Electric Power Generation Technology

47.0101

(Associate of Applied Science Degree)

As a society we take for granted that our electric power will run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so that we can have the food, clothing, homes, medical care, electronic devices and personal amenities we depend on.  That’s why medical facilities, financial institutions, power companies, grocery stores, and even residential homes are now using backup generators to maintain electric power in the event of a power outage.  Power generators are also used to deliver temporary electric power to oil fields, chemical plants, mining sites, construction sites, movie sets, and shipping yards.  As a result the demand for power generators has dramatically risen based on society’s significant dependence on electric power.

The Electric Power Generation Technology’s (EPG) curriculum provides students with the opportunity to develop the skills needed to install, maintain, diagnose and service on-site power generation units. Electric power generators are used in a number of different scenarios including emergency standby power, prime power, co-generational power, or peak power. The program provides instruction in basic electricity, prime movers, motors, switchgears and governors. Students are exposed to the fundamentals of the electric grid and the impact of generators supporting the grid. The EPG program also contributes to the green economy by teaching students to work with solar and wind power equipment. Additionally, students are taught about different types of alternative fuels and their impacts on the environment. Biodegradable solvents and other products are used to help reduce water, air, and soil contamination. All students will have the opportunity to become certified through the Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC).

Employment opportunities for EPG graduates include but are not limited to power generation technician, technical sales consultant, industrial maintenance technician, field service technician, sales representative, or service manager. 

Enrollment in the EPG program is limited and students are selected for this program on a competitive basis.  Contact the Office of Admissions for the specific application requirements and deadline.  Students may be sponsored by an EPG dealer or another participating power generation company. 

The EPG Associate of Applied Science degree is a highly specialized technical degree which requires entering students to hold an Associate of Applied Science degree in Heavy Equipment Technology (HET) or Industrial Electricity (IEL) or Medium/Heavy Truck Technology (MHT).  The HET, IEL, or MHT internship is required for those students who wish to obtain a second degree in EPG.  The EPG Associate of Applied Science degree is a fast-paced accelerated program designed to produce highly skilled EPG technicians.  A second Associate of Applied Science degree in EPG may be completed in one to two semesters if scheduling permits.

It is a graduation requirement that a grade of “C” or better must be maintained in all Electric Power Generation Technology (EPG) courses.

Program Mission
The mission of the Electric Power Generation Technology program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in today’s Electric Power Generation industry.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to provide opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate:

• Electrical knowledge and skills needed to install, maintain, diagnose, and service electric power generators.
• Knowledge and skills necessary to install, maintain, diagnose, and service multi-fuel engines and prime movers. 
• Knowledge and skills necessary to install, maintain, diagnose, and service motors, controls, switches, regulators, governors and generators/alternators as they relate to electrical power generation equipment.
• Critical thinking skills used in troubleshooting.
• Oral and written communications skills needed in the electric power generation industry.

EPG 130 Generators and Alternators. This course teaches the construction and operation of single and 3-phase units. Also covered are various loads, special applications, temperature, and environmental concerns. 2 credit hours.

EPG 200 Internship. The Electric Power Generation Technology Internship is comprised of work experience in the electrical generating industry requiring the student to perform a variety of tasks. Program objectives, students’ educational objectives, and employer’s on-the-job training capabilities determine internship content, hours and objectives that will be documented in each student’s internship agreement. A training agreement between the employer, the student, and the college is required. The student will submit a weekly summary of activities (tasks performed). Prerequisite: Department Chair approval. 8 credit hours.

EPG 210 Engine/Generator Instruments and Controls. This course teaches controls of the prime mover and the generator. The operation and troubleshooting of gauges, breakers, relays, controllers, and transformers are included. 2 credit hours.

EPG 220 Generators and Prime Mover Protection. This course teaches protection devices that control the prime mover and generator. Switchgears, sensors, thermo switches, relays, cooling, ventilation, and other electrical and electronic controllers are surveyed in this course. 2 credit hours.

EPG 230 Electric Power Generator Application & Installation. This course teaches the different systems that are important when installing a generator. Systems covered include: air, cooling, exhaust, fuel, starting, mounting, ventilation, and noise. Room design and sizing are also covered. 3 credit hours.

EPG 270 Troubleshooting Prime Movers and Generators. This course teaches the troubleshooting skills used to effectively locate and repair failures of the power generator equipment and control systems. 4 credit hours.

EPG 299 Special Topics in Electric Power Generation Technology. Special Topics in Electric Power Generation Technology (EPG) may include instruction on topics not covered in other EPG courses. Topics covered in other EPG courses may also be covered in more depth in this special topics course. Projects may be undertaken in any area related to the major program with credit hours determined by the level and amount of involvement. The minimum involvement required for one credit is 30 contact hours. The specific topic(s), objectives, plan of instruction, and evaluation criteria must be documented in the syllabus; approved by the Department/Division Chair; and filed in the Academic Records Office. Students may complete more than one Special Topics course, provided that the credits earned in this manner do not exceed a total of four (4) credits. 1-4 credit hours.