This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Evidence must show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices and solving basic problems in photovoltaic energy apparatus and systems

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies

KSEKA

Photovoltaic power systems

Evidence shall show an understanding of photovoltaic power systems to an extent indicated by the following aspects

T Daily irradiation encompassing

definition of the terms declination angle reflectance sunshine hours extraterrestrial irradiation Latitude direct and diffuse radiation azimuth and altitude angles radiance solar window tilt angle solstice equinox

units and symbols for irradiation and irradiance

interpretation of solar radiation data tables and contour maps

measuring solar irradiance with a solarimeter

how radiation varies throughout the year on the surface of a fixed collector

determining using field measurements and a sun path diagram the times and dates when a PV array will be shaded by obstacles at a particular site

calculation of the daily average irradiation on a horizontal plane given extraterrestrial irradiation location constants and sunshine hour data

calculation of the monthly mean daily irradiation falling on a PV array for each month of the year adjusted for the effects of shading using irradiance and irradiation data tables and a sun path diagram andor appropriate software

selection of an appropriate tilt angle for fixed and seasonallyadjustable PV arrays at an given latitude

T Photovoltaic modules encompassing

definition of the terms cell module array monocrystalline polycrystalline amorphous band gap energy semiconductor

diagram of a basic crystalline silicon PV cell showing its physical structure with at least five major features labelled

major steps in the production of PV modules based on bulk silicon cells in comparison with the production of thin film PV modules

basic physical principles of PV cell operation for the main types of commercially available PV modules

efficiency spectral response cost and typical applications of the main types of commercially available PV modules

new photovoltaic technologies currently being developed towards commercialisation and their major features

mechanical and electrical features necessary for the long life of a PV module under a wide range of operating conditions

T Module characteristics encompassing

definition of the terms IV curve fill factor operating point maximum power point MPP cell temperature coefficient nominal operating cell temperature NOCT current voltage and power output coefficient

equivalent circuit for a PV cell labelling each of the elements and the polarity of the terminals

family of IV curves for a PV module labelling major points and showing the effects of variation in irradiance and variation in cell temperature

major ratings of a PV module from manufacturers information or nameplate data

determination of the operating point of a PV module with a resistive load a constant voltage source or any other load with known IV characteristics using the load line method

configuration of a typical PV array including the function placement and ratings of blocking and bypass diodes

the effect of partial shading of a PV module or array the impact of bypass diodes and the significance of their configuration on output current in typical operating conditions

calculation of the power at MPP and the power under typical battery charging conditions of a PV module given irradiance and ambient air temperature

calculation of the daily energy output of a PV array in accordance with AS and by using rule of thumb derating factors

the scope and content of Australian or international standards relevant to the performance of PV modules

the electrical characteristics of a PV module according to relevant Australian or International standards using an outdoor test method

This provides essential advice for assessment of the unit and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria and the range statement of the unit and the Training Package Assessment Guidelines

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this unit It must be used in conjunction with all parts of this unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package

Overview of Assessment

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment such as Profiling require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention It is the industrypreferred model for apprenticeships However where summative or final assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or at a minimum the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment In some circumstances assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace However it must be in accordance with industry and regulatory policy

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors These include the extent of the assessment the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place access to physical resources additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed

The critical safety issues inherent in working with electricity electrical equipment gas or any other hazardous substancematerial present a challenge for those determining competence Sources of evidence need to be rich in nature to minimise error in judgment

Activities associated with normal everyday work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed the data gathered will contribute to its richness Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites must be met

Evidence for competence in this unit must be considered holistically Each element and associated performance criteria must be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines UEE Evidence must also comprise

A representative body of work performance demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline work function and industrial environment In particular this must incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to

Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement

Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement

Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements

Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment

Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation regulations polices and workplace procedures

Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below

Solve basic problems in photovoltaic energy apparatus and systems as described in and including

A

Understanding the nature of the problem

B

Using established routines to solve apparatus problems

C

Providing viable solutions to apparatus problems

D

Documenting justification for the solutions used

E

Dealing with unplanned events by drawing on essential knowledge and skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in a holistic assessment with the above listed items

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures information and resources typical of a workplace This should include

OHS policy and work procedures and instructions

Suitable work environment facilities equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed by this unit

These should be part of the formal learningassessment environment

Note

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment conditions must be authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and be consistent with the approved industry simulation policy

The resources used for assessment should reflect current industry practices in relation to solving basic problems in photovoltaic energy apparatus

Method of assessment

This unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume Part Assessment Guidelines

Note

Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this unit applies This requires assessment in a structured environment which is intended primarily for learningassessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units

For optimisation of training and assessment effort competency development in this unit may be arranged concurrently with unit

UEENEEGA

UEENEEG106A

Terminate cables cords and accessories for low voltage circuits

UEENEEEA

UEENEEE108A

Lay wiringcabling and terminate accessories for extralow voltage ELV circuits

The critical aspects of occupational health and safety covered in unit UEENEEEA and other discipline specific occupational health and safety units shall be incorporated in relation to this unit

The critical aspects of occupational health and safety covered in unit UEENEEE101A and other discipline specific occupational health and safety units shall be incorporated in relation to this unit.