MEM23154A
Analyse and service HVACR systems

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to analyse and evaluate heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) control system requirements for a specific application. This includes evaluation of existing automatic control systems; interpreting and producing control diagrams; commissioning, fault-finding and repairing a HVAC/R control system.

Application

The unit applies to HVAC/R technicians in manufacturing, servicing and maintenance enterprises. The unit applies to existing HVAC/R control systems and does not cover the design of new HVAC/R systems.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Prerequisites

MEM23004A

Apply technical mathematics

MEM23006A

Apply fluid and thermodynamics principles in engineering


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Prepare for analysis and service task

1.1

Obtain and implement work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements for a given work area

1.2

Identify essential elements of a control system

1.3

Determine the function of electrical, pneumatic and electronic control and flow devices using control circuit diagrams and/or specifications or other specialised resources

1.4

Obtain sequence of control, specify settings and adjust control devices from system’s specifications

1.5

Consult appropriate personnel to ensure that work is coordinated effectively with others

1.6

Obtain equipment and resources needed for the task in accordance with enterprise procedures and check for correct operation and safety

2

Analyse performance of control system

2.1

Identify HVAC/R system operating parameters and system features

2.2

Use appropriate equipment and HVAC/R energy management principles to evaluate the operating economy of the system

2.3

Produce control diagrams according to applicable standards and practices

2.4

Report analysis to appropriate personnel and establish appropriate action to be taken based on findings

3

Adjust and service control system

3.1

Confirm plant control compliance with desired conditions through appropriate measurements and recordings of system performance

3.2

Adjust system to required specification

3.3

Isolate, replace or repair components not performing to specification

3.4

Arrange appropriate tests and measurements on an electrically live system in accordance with WHS and regulatory requirements

3.5

Provide solutions to unplanned situations consistent with enterprise procedures

4

Make recommendations to improve the performance of plant

4.1

Document analysis, including details of all findings, calculations and assumptions

4.2

Prepare recommendations on control system modifications and discuss with appropriate personnel

4.3

Ensure work area is cleaned and made safe in accordance with enterprise procedures

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills include:

interpreting standards, codes and regulations relevant to HVAC/R control systems

producing control diagrams

evaluating automatic control systems

determining control requirements, including:

full and partial load performance requirements

automated and manual control sequences

integration with energy management system requirements

commissioning control systems

using relevant software tools effectively

interpreting drawings and specifications

communicating effectively with others

working in teams and with others

communicating technical and procedural requirements to others

dealing effectively with unexpected situations

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

thermodynamic principles relevant to HVAC/R controls

control fundamentals

types of control equipment, including microprocessors, sensors, and so on

direct data control (DDC) systems

supervisory control systems

Evidence Required

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.

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

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

implement WHS workplace procedures and practices, including the use of risk control measures

demonstrate essential knowledge and skills to analyse and service HVAC/R control systems

demonstrate the competency within a timeframe typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment

demonstrate analysing and servicing HVAC/R control systems consistently in different applications.

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 an appropriate simulation 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. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

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.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. 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.

WHS requirements

WHS requirements include:

relevant legislation

protective equipment

material safety management systems

hazardous substances and dangerous goods code

local safe operation procedures

awards provisions

Environmental requirements

Environmental requirements include:

relevant legislation, regulations and codes

correct handling and disposal of liquid and solid waste

elimination or minimisation of gas, fume, vapour and smoke emissions, including fugitive emissions

dust elimination, minimisation and control

minimisation of energy and water use

elimination or control of excessive noise

use and recycling of refrigerants

Appropriate personnel

Appropriate personnel may include:

supervisor

leading hand

foreman

manager

engineer

technician

trainer

mentor

team member

customer

client

Resources

Resources may include:

reference manuals

scientific calculator

appropriate manuals

stationery

suitable computer software

Enterprise procedures

Enterprise procedures may include:

the use of tools and equipment

instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs

reporting and communication

operational procedures

industry standards

Equipment

Equipment may include:

computer workstation and software, either stand alone or networked

appropriate tools

appropriate spare parts

cables and connectors

test equipment

consumables

appropriate software licences

manufacturer specifications and manuals

diagnostics software

personal computer


Sectors

Unit sector

Engineering science


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.