Emerson’s Ovation™ automation platform provides West-MEC students enrolled in the Energy and Manufacturing STEM program hands-on training in a realistic control room environment, preparing them for future careers in the power industry. Photo credit: West-MEC High Resolution Image
Modern technologies will provide students with hands-on training in a real-world environment for safe, clean, carbon-free energy generation
PITTSBURGH (March 14, 2024) – Emerson, a global technology and engineering company, will modernize the Ovation™ automation platform and provide services to support the Western Maricopa Education Center’s (West-MEC) Energy and Manufacturing Systems program. The revolutionary science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program helps students explore the fields of mechanical systems, electrical systems, electronics, instrumentation and controls and energy production systems, preparing them to operate the next-generation control technologies they will use as they pursue careers in the emerging sustainable energy economy.
With Emerson’s assistance, the school will build a modern lab that mimics a power plant control room, better equipping students for future careers with hands-on training in a real-life environment. West-MEC’s Energy and Manufacturing Systems program serves more than 45,000 students from 49 high schools in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The program is managed in close partnership with Arizona Public Service, the nearby Palo Verde Generating Station, and Estrella Mountain Community College to include core curriculum topics such as solar, nuclear, wind, construction math, basic rigging, construction drawings, and industrial tools.
“The rise of renewables and global push toward sustainability is rapidly transforming energy producers and modern manufacturing,” said Dr. Aaron Parsons, West-MEC Southwest Campus Administrator. “By equipping our lab space with Emerson’s newest Ovation technologies, we can provide students the hands-on experience that will make them more confident in their careers while also helping them build skills that will make them very attractive to employers.”
Emerson will implement its Ovation automation platform to replicate a control room environment for energy generation and water reclamation applications. The Ovation system will interface with existing Emerson instrumentation technologies including Rosemount pressure, level and temperature transmitters and Fisher control valves in the West-MEC lab. Emerson will also provide training and services to support West-MEC’s new technologies.
“Over the years, Emerson has provided more than 25 Ovation systems to educational facilities around the world,” said Bob Yeager, president of Emerson’s power and water solutions business. “We are proud to help West-MEC provide their students with the best STEM learning environment to help shape the next generation of energy and manufacturing systems operators.”
“West-MEC career and technical education programs have a direct impact on our goal of powering a cleaner Arizona,” said Adam Heflin, Arizona Public Service Palo Verde Generation Station executive vice president and chief nuclear officer. “As a program sponsor, Arizona Public Service is committed to being a strong partner with local schools, hiring graduates to work at our Palo Verde Nuclear Station and Water Reclamation Facility, both of which are controlled by Emerson’s Ovation automation technology.”
