I am an electrical engineer who is passionate about renewable energy, business and the decarbonization of global energy systems. I spent the first ‘half’ of my career in industry – starting as an electrician’s helper in a five man shop, to working as an electrical technologist in a bespoke cryogenic refrigeration firm, to contributing as an project engineer in a fast growing solar inverter start-up and ultimately serving as head of off-grid solar technology and research for a large multinational electrical corporation of more than 160,000 employees. I have a multi-disciplinary background encompassing the techno-commercial aspects of energy systems, electric power, heat transfer, power electronics and embedded systems – especially for solar photovoltaic applications. Now I am excited to be making contributions towards energy system decarbonization by teaching students and furthering research as a faculty member within UPEI’s innovative and industry-focused Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering.
Coming from a commercial engineering and R&D background I am focused on the practical aspects of things. I like to make real things that do real stuff to solve real problems! This manifests itself in both my teaching and research philosophies. Students will find my classes practical with a focus on core curriculum and developing practical skills though hands-on experiential learning. I understand the needs of employers and strive to help students become industry-focused and job ready. Industry research partners will find my research style innovative, creative and always value-focused and in the best strategic interest of their commercial operations.
-Andy Swingler Ph.D. P.Eng.
Research Interests
- Energy systems modelling
- Photovoltaic power systems
- Deployable micro-grids
- Low cost energy storage
- Battery performance
Courses Taught
- 3270 – (Electric) Machines and Automatic Control
- 3440 – Introduction to Sustainable Energy Engineering
- 3460 – Solar Energy and Electricity Storage
- 4440 – Advanced Energy Storage