Hybrid Atmospheric Water Generator, which will pull potable water from the atmosphere anywhere there is air. Here, demod Prof. Majid Bahrami, Premier Christy Clark, PhD student Farshid Bagheri co-developer, Mayor Linda Hepner, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and SFU President Andrew Petter. Photos: Ray Hudson
Hybrid Atmospheric Water Generator, which will pull potable water from the atmosphere anywhere there is air. Here, demod Prof. Majid Bahrami, Premier Christy Clark, PhD student Farshid Bagheri co-developer, Mayor Linda Hepner, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and SFU President Andrew Petter.  Photos: Ray Hudson
Hybrid Atmospheric Water Generator, which will pull potable water from the atmosphere anywhere there is air. Here, demod Prof. Majid Bahrami, Premier Christy Clark, PhD student Farshid Bagheri co-developer, Mayor Linda Hepner, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and SFU President Andrew Petter. Photos: Ray Hudson

Surrey: The $126 million Energy Systems Engineering building at SFU Surrey as announced this week with the Federal and Provincial governments each contributing $45 million. The remaining $36 million which will come from a combination of SFU and private donors, is a major jump forward for the growth of the vital campus at Central City. The investment will equip post-secondary students with the skills, knowledge and education necessary to take advantage of the high-tech world that is today’s reality.

The funding will support the construction of a new five-story, 15 thousand square metre building, to house degree programs in energy systems and environmental engineering. It’s currently under construction adjacent to the campus in the city core.

The facility will also accommodate the Mechantronics Systems Engineering (MSE) program which combines the fields of mechanical, electrical and software engineering with entrepreneurship and business. This will allow students to commercialize their research through the Technology Entrepreneurship program.

“This once in a generation investment is an historic leap to position Canada as a global centre for innovation,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “which means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes.”

“BC’s tech sector is a key part of Canada’s economy paying wages 75% higher than average,” said Premier Christy Clark. “The new energy systems engineering building at SFU will help ensure British Columbians are first in line for those jobs, while driving innovation, prosperity and job creation throughout the province.”

New home for SFU Surrey Mechatronics Engineering Program, designed by the late Bing Thom, the architect whose designs dominate the Surrey City downtown core.
New home for SFU Surrey Mechatronics Engineering Program, designed by the late Bing Thom, the architect whose designs dominate the Surrey City downtown core.

After outlining the City of Surrey’s position in the forefront of innovation and sustainability, Mayor Linda Hepner underscored the city’s commitment to technological innovation and development as well as the relationship between the City of Surry and SFU.

“We have been partners with SFU in the Innovation Boulevard Corporation, bringing the academic world, industry partners and government together, and adding this new building will be an extension of those collaborative opportunities, and look forward to working with all of our partners as we build the city of the future right here in Surrey,” said Hepner.

As part of the presentation, SFU Mechantronics Student teams demonstrated a number of their projects which included:

The Hybrid Atmospheric Water Generator (HAWgen) to provide water in hot and dry conditions using waste heart and renewable energy sources.

A biodegradable, single use, disposable battery from SFU’s Fuel Cell Research lab, it’s about the size and appearance of a half-inch square bandage, and is made from paper and other inexpensive materials that make it biodegradable and compostable. The battery is designed as a non-toxic portable source of power for water measuring and monitoring systems.

SFU President Andrew Petter electronically unveils the new building designed by the late Bing Thom, the architect whose designs dominate the Surrey City downtown core.
SFU President Andrew Petter electronically unveils the new building designed by the late Bing Thom, the architect whose designs dominate the Surrey City downtown core.

Smart Recycling Bin: that is able to automatically select the appropriate bin for the discarded item. The voice activated system will open the appropriate bins on command and is designed to help users stay aware of their carbon footprint, and hopefully develop into a more efficient replacement for current sorting bins including those on the SFU Campus.

Beehive monitoring system.

Cube Satellite a ten by ten by thirty centimeter, 3D printed, configurable solar powered prototype that is easily hand-held.  The satellite is designed to have a role in detecting the Earth’s changes in melting ice, monitoring corps and other applications.

For more information please see sfu.ca