Students at the Schulich School of Engineering now have greater opportunities to learn on modern, industry-grade equipment thanks to a donation from ABB Canada.
Valued at nearly $150,000, the donation upgraded the Department of Electrical and Software Engineering's power lab, now the ABB Undergraduate Power Engineering Lab, giving students hands-on experience with modern, industry-grade technology, thanks to the support of multiple business divisions within ABB Canada, and Amir Malekirad leading the engineering integration and project development.
Advancing hands-on learning with industry technology
As part of the donation, ABB provided induction motors, permanent magnet synchronous motors, variable speed drives, and industrial switchgear.
These machines, which are commonly used across energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, are fundamental to all the industrial processes in Alberta, says Dr. Andy Knight, PhD, professor in the Department of Electrical and Software Engineering.
Students will learn how the machines operate and how they are controlled, including how software is used to monitor what is happening in their system.
Highlighting how the new lab gives students exposure to modern, real-world technology, Knight says, "the old equipment could teach fundamental principles because those principles don't change, but it wasn't showing students what things look like when they graduate."
A modernized lab with greater flexibility
Beyond the equipment itself, the donation has completely reshaped the teaching space. With modern, compact systems now mounted along the walls, the renovated lab offers greater flexibility for teaching and can support a wider range of courses.
"The technology shift is about 50 years in one step," Knight says. "The old lab could only be used for one specific type of teaching. Now it's a flexible space that opens the door to new courses and new ways of learning."
Partnership prepares students for Canada's energy future
ABB and Schulich have partnered for more than 20 years, building a strong connection through student hiring, internships and campus engagement. This long-standing partnership gives students a direct link to industry while helping companies access skilled graduates ready to contribute to the field.
"This partnership reflects ABB's ongoing commitment to supporting applied learning environments across Canada," says Ben Venter, vice-president, Energy Industries, ABB Canada. "By equipping the next generation of engineers with advanced technology and practical experience, we're investing in the future of Canadian innovation and helping to build the skilled workforce Canada's energy transition requires."
Dr. Anders Nygren, PhD, dean of the Schulich School of Engineering, emphasizes the impact for students.
"This lab provides our students with unparalleled hands-on learning and direct exposure to industry-leading technology, preparing them to succeed in their careers and giving them the confidence to solve real-world engineering challenges," he says.
The ABB Undergraduate Power Engineering Lab is now operational and already being integrated into coursework, giving Schulich students an elevated learning experience with the technologies used in modern energy systems.
