This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to analyse the thermodynamic performance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning/refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems.

It includes analysing HVAC/R systems and providing solutions to thermodynamic performance issues. It also includes working safely, gathering and analysing thermodynamic performance data, applying problem-solving techniques, and developing and documenting results and solution/s.

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

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare to analyse thermodynamic performance of HVAC/R system

1.1

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) processes and workplace procedures for a given work area are identified and applied

1.2

WHS/OHS risk control measures and workplace procedures are followed in preparation for HVAC/R work

1.3

Extent of the thermodynamic issues are determined from performance specifications and situation reports and in consultation with relevant person/s

1.4

HVAC/R activities are planned to meet scheduled timelines in consultation with others involved in the work

1.5

Strategies are formed to ensure HVAC/R analysis and solution implementation is carried out efficiently in accordance with workplace procedures

2

Analyse thermodynamic performance of HVAC/R system

2.1

WHS/OHS risk control measures and workplace procedures for carrying out HVAC/R work are followed

2.2

Thermodynamic principles are applied to analytical solutions to HVAC/R system

2.3

Parameters, specifications and performance requirements in relation to HVAC/R system are obtained in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4

Analysis of HVAC/R thermodynamic parameters is carried out to provide effective solution/s

2.5

Unplanned events are dealt with safely and effectively in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures in a manner that minimises risk to personnel and equipment

2.6

Quality of work is monitored against performance agreement and/or workplace procedures or industry standards

3

Document and report results of the HVAC/R thermodynamic performance analysis and actions taken

3.1

Solutions to HVAC/R thermodynamic issues are evaluated to determine their effectiveness and modified, as required

3.2

HVAC/R analysis is documented and includes details of findings, calculations and assumptions

3.3

HVAC/R analysis is reported to appropriate person/s to determine appropriate action to be taken based on findings

3.4

Justification for findings and any actions to be undertaken in relation to the HVAC/R equipment is documented for inclusion in work/project or development records in accordance with industry standards and workplace procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

understanding the thermodynamic performance issues

forming effective strategies for analysing refrigeration and air conditioning systems performance

obtaining thermodynamic performance parameters, specifications and performance requirements appropriate to each situation

evaluating the results of the analysis

documenting analysis details of all findings, calculations and assumptions

documenting justification of actions to be implemented in accordance with professional standards

dealing with unplanned events

applying problem-solving techniques

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, workplace procedures and practices, including using risk control measures

applying sustainable energy principles and practices.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

refrigeration systems, safe working practices and relevant standards, codes and regulations, including:

major components, type and functions:

evaporators

compressors

expansion devices

ancillary components

refrigerants

system operation and performance:

thermodynamic properties of refrigerants

pressure enthalpy charts

refrigerant cycle

refrigerant cycle represented on pH charts

introduction to refrigerating effect, heat of compression, heat rejected on high side, co-efficient of performance, liquid sub-cooling suction superheating

effects on performance of changing operating pressures, liquid sub-cooling, suction superheating

application of refrigeration:

introduction to industrial refrigeration, specific system component types and refrigerants

scope of commercial refrigeration, specific system component types and refrigerants

refrigerated enclosures and cabinets:

merchandising and display cabinets:

deep freeze meat

dairy

fruit and vegetable

multi-deck display

single deck

well type

island cases

glass door

reach door

reach in merchandisers

defrosting methods

cold rooms and freezer rooms

types and construction

insulation

vapour barrier

frost heave

interior fittings

location of equipment

defrosting methods

cold tracking

trace heating

storage conditions

temperature

relative humidity

air velocity

air patterns

load limits

air conditioning systems

introduction to air conditioning systems, safe working practices and relevant standards, codes and regulations, including:

WHS/OHS requirements:

Building Code of Australia (BCA) requirements

AS 1668 The use of ventilation and air conditioning in buildings parts 1 and 2

AS/NZS 3666 Air-handling and water systems of buildings

noise and vibration

air quality

sick building syndrome

operating requirements:

ventilation

air distribution

terminal velocity

temperature

relative humidity

air quality

noise

basic psychrometrics

operating modes:

ventilation

evaporative cooling

ventilation and cooling

ventilation and heating

dehumidification

dehumidification and reheat

humidification

operating terminology/characteristics:

throw and drop

primary and secondary air

coanda effect

heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system components and functions:

fans

ducting

registers

dampers

filters

cooling coils

heating coils

induction units

fan coil units

terminal units

humidifiers, pumps and sprayers

hydronic systems and components

applications and construction of air conditioning systems:

applications

residential, commercial, low and high rise, industrial ventilation and air conditioning

packaged plant

split systems (wall and floor console, ceiling fan coil), wall facia, roof top and reverse cycle option central station plant

all air systems, constant volume variable temperature, constant temperature variable volume, and air/water systems

all water system, multi-zoning, thermal storage systems

basic air conditioning system diagrams

duct layout

hydronic layout

unit/conditioner drawings

HVAC control systems:

basic principles

terminology

symbols and diagrams

basic applications

problem-solving techniques

relevant HVAC/R manufacturer specifications

relevant job safety assessments or risk mitigation processes

relevant workplace documentation

relevant workplace policies and procedures

typical thermodynamic performance issues.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the UEE Electrotechnology Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Analysing thermodynamic parameters of HVAC/R systems must include at least the following:

two different refrigeration and air conditioning systems

Electrotechnology

Refrigeration and air-conditioning