PPMEPG320
Manage a power generation system startup


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to conduct pre-operational checks and bring a power generation system online.

The unit applies to production operators and technicians who manage power generation system startups, in a pulp or paper manufacturing facility. This typically involves working in a facility with complex integrated equipment and continuous operations.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and territories at the time of publication and may differ according to jurisdiction.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1. Prepare system for operation

1.1. Identify production requirements to plan power generation levels.

1.2. Determine power generation requirements in conjunction with power authorities.

1.3. Determine sequencing for plant startup to suit current circumstances.

1.4. Conduct system inspections and pre-start up safety checks in line with regulatory requirements, organisational safety and standard operating procedures.

1.5. Confirm plant status by observation and inspection.

1.6. Complete routine maintenance to ensure optimum system performance.

2. Initiate system startup

2.1. Commence sequence for plant startup in line with standard operating procedures.

2.2. Coordinate generation system start with distribution and ancillary systems and bring on-line.

2.3. Observe system or plant for correct operational response.

2.4. Detect deviations from operational specifications and rectify or report.

2.5. Record system startup and power generation data in operating log.

Evidence of Performance

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, and must be able to provide evidence that they can:

identify production requirements and manage power generation startup within a pulp and paper manufacturing facility, at least twice in line with required enterprise intervals, to suit power generation levels over different operating periods

complete pre-startup safety checks

complete routine maintenance when preparing for system startup

follow safe working practices when starting up a power generation system

use electronic and other control systems to control equipment during operations

communicate effectively, through written and verbal means, with others, in the work area when starting up a power generation system

on completion of each of the above system startups, record system startup processes and power generation performance data in the operating log.


Evidence of Knowledge

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

local power authority regulations and reporting requirements for starting up power generation systems

power generation plant layout

purpose, features and operation of power generation and distribution systems, operating parameters and allowable variations

operation and application of electronic and other control systems

electrical isolation procedures

principles of operation of transformers and circuit protection systems

AC/DC generation principles

electrical output control and regulation principles

power factor characteristics and effects

effect of steam quality on turbine operation

operational tolerances of the turbine system and effects of operating outside these tolerances

key features and purpose of the full range of processes involved in starting up power generation systems, including pre-startup safety checks

pre-start limitations and run-up limitations

methods used to test power systems and diagnose deviations from operational specifications

organisational procedures:

standard operating procedures specific to power generation system startup

workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on use of personal protective equipment

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting startup processes and power generation performance.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

access to the full range of equipment involved in managing a power generation system startup in a pulp or paper manufacturing facility, including:

chemical products and systems

high and low voltage transformers

steam or gas turbine driven alternators

switchboards

water systems and auxiliary plant

circuit breakers

AC/DC generation and distribution systems

maintenance tools and equipment and consumables for power generation systems

personal protective equipment suitable for starting up and operating power generation systems

local power authority regulations for starting up power generation systems

details of production requirements to plan power generation levels

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

template operating log for recording startup processes and power generation performance

organisational workplace health and safety and standard operating procedures for power generation system startup

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or in a productive environment that accurately reflects performance in a workplace.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.


Foundation Skills

This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Numeracy skills to:

interpret basic numerical settings on instruments and gauges involving pressures, flows and temperatures

monitor, assess and interpret system startup data

record basic numerical data for system startup and power generation performance.

Reading skills to:

interpret workplace health and safety and standard operating procedures.

Writing skills to:

complete accurate basic records for system startup processes and power generation performance.

Problem solving skills to:

use and assess sensory information (sight, sound, touch, smell, vibration, temperature) to adjust system operational parameters.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Pulp and Paper Manufacturing