baccalaureate degree from Northern Illinois University and other select universities. Graduates of this Sustainable Energy Systems degree have limited transfer options. Students are advised to contact the institution to which they plan to transfer to ensure course transfer credit availability. Students should also consult with an Academic Advisor, the Dean, or Academic Chair of the SES program.

Certificates Available:
• Sustainable Energy System Certificate
• Basic Sustainable Energy Systems

First Tuesday Replay
 

Coping with the Smart Grid By Using a Smart Phone

Presented by Dr. Tom Lombardo and Stephen Fleeman - Professors, Engineering & Technology Division

Commonwealth Edison plans on launching Smart Grid Technology to our region in 2016. Consumers need to understand how this will affect their billing and why it will become very important to manage their own electrical energy usage. Appliances will form part of a wireless Home Area Network (HAN) using ZigBee. The improvements to the grid reliability need to be understood as well as the available scrutiny of our individual electrical energy usage by the power utility.