The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to evaluate thermodynamic systems, including evaluation of system performance and selection of components.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

determine parameters and context of evaluation task

determine WHS, regulatory requirements, risk management and organisational procedures

identify features, functions and components of a range of thermodynamic dynamic systems and components

investigate and review sustainability implications, features and functions of thermodynamic systems and components

evaluate components and systems to determine safety, efficiency and fitness for purpose

evaluate combustion, steam, air compression and refrigeration and air conditioning processes

determine system performance and heat transfer

report and document results.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.

Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Required skills

Required skills include:

determining parameters and context of tasks

identifying WHS and regulatory requirements

identifying risk management and organisational procedures

investigating and reviewing sustainability implications, features and functions of thermodynamic systems and components

identifying thermodynamic principles and techniques, analysis techniques, software and software validation techniques

evaluating components, combustion, steam, air compression, refrigeration and air conditioning processes

system compatibility with fluid properties, pumps, turbines, piping forces and thermodynamic performance of components

selecting equipment and instruments for use in evaluation considering properties and compatibility

reporting and documenting results of scoping, principles and techniques identification, evaluation of applications, calculations, component and system layouts, and functional diagrams and thermodynamic cycle diagrams

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

WHS and regulatory requirements, codes of practice, standards and risk management requirements

availability of professional and technical assistance

current options and trends in performance analysis software, including underpinning program techniques and software validation techniques

descriptions of thermodynamic devices and systems, such as boilers, turbines, refrigerators, gas-turbines and rockets

concepts related to thermodynamics, such as:

properties, process and state

mass, conservation of mass, specific volume and density, force, weight, pressure and temperature

systems, cycles and steady state

energy forms

effects of heating of solids and liquids

heat transfer, conduction, convection and radiation, including related laws and calculations

typical thermodynamic devices and engines, and thermal cycles

closed and open systems:

non-flow, internal energy

flow systems, mass and volumetric flow and continuity of flow

steady flow and enthalpy, turbines, compressors, boilers and heat exchanger applications

zeroth and first laws in detail and second law (conceptual)

gas laws and characteristics

gas compression effects, measurements and calculations

compressor types and characteristics heat engines, including types, cycles, performance and efficiency fuels and combustion steam plant and processes for steam generation, heat transfer and power production, including:

steam saturation steam tables

air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pumping plant and processes

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Sustainability

Sustainability is used to mean the entire sustainable performance of the organisation/plant, including:

meeting all regulatory requirements

conforming to all industry covenants, protocols and best practice guides

minimising ecological and environmental footprint of process, plant and product

maximising economic benefit of process plant and product to the organisation and the community

minimising the negative WHS impact on employees, community and customer

Appropriate licensed technical and professional assistance

Appropriate technical and professional assistance may include:

technical support and advice relating to elements which have intrinsic dangers, such as:

high pressure

energised fluid vessels

high temperatures and heat energy capacity

wiring with high current control voltages above extra low voltage

professional support for technologies, such as:

specialist electric motor drives and controllers

specialist materials, plastics, metal alloys and nano materials

special processes, foundry, alloy welding, heat treatment, sealing and fastening

WHS, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures

WHS, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures may include:

WHS Acts and regulations

relevant standards

codes of practice from Australian and overseas engineering and technical associations and societies

ministerial directives

risk assessments

safe work practices

state and territory regulatory requirements applying to electrical work

Standards and codes

Standards and codes refer to all relevant Australian and international standards and codes applicable to a particular thermodynamic system task