Energy Technology

Our current lifestyles require a reliable source of electricity for nearly every aspect of modern life.  Although the demand for electricity will always be strong, the methods of creating it will vary depending on availability of fuels and environmental concerns.  Current methods of creating this electricity include fossil fuel plants, nuclear plants, hydro-electric plants, wind energy and solar sources.  Our strong dependence on electricity ensures long-term job opportunities for those who are educated in the operation and maintenance of energy generation facilities and new high-demand job opportunities are being created as new technologies continue to emerge in the field of energy generation.

The Energy Technology program at State Technical College of Missouri educates students in the operation of electrical generation facilities of various types.  The program prepares graduates for entry-level jobs at modern power plants where steam and/or electricity is generated.  Students learn all phases of the industry, including operation of equipment and systems, mechanical and chemical technology, and the safety culture of the industry.  Electricity, electronics, motors and controls, piping and instrumentation, thermodynamics, and fluid flow are also included in the program.

Employment opportunities for Energy Technology graduates include, but are not limited to, technician-level jobs at coal, gas, hydro, nuclear, wind, and solar energy generation facilities.

Enrollment in the Energy Technology 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.

It is a graduation requirement of the Energy Technology program for students to earn a grade of “C” or better in all “Core Curriculum” and “Program Requirements” courses.

To view program outcome data, visit https://statetechmo.edu/power-generation-technology-program-facts/.

Program Mission

The mission of the Energy Technology program is to educate students to become knowledgeable and proficient in the technical expertise, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, and human performance behaviors required to begin successful careers in the Energy Generation industry.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to provide the opportunity for students to develop:

• The ability to communicate energy generation-related concepts effectively in both oral and written formats.
• Electrical and mechanical equipment troubleshooting skills.
• Skills required to evaluate changing energy generation plant conditions.
• Skills required to conduct energy generation work while employing human performance tools to minimize human error and adverse operational events.
• Skills required to inspect and test power plant systems, structures, and components.

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

Classification of Instructional Programs - 15.1702

Core Curriculum

			Credit Hours
PWR	105	Introduction to Energy Technology	3
PWR	110	Introduction to Electricity	4
PWR	125	Plant Equipment and Systems	4
PWR	150	Operation, Troubleshooting, and Communications	2
PWR	155	Mechanical and Fluid Power Transmission	2
PWR	160	Electrical Theory and Safety	4
PWR	170	Power Generation Components and Protection	3
PWR	200	Internship	4
PWR	220	Piping and Instrumentation Drawing	2
SUB-TOTAL			28

General Education Requirements

Refer to the General Education Requirements and General Education Courses in the College Catalog.

			Credit Hours
General Education Requirements			19
May Not Include:
ASC	104	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab I	4
ASC	106	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab II	4
NST	101	Network Fundamentals	3
SUB-TOTAL			19

Program Requirements

			Credit Hours
PWR	120	Heat Transfer, Fluid Flow, and Thermodynamics	3
PWR	165	Industrial Motors and Their Controls	4
PWR	210	Applied Electronics	4
PWR	215	Steam Generation	3
PWR	250	Water Purification and Treatment	3
PWR	260	Boilers and Environmental Protection	3
PWR	270	Turbines and Combined Cycle	3
SUB-TOTAL			23

Graduation Requirements

			Credit Hours
COM	125	Job Search Strategies	1
It is a graduation requirement of the Energy Technology program for students to earn a grade of "C" or better in all "Core Curriculum" and "Program Requirements" courses.
SUB-TOTAL			1

PROGRAM TOTAL

71

Courses

PWR 105: Introduction to Energy Technology

This course is an introduction to the expanding energy industry. Topics include fossil fuel power plants, wind farms, hydro power production facilities, and natural gas processing facilities.

Credit Hours: 3

PWR 110: Introduction to Electricity

This course introduces and develops the concepts necessary for understanding the use of electrical components and circuitry. Technical math including scientific notation, significant figures, unit conversions, beginning algebra and basic trigonometry will be introduced and developed throughout the course. The first half of the semester is devoted to DC, the second to AC.

Credit Hours: 4

PWR 120: Heat Transfer, Fluid Flow, and Thermodynamics

This course includes the study of heat transfer, fluid flow, energy conservation, and specific equipment design considerations based on thermodynamic principles.

Credit Hours: 3

PWR 125: Plant Equipment and Systems

Introduction to basic mechanical and electrical components used by power plants such as different types of piping, valves, pumps, ejectors, filters, turbines, heat exchangers, compressors, lubrication systems, valve actuators, breakers, transformers, relays, and other equipment. Basic heat transfer, fluid flow, and plant materials theories are included in the course.

Credit Hours: 4

PWR 150: Operation, Troubleshooting, and Communications

This course teaches students how to incorporate power generation fundamental and conditional communication and troubleshooting skills into their behavior. Dynamic learning activities and simulated scenarios for each human performance tool or behavior will be utilized to develop the necessary skills to prevent unsafe conditions and adverse operational events in the workplace.

Credit Hours: 2

PWR 155: Mechanical and Fluid Power Transmission

This course teaches mechanical power transmission topics such as brakes, clutches, gears, couplings, shafts, chains and sprockets, cams, and bearings. Hydraulic topics covered include liquid properties, cylinders, motors, pumps, valves, and math for proper sizing of components. Pneumatic topics covered include physical principles, cylinders, motors, compressors, and control valves.

Credit Hours: 2

PWR 160: Electrical Theory and Safety

This course teaches key concepts in electrical theory. These concepts are developed and applied to AC/DC motors, switchgears, transformers, chargers, and inverters. Electrical drawings and schematics fundamentals are covered. This course teaches the hazards associated with industrial electricity, electric power generation, safety rules, and safe work practices. Human performance tools and their uses to promote event-free operation are also discussed and utilized in detail.

Requisite:
Prerequisite PWR 110 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 4

PWR 165: Industrial Motors and Their Controls

This course introduces students to various types of industrial motors and controls. Students will identify, select, install, wire, and troubleshoot three-phase and single-phase DC/AC motors and controls including servo and stepper motors. Lab exercises include designing and building control modules for machine integration.

Requisite:
Prerequisite PWR 110 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 4

PWR 170: Power Generation Components and Protection

This course focuses on the design and construction of large industrial generators used in the production of electricity. Topics include various exciter designs and operation, auxiliary equipment that supports generator operation, and electrical systems from the main generator through the switchyard.

Credit Hours: 3

PWR 200: Internship

The student will serve an internship of approximately 320 hours in a power generation related position. The student is expected to apply learned skills and education to be a productive employee. The employer is expected to place the student in an environment that will build on the student's first year of study and enhance the student's knowledge of working in the power generation industry.

Credit Hours: 4

PWR 210: Applied Electronics

This course introduces and develops the concepts necessary to analyze and test both discrete and integrated circuit components. The first half of the semester is devoted to analog circuits, the second to digital electronics. Laboratory experiments support the concepts that are covered.

Requisite:
Prerequisite PWR 110 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 4

PWR 215: Steam Generation

This course covers the various types of boilers, systems, components, and auxiliary systems associated with steam generators. Different boiler designs are also studied including low and high pressure, fire tube and water tube, negative and positive draft, drum type, and others. Boiler operation, combustion, safety, and emission control equipment are also covered along with efficiency measures.

Credit Hours: 3

PWR 220: Piping and Instrumentation Drawing

Types of piping and instrumentation components, their construction and their schematics; reading of piping and electrical drawings; and lockout/tagout procedures applicable to the power generation industry.

Requisites:
Prerequisite PWR 110 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite PWR 125 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 2

PWR 250: Water Purification and Treatment

This course covers industrial water treatment processes. Topics include boiler water treatment, raw water treatment, design and operation of ion exchangers, cooling water treatment equipment and systems, and wastewater treatment equipment and systems.

Credit Hours: 3

PWR 260: Boilers and Environmental Protection

In this course, students gain a more thorough understanding of the various types of boilers, systems, components, and auxiliary systems associated with steam generation. Topics covered include low and high pressure, fire tube and water tube, negative and positive draft, drum type, supercritical, and fluidized bed boilers. Boiler operation, combustion, safety, emission control equipment, and efficiency measures are also covered in more detail. Environmental protection standards and practices relating to boilers are studied.

Requisite:
Prerequisite PWR 215 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

PWR 270: Turbines and Combined Cycle

This course covers the elements that make up a gas turbine and a combined cycle unit, the safe and efficient operation of gas turbines and heat recovery steam generators, different applications as used in combined cycle and cogeneration configurations, and coal gasification. Basic steam turbine construction and design are also covered. Students learn how thermal energy is converted to mechanical energy as steam passes through a typical industry steam turbine. Students study the auxiliary systems associated with steam turbine operation including extraction steam systems, gland steam sealing systems, turbine lube oil systems, seal oil systems, instrumentation and control devices, and protective schemes used during abnormal operating conditions. Steam turbine start-up and shut-down procedures are also studied.

Credit Hours: 3