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 designing microhydro systems

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

KSEKA

Microhydro systems design

Evidence shall show an understanding of microhydro design to an extent indicated by the following aspects

T Site evaluation encompassing

definition of the terms potential and kinetic energy microhydro system gross head net head flow rate

available head at a site using a dumpy level or theodolite altimeter pressure gauge and contour maps

the accuracy advantages and disadvantages of each method for flow and head assessment

the flow rate of a given site using each of the following methods catchment area calculations water diversion to fill a container stream velocityarea measurement andor weir construction method

advantages and disadvantages of each method of head and flow measurement with particular reference to their accuracy

long term usable flow rate from long term stream flow if available able taking into account environmental considerations

effects of seasonal variation using long term weather data

typical daily and seasonal energy consumption profile at a given site

effect of the energy demand profiles both daily and seasonally at the site on the system sizing

government regulatory requirements such as those covered under environmental or water resource legislation

environmental constraints at a site including minimum stream flow rates ecological impacts visual and noise impacts

T System design encompassing

suitable MHS characteristics to suit site load hydraulic head and stream flow rate characteristics and a suitable type of commercially available MHS to suit

frictional losses in delivery pipes using manufacturers data

calculation of the energy output of the selected MHS at the site from water flow rate head and manufacturers data allowing for seasonal variations in performance and environmental constraints

design of any required weirs or dams open races or penstocks strainer and intake systems

optimum the position of the MHS and size of the MHS

suitable balance of system components including delivery pipe and fittings transmission cable and voltage voltage and frequency regulation battery storage type and capacity battery charger inverter backup generator and load dump

likely environmental impacts of the MHS and appropriate measures to minimise these impacts

T System costing encompassing

major costs to be considered in the life cycle costing method

calculation of the capital and life cycle cost that includes the cost of various system configurations for a micro hydro application

external costs that might impact on the cost effectiveness of a MHS

most cost effective of a number of options on the basis of life cycle costing analysis

T Microhydro systems installation and maintenance processes encompassing

Selection of an appropriate MHS taking into account the topology of the site local council approvals environmental considerations site access and transport of equipment water and power transmission distances and daily and seasonal load profiles

Appropriate methods using appropriate safety procedures for dam or weir construction watercourse construction andor penstock installation turbine installation

Appropriate installation commissioning fault diagnosis and rectification procedures and maintenance methods using appropriate safety procedures

Maintenance schedule for the system

Schematic and wiring diagrams for the MHS showing the general circuit layout and protection between the MHS batteries inverter and loads according to Australian Standards ASNZS AS and AS requirements

Safety procedures for the installation commissioning fault diagnosis and maintenance of system components

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

Design microhydro systems as described in and including

A

Developing outlines of alternative designs

B

Developing the design within the safety and functional requirements and budget limitations

C

Documenting and presenting design effectively

D

Successfully negotiating design alteration requests

E

Obtaining approval for final design

F

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 designing microhydro systems

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

UEENEEDA

UEENEED101A

Use computer applications relevant to a workplace

Note

Where dedicated application software is used in demonstrating competency this unit may be assessed concurrently with UEENEEDA Use computer applications relevant to a workplace

Where dedicated application software is used in demonstrating competency this unit may be assessed concurrently with ‘UEENEED101A Use computer applications relevant to a workplace