Yukon Cold Climate Innovation Centre (YCCIC) today announced its support for Northwestel and Yukon College as they explore the opportunities to pursue joint projects under the Remote Energy Systems Research Program.  In particular, a green energy research project on which Northwestel and Yukon College are collaborating will receive funding through YCCIC.   As well, YCCIC announced the appointment of Dr. Chad Gubala as its Director.

“Industry participants like Northwestel make these applied research projects possible,” states YCCIC Board Member and College President Terry Weninger. “We are excited to support this project with Northwestel as a participant; it is exactly the type of research that will benefit Yukoners. With Chad now on board, we can work with southern universities to secure a post-doctorate researcher to lead this project.”

The research project will investigate options for adapting a Stirling engine to use our cold climate to its advantage, allowing for remote green energy production.  Applications for this type of energy could include Northwestel’s communication towers as well as field camps, off-grid housing and remote tourism operations.  A Stirling engine will be installed at Yukon College and will be made available to businesses and researchers to experiment with its design and operation. 

The Stirling engine is a proven device (first built in 1816) that uses a differential in temperatures to produce mechanical power.  This style of engine can use multiple heat sources (including solar, wood, diesel, etc) combined with a cold side to drive electric generators.  Originally powered by extremely high temperature differentials (1000 C°+) for large scale power production, modern Stirlings can be operated at much lower differentials (~100 C°), producing power in the range that would suit Northwestel’s power needs (3-5kW).  The cold climate of the Yukon may be ideal for the power and efficiency of the Stirling configuration.

“Our participation in this project is an indication of our commitment to developing greener operations,” stated Northwestel President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Flaherty. “We are pleased to be able to work with Yukon College on this exciting technology adaptation.  In addition, we are appreciative of YCCIC’s financial support and its work towards securing a post doctoral researcher.”

With a PhD in Environmental Chemistry from Indiana University, Dr. Gubala has held a number of senior positions including Director of the Scientific Assessment Technologies Laboratory at University of Toronto and Associate Director of the Institute of Natural Systems Engineering at Utah State University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.  He has extensive Canadian and international experience in remote sensing, data networking and transmission and has been a resident of the Yukon for the past four years.

“This project is the first step in attracting outside dollars for research in the Yukon, as well as securing a post-doctoral researcher at the college,” says YCCIC Director Gubala. “It is an exciting time for me to join the team at YCCIC, and I am looking forward to the significant opportunities that projects like this and others funded by YCCIC create for the Yukon and its residents.”

YCCIC develops partnerships between applied researchers, industry and government for the purpose of developing, commercializing and exporting sustainable cold climate solutions with partners like the Yukon Research Centre of Excellence.  Yukon College is the operating partner for YCCIC and the centre is funded in part by Yukon Government’s Department of Economic Development and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Read more about YCCIC at www.yccic.ca.