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Extended Educational Services > MI Energy Demo Center Revised 11/21/08

Michigan Energy Demonstration Center Classes
at Northwestern Michigan College

Education for energy efficiency and renewable energy are the focus of the center which is located at the M-TEC building on the Aero Park Campus. Highlights include a grid-tied solar array, geo-thermal installation, solar thermal system, portable solar lab, small wind turbine, and a building sciences lab. A larger wind turbine is located at the University Center. Courses and workshops are designed for consumer education and workforce development throughout the year.

For the Solar Phovoltaic Electric Systems and Solar Hot Water Heating Systems classes, click here.

Workforce Skills

Efficiency and Sustainability for Commercial Buildings—One Day Seminar

•   Plant engineers              • Architects
•   Facilities Managers       • School Officials
•   Contractors                     • Business Owners

Controlling energy costs, sustainable design, leak-free buildings—these facility performance issues are high on the list of concerns. Guest speakers in this one-day seminar will address sustainability in roofing (metal, conversion of flat roofs, sustainable design), thermography for the building envelope, and energy/cost saving practices and options. Find out about a Rebuild Michigan program for assisting facilities with energy assessments. AIA/CEU continuing education credits are available (provided by The Garland Company) as well as certificates of completion.

Fri., March 20, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
NMC Great Lakes Campus, Hagerty Center Rm. A
Coordinator: Chris Lee
Cost: $85, includes lunch & refreshments
(enroll 2 or more at the same time and
save $7 on each) 
Code: 9650

Residential Energy Efficiency
for Existing Buildings

Builders, electrical and HVAC technicians, real estate professionals, home inspectors, contractors, loan officers and energy auditors will gain a solid understanding of residential energy use. From structural design characteristics to airflow and heating, this comprehensive course includes principles of energy, heating and cooling, understanding the building envelope, lighting and appliances, air leakage, water heating, insulation, health and safety, windows, and doors. This course is perfect for anyone who will be advising clients on household energy use. Look for residential energy diagnostics training coming this spring.

10 Mon., Jan. 12-March 16, 6-10 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 224
Instructor: Gary Cook
Cost: $575 
Code: 9655

Green Advantage—
Environmental Certification /145

The demand for knowledgeable green building practitioners continues to grow as people desire more energy efficient, environmentally friendly homes and buildings. The 16-hour training is designed primarily for contractors, subcontractors, and trades people and can be followed by the Green Advantage Certification Exam. Course content includes; building lifecycle; green alternatives to conventional practice; cost and benefits, pros and cons of alternatives; green work practices; green building rating system; LEED rating process and outcomes; common pitfalls to avoid in a LEED project; construction activities that contribute to a project’s LEED rating. Register separately for the certification exam. Class breaks for lunch both days. Required text is $35 (payable when registering).

2 days, Wed. & Thurs., Feb. 18 & 19
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 101
Instructor: Susan Norman, certified trainer
Cost: $395
Code: 9935

Green Advantage Certification Exam
Fri., Feb. 20, 9-11 a.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 101
Cost: $125
Code: 9936

Principles of Renewable Energy Technology
This course is for anyone considering a career in the renewable energy industry. Gain a broad and in-depth view of the variety of renewable technologies available. Course sections include explorations in solar energy, wind, biomass, hydropower, and geothermal. Each section will include lab or site visits to provide experiences with the equipment used to generate power. Learn important energy calculations necessary to work with sizing, specifying, and analyzing systems. Insight gained will assist you in understanding the variety of career paths associated with the renewable energy industry.

8 Thurs., Jan. 22-March 12, 6-9 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 218
Instructor: Conrad Heins
Cost: $295, includes text
Code: 9659

Connecting to the Grid:
Net-Metering Facts and Fiction

One of the most confusing and misunderstood aspects of renewable electricity generation is the process of connecting a system to the electrical grid. Look at the policies, procedures, technology, and challenges required for successful connection of small (less than 10 KW) solar and wind systems. Using NMC’s new solar lab, we will illustrate system components and configurations that are commonly required. Gain understanding of Michigan interconnection policy and what it means for owners and providers. Learn about common issues that hold up net-metering applications. Examine the process and what one can realistically expect from a net-metering agreement.

Wed., Feb. 11, 7-9 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 155
Instructor: Bill Queen
Cost: $35
Code: 9660


 

Consumer Topics

Green Heating: Understanding Geothermal
Heating and Cooling

Learn how ground source heat pump technology (commonly known as geothermal heating) takes advantage of the earth’s stored solar energy and pumps it into your home. Through exhibits, demonstrations, and presentations discover how the technology works and its environmental and economic benefits. Discover how you can completely heat and cool your home exclusively with clean, renewable, energy.

Mon., Feb. 16, 6-9 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 218
Instructor: Rex Ambs
Cost: $39
Code: 9661

What Does It Take to Put Up a Wind Generator?
Are you interested in wind power and curious about what it takes to put up a wind generator? This course will take you through the step-by-step process required to install a wind generator at your home or small business. Learn about towers, height restrictions, construction and maintenance specifications, and grid interconnection or battery charging constraints—all required for successful project completion. The course includes a guide to selecting and sizing a system to meet your needs. Save time, effort, and money in your quest for clean energy.

Mon. & Wed., Feb. 2 & 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 112
Instructor: Mike Schmerl
Cost: $69
Code: 9662

Discover Solar Power: A Workshop
Solar electric power generation is getting a lot of attention. Explore the concepts and equipment through discussion, demonstrations, and examination of NMC’s photovoltaic systems. Learn about different system types from stand-alone battery charging to grid-tied. Discover how to calculate output and determine how much power is available. Leave with a better understanding of how solar energy works and its potential as an energy source.

Mon., March 2, 6-8:30 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 101
Instructor: Conrad Heins
Cost: $49 
Code: 9663

Passive Solar Design—Architectural Impact
Local architect, Eric Mansuy, will guide you through the concepts and practices that maximize the solar benefit for our homes. Learn how glazing, orientation, thermal mass, overhangs, ventilation, and landscaping play an integral role in successful passive solar design. Explore how form and function can be blended to make visually appealing and solar efficient homes. Discussion will include possibilities for retrofitting existing homes.

Wed., Feb. 11, 6-9 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 218
Instructor: Eric Mansuy
Cost: $49
Code: 9664

Solar Hot Water—Assembling a System
Assemble a solar hot water system while learning about this important renewable energy technology. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of several types of solar hot water heating systems while the class assembles a scaled down version of a closed-loop solar hot water system. You will be introduced to the skills needed to install a system and learn when a professional should be hired. Enjoy a field trip to see two types of systems in operation. Topics include: solar radiation and site assessment, systems and components, efficiencies and water conservation practices, and financial information. Bring a sack lunch.

Sat., March 21, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 155
Instructor: Conrad Heins
Cost: $79
Code: 9665

French Fries to Fuel: A Look at Biodiesel
Escalating diesel and gas prices make bio-fuels competitive in the marketplace. Examine the advantages and disadvantages involved in the production and use of modern bio-diesel in this lively and interesting course. Discuss the effects of bio-diesel on today’s automobiles while cooking up your own batch of bio-diesel from used vegetable oil. Leave with resources to help you learn more about bio-diesel, where to get it, how to make it yourself, and what the future holds for this type of fuel.

Mon., March 9, 6-9 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 101
Instructor: Bill Koucky
Cost: $49
Code: 9666

What Does It Take to Build a Green Home?
Evaluate your green home goals as you view and discuss examples of homes that illustrate important approaches to green building. Learn how site and design constraints can influence your home’s energy performance and livability. See exhibits and demonstrations as you explore energy efficient materials, equipment, and construction methods. Gain perspective on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing elements as they relate to efficiency, comfort, and health. Leave with important resources to further your understanding and ability to accomplish your goals.

Mon., March 16, 6:30-9 P.M.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 220
Instructor: Jeremy Truog
Cost: $45
Code: 9667

Click here to view classes in our Construction Technology Program