How can open spaces in Saskatchewan be used to power electric vehicles (EV)? Access to Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Energy and Resources Lab provides Electrical Engineering Technology program students with tools they need to explore the concept in their capstone project.
As part of the program, third-year students complete a Renewable Energy Systems course. The 2025 graduating class was the first to access the new lab for coursework. Jigna Jitendrabhai Gamit and Rhio Monteron were thrilled to have access to equipment to sharpen the focus of their capstone project.
"In Canada you see open parking lots, so we were thinking about converting that open space with solar canopies to utilize the area for renewable energy generation," explains Gamit.
"Through the lab, we already had a system to use that includes solar panels and connection breakers. We took readings on how much energy the solar panels could generate and how much voltage and current would be generated."
Monteron notes the readings were vital in establishing the model to charge four EVs, "Technically, our project is focused on the systems design, but we also wanted to show what a canopy parking station could look like."
As lab partners, Monteron and Gamit fluidly exchanged ideas, having worked together on numerous projects since the beginning of the program.
Says Gamit, "Rhio first had the idea of designing a solar canopy-based parking station, and then we started researching it."
Adds Monteron, "Jigna thought of a feature to prioritize solar energy and have a backup battery system if solar is not enough. If there's not enough battery capacity, then that's the only time the system would tap into the grid. This helps us with our goal of being part of the Net Zero Project."
The Net Zero Project is a national initiative supporting collaboration between the energy and environmental sectors to develop zero emission projects for energy production, including solar power.
Since weather is a variable factor, the lab setting was essential in testing to optimize the system, explains Gamit, "We saw how solar panels would generate electricity in different conditions, for example when sun is above the panels or when sun is hiding. Then we took those readings to make our design."
Work has continued on the project in the general electrical engineering lab with access to tools and equipment in the specialized facility, as needed.
"The baseline of our project is mainly in the Energy and Resource Lab because we want to utilize the renewable energy system. We want to incorporate both renewable energy and control systems to efficiently utilize renewable sources," says Monteron.
Babith Varghese, Electrical Engineering Technology program head, notes that projects like these spark innovation in the field.
"Our students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, so they have a chance to go above and beyond with their capstone projects. It's exciting to see their approach and the new ideas they develop," he says.
"Electrical engineering is an evolving industry, and the experience our students gain from working in the Energy and Resources Lab will serve them in the growing renewable energy sector."
Daniel Bechard, academic chair of Energy Transition and Sustainability, says the Energy and Resources Lab is an important asset for the Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades.
"Having the facility is the perfect opportunity to develop new micro credentials and integrate energy alternatives and sustainability into existing programs. We're proud to train the next generation of energy professionals and support research in a burgeoning sector. The opportunity to learn and experiment in the Energy and Resources Lab is invaluable to our students," he notes.
View Gamit and Monteron's project in person at the Sask Polytech Applied Research Student Showcase on May 12 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.
The Energy and Resources Lab at Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Moose Jaw campus opened thanks to a $1.35 million investment from PrairiesCan and SaskPower. The net zero 1,000 square foot lab is a hub for energy-related training programs and applied research through the Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence.
The Electrical Engineering Technology program is a three-year diploma focused on providing comprehensive knowledge and skills in the generation, transmission and distribution, utilization, protection, and sustainable management of energy. There are five academic semesters and three Co-operative Education work terms.
For more information
400 - 119 4th Avenue South
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Canada S7K 5X2
www.saskpolytech.ca
