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 developing engineering solutions to renewable energy problems

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

KSEKA

Renewable Energy Engineering

Evidence shall show an understanding of renewable energy engineering problem solving to an extent indicated by the following aspects

T Energy and humanity encompassing

Need for energy and relationship between energy usage and standard of living

Energy conversion typical processes and efficiencies

Sources of energy

Solar energy direct heating photosynthesis solar cells power tower hydrogen for solar energy ocean thermal energy collector solar ponds wind and wave energy hydroelectric power

Geothermal energy

Tidal energy

Nuclear energy fission and fusion burner and breeder reactors

Stored fuel reserves

Fuel conservation reduction in wastage recycling greater usage efficiency and use of waste heat

Thermodynamics

T Basic Concepts encompassing

Nature of matter atoms molecules intermolecular forces molecular motion states of matter

Mass and conservation of mass principle

Volume density specific volume relative density

Force weight pressure atmospheric gauge and absolute

Temperature Celsius and Kelvin

Systems and black box analysis

Reciprocating piston and cylinder mechanism pressure ratio and compression ratio

T Energy encompassing

Definition and principles

Potential energy

Kinetic energy

Work linear and rotational constant and variable force relationship to pressure and volume change

Power linear and rotational

Sensible heat specific heat capacity constant pressure and constant volume

Latent heat

Chemical energy energy content of a fuel

Internal energy

T Energy transfer in closed and open systems encompassing

Definition of a closed system

Calorimetry as an example of a closed system with or without phase change

Thermodynamics

Nonflow energy equation typical applications such as stirring with simultaneous heating or cooling

Definition of an open system

Mass and volume flow rate and continuity equation

Steady flow energy equation negligible change in kinetic or potential energy leading to the concept of enthalpy typical applications such as turbines compressors boilers and heat exchangers

T Gases encompassing

Definition of a perfect or ideal gas in terms of the molecular model

General gas equation

Characteristic gas equation equation of state

Constant pressure process

Constant volume process

Isothermal process

Polytropic process

Adiabatic process

T Heat engines encompassing

Definition of a heat engine

Essentials of a heat engine heat source heat sink working substance mechanical power output working cycle

Energy balance for a heat engine as a black box and efficiency

Maximum possible efficiency Carnot efficiency

Types of heat engines according to working substance heat source mechanical arrangement and working cycle

Typical practical cycles Stirling Otto Diesel dual two stroke spark and compression ignition Joule cycle

Thermodynamics

T Heat engine performance encompassing

Measurement of torque and power output rope brake shoe brake hydraulic dynamometer electric dynamometer

Heat supply rate efficiency specific fuel consumption

Measurement of indicated power mechanical indicator electricelectronic indicator Morse test

Friction power mechanical efficiency indicated thermal efficiency

Volumetric efficiency

Energy balance

Performance curves variable load constant speed variable speed constant throttle setting

T Structure of the existing generation transmission and distribution system

T Benefits issues and impacts

T Distributed generation technologies

T Electrical power distribution systems operation encompassing

Electrical characteristics of feeders

Causes of voltage problems in a power distribution system

Voltage regulation limits

Calculations for feeder voltage drops

Methods of voltage control

Fault types causes and effects

Determination of fault levels

Fault level limitation

T Protection and relaying encompassing

Protection system purpose and features

Application of protection in a distribution network

Protection system terminology

Feeder protection systems

T Distributed generation issues encompassing

Utility requirements for interconnectionSafety of personnelIslandingGrid Stability

Utility requirements for interconnection
Safety of personnel
Islanding
Grid Stability

Voltage regulation

Potential benefits of DG

Limitations in design of distribution circuits designed for way operation

Match between supply and demand

Operation dispatchable and nondispatchable supplies

Factors affecting the sizing of distributed generation

Use of energy storage

Case studies

T Renewable energy supplies issues encompassing

Limits to penetration

Factors affecting the value of renewables on the grid

Implications of renewable input on power system operation

Connection of energy systems via inverters AS

T Factors affecting the uptake of distributed generation encompassing

Institutional factors

Regulatory factors

Policy including mandated targets

Green power market

Financial issues

Contractual issues

Case studies

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

Develop engineering solutions to renewable energy problems as described in and including

A

Understanding the extent of the renewable energy problem

B

Forming effective strategies for solution development and implementation

C

Obtaining renewable energy systemcomponent parameters specifications and performance requirements appropriate to each problem

D

Testing and solutions to renewable energy problems

E

Documenting instruction for implementation of solutions that incorporate risk control measure to be followed

F

Documenting justification of solutions implemented in accordance with professional standards

G

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

Note

Successful completion of relevant vendor training may be used to contribute to evidence on which competency is deemed In these cases the alignment of outcomes of vendor training with performance criteria and critical aspects of evidence must be clearly identified

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 developing engineering solutions to renewable energy problems

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

There are no concurrent assessment recommendations for this unit

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.