Unit of competency details

MEM23004A

Apply technical mathematics

MEM23006A

Apply fluid and thermodynamics principles in engineering

MEM23140A

Determine operational parameters for building HVAC/R hydronic systems

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

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

1

Prepare design specification

1.1

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

1.2

Identify the essential elements of a hydronic system to meet client design brief

1.3

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

1.4

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

2

Design system

2.1

Select a hydronic system design to meet the client requirements

2.2

Plan design development work to meet scheduled timelines

2.3

Check system design draft for compliance with the design brief, regulatory requirements and environmental standards

2.4

Provide solutions to unplanned situations consistent with enterprise procedures

3

Analyse and adjust system performance

3.1

Apply knowledge of hydronic system operating parameters to analytical solutions to system design

3.2

Analyse system performance under variable conditions and adjust component selection to meet performance criteria

3.3

Determine fulfilment of required capacity under full and partial load conditions using appropriate resources

4

Validate system design

4.1

Verify final design using enterprise procedures for compliance and regulatory requirements

4.2

Document final system design using appropriate equipment to industry standards for client approval

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Required skills include:

• interpreting client requirements and specifications
• determine performance aspects of systems
• sizing pipes
• selecting optimum pump performance
• minimising system friction losses
• selecting major system components and materials using manufacturers data
• using relevant software tools effectively
• interpreting drawings and specifications
• communicating effectively with others
• communicating technical and procedural requirements to others
• documenting technical information and designs
• dealing effectively with unexpected situations
• working in teams with others

Required knowledge 

Required knowledge includes:

• principles of fluid flow
• pump performance and selection
• pipe sizes
• valve performance and selection
• pressure loss and static head calculations
• calculating system (static and dynamic) head
• optimum pump selection

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 design a hydronic system
• demonstrate competence within a timeframe typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment
• demonstrate the design of a hydronic system consistently for 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.

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.

WHS requirements 

WHS requirements include:

• legislation
• protective equipment
• material safety management systems
• hazardous substances and dangerous goods code
• local safe operation procedures

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

System operating parameters 

System operating parameters include:

• pump performance
• system friction losses
• pipe size

Resources 

Resources may include:

• manufacturer catalogues
• fluids modelling software
• scientific calculator
• technical charts and tables
• building plans
• suitable software

Enterprise procedures 

Enterprise procedures may include:

• the use of tools and equipment
• instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• reporting and communication
• manufacturer specifications and manuals
• operational procedures
• industry standards

Equipment 

Equipment may include:

• computer workstation and software, either stand alone or networked
• test apparatus
• appropriate tools of trade, equipment and materials

Competency field 

Unit sector 

Engineering science