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By rdnewsNOW staff

Wind data

RDP partners with U of A and Flexible Machines Corp. to improve energy efficiency in Alberta

Jun 30, 2025 | 1:17 PM

Red Deer Polytechnic has announced they’ve partnered with the University of Alberta and Flexible Machines Corp. to advance Alberta’s sustainability priorities.

With support from a $230,000 Alberta Innovates grant, the trio will utilize a machine from Flexible Machines Corp. used for automated wind flow mapping alongside anemometers to record realtime wind data across RDP’s campus.

Officials hope this will help identify locations for wind and ventilation systems to improve energy efficiency and air quality in Alberta.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to applied research that supports Alberta’s economic and social priorities. While the initial focus is wind mapping on our campus, this project connects with our datasharing alliance, expands collaborative insights and creates applied research opportunities for students,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research, Red Deer Polytechnic. “The Energy Living Lab at Red Deer Polytechnic explores all forms of energy generation. By examining wind energy opportunities on campus, we’re actively contributing to the advancement of our living lab model.”

The University of Alberta, which also has an expertise in wild flow mapping, is expected to exchange data with RDP to reduce HVAC usage across U of A’s main campus.

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“Red Deer Polytechnic is our first partner, and they’re excited to use this tool,” says Brian Fleck, Mechanical Engineering Professor, University of Alberta, and Director of Flexible Machines Corp. “This surprisingly complex task has massive implications for the campus’ HVAC systems, including significant energy savings and even the strategic placement of small-scale wind turbines for local power generation.”

The project also supports Alberta’s push toward a low carbon economy and RDP will serve as a platform for wind energy prototypes.

The partnership could create up to 100 skilled jobs and offers two students an opportunity to engage in applied research. Anemometers are also being installed across RDP’s main campus to collect data.

In addition to the grant, the project is worth a total of $730,000 and is funded by $170,000 in non-cash goods and services and $330,000 in cash funding.