Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:53 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:53 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Evaluate and select thermodynamic systems or subsystems
Evaluate and select thermodynamic systems or subsystems
Unit of competency
National Code
MEM234006A
MEM234006A
State Code
S8101
S8101
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/08/2014
Field of Education
031301 - Electrical Engineering
Original Release Date
29/08/2014
Nominal Hours
36
Description
This unit of competency covers the evaluation of performance, efficiency and the selection of appropriate thermodynamic plant and equipment using thermodynamic principles, including the Law of Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics, as applied to gas cycles and vapour cycles, flow-through nozzles and blade passages, impulse and reaction stages of turbines. It includes generation and transfer of heat energy using solid, liquid and gas mediums and application of software.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Clarify the specifications required for thermodynamic system
- 1.1 Establish features of plant and equipment and thermodynamic performance and efficiency parameters
- 1.2 Confirm technical, commercial and environmental parameters to specifications
- 1.3 Determine stakeholders to be consulted in evaluation and selection process
- 1.4 Assess occupational health and safety (OHS), regulatory, sustainability or environmental regulations and issues relevant to the evaluation and selection task
- 1.5 Confirm selection requirements, including budget and schedule, and provide preliminary advice on feasibility
2 Evaluate thermodynamic system options and prepare concept proposals
- 2.1 Appraise initial qualitative and quantitative analysis of the evaluation and efficiency task
- 2.2 Carry out required modelling and calculations using appropriate software and validation techniques
- 2.3 Generate a range of thermodynamic system solutions to the selection requirements, including choice of equipment, layout, fluid source and delivery
- 2.4 Check feasibility and evaluate solutions against selection requirements ensuring conformity to standards and codes, technical, economic and OHS requirements
- 2.5 Determine, social and sustainability implications of solutions
- 2.6 Present concept proposals to client
3 Select thermodynamic system
- 3.1 Evaluate concept proposals with client
- 3.2 Finalise selection, including equipment, layout, fluid source and delivery, and other features desired by client
- 3.3 Ensure preparation of all required documentation, drawings, specifications and instructions
- 3.4 Consult with client and stakeholders to obtain sign-off on selection
- 3.5 Monitor installation and commissioning with stakeholders and make any necessary adjustments to design
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.
Parameters to the selection requirements
Parameters to the selection requirements include:
determination of the degree of innovation and creativity expected by the client
selection process limits and budgets
product cost limits and budgets
performance and efficiency specifications
equipment availability, capacities and restrictions
specified administrative, communication and approval procedures
other special features and limits in the requirements
OHS, regulatory requirements, codes of practice and enterprise procedures
OHS, regulatory requirements, codes of practice and enterprise procedures may include:
OHS Acts and regulations
relevant standards
codes of practice from Australian and overseas engineering and technical associations and societies
risk assessments
registration requirements
safe work practices
state and territory regulatory requirements
Initial qualitative and quantitative analysis
Initial qualitative and quantitative analysis may include:
a hazard and risk analysis related to existing or proposed plant or equipment
routine noise and vibration monitoring data or investigative measurements
Appropriate software and validation techniques
Software may be employed for performance analysis/modelling. Underpinning program techniques and algorithms should be understood, such as:
the use of FEA and numerical methods within object oriented modelling techniques
Validation techniques include:
comparison of traditional solutions for simple thermodynamic system performance problems with software solutions to the same problems
review of previously implemented system performance challenges which were completed using the software
Standards and codes
Standards and codes refer to all relevant Australian and international standards and codes applicable to a particular thermodynamic system task
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 OHS impact on employees, community and customer
Client
Client may be:
internal or external to the designer’s organisation
Parameters to the selection requirements
Parameters to the selection requirements include:
determination of the degree of innovation and creativity expected by the client
selection process limits and budgets
product cost limits and budgets
performance and efficiency specifications
equipment availability, capacities and restrictions
specified administrative, communication and approval procedures
other special features and limits in the requirements
OHS, regulatory requirements, codes of practice and enterprise procedures
OHS, regulatory requirements, codes of practice and enterprise procedures may include:
OHS Acts and regulations
relevant standards
codes of practice from Australian and overseas engineering and technical associations and societies
risk assessments
registration requirements
safe work practices
state and territory regulatory requirements
Initial qualitative and quantitative analysis
Initial qualitative and quantitative analysis may include:
a hazard and risk analysis related to existing or proposed plant or equipment
routine noise and vibration monitoring data or investigative measurements
Appropriate software and validation techniques
Software may be employed for performance analysis/modelling. Underpinning program techniques and algorithms should be understood, such as:
the use of FEA and numerical methods within object oriented modelling techniques
Validation techniques include:
comparison of traditional solutions for simple thermodynamic system performance problems with software solutions to the same problems
review of previously implemented system performance challenges which were completed using the software
Standards and codes
Standards and codes refer to all relevant Australian and international standards and codes applicable to a particular thermodynamic system task
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 OHS impact on employees, community and customer
Client
Client may be:
internal or external to the designer’s organisation
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:
interpret features of plant and equipment and parameters to the brief or contract
advise client based on discipline knowledge and OHS and regulatory standards
research sustainability implications and current thermodynamic system design techniques
determine OHS, regulatory and risk management requirements
model and calculate using appropriate software and validation techniques
generate and evaluate a range of solutions for feasibility against selection requirements
evaluate and select most appropriate thermodynamic solution
communicate, negotiate and review with stakeholders and client throughout process to obtain agreement on proposal and sign-off on selection
document evaluation and selection with drawings, specifications and instructions.
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, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, 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 its 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 able not only 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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:
interpret features of plant and equipment and parameters to the brief or contract
advise client based on discipline knowledge and OHS and regulatory standards
research sustainability implications and current thermodynamic system design techniques
determine OHS, regulatory and risk management requirements
model and calculate using appropriate software and validation techniques
generate and evaluate a range of solutions for feasibility against selection requirements
evaluate and select most appropriate thermodynamic solution
communicate, negotiate and review with stakeholders and client throughout process to obtain agreement on proposal and sign-off on selection
document evaluation and selection with drawings, specifications and instructions.
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, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, 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 its 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 able not only 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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEW23 | MEM234006 | Evaluate and select thermodynamic systems or subsystems | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J482 | MEM80112 | Graduate Diploma of Engineering | Qualification |