Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:57 AM AWST

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Design solar water heating systems

Design solar water heating systems

Unit of competency
National Code
CPCPPS5023
State Code
OCN27
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
09/12/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
01/06/2021
Field of Education
040327 - Plumbing
Original Release Date
01/06/2021
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to design efficient cost-effective solar water heating systems for residential, commercial and industrial applications for buildings with a minimum of 29 floors and a wide span, multi-building project, using proprietary components and manufacturer design information.The role involves interaction with architects, builders, suppliers, clients and relevant planning authorities and requires a sound understanding of applicable legislation, standards and codes.This unit applies to people such as hydraulic design consultants, plumbers or persons in a supervisory capacity in plumbing services working on new or existing sites. In some jurisdictions, this unit of competency may form part of accreditation, licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Evaluate design parameters.
  • 1.1 Establish scope of work for solar water heating system design using codes, plans, specifications manufacturer requirements and client brief.
  • 1.2 Assess locations of solar collectors and evaluate effect of each location on efficiency.
  • 1.3 Analyse and identify statutory and regulatory requirements and relevant Australian Standards and codes for the design of solar water heating systems.
  • 1.4 Establish performance requirements considering safety of system users or building occupants.
  • 1.5 Evaluate environmental and community benefits of solar water heating systems.
  • 1.6 Apply sustainability principles and concepts as part of the design process.
  • 1.7 Conduct research including a desktop study to outline design parameters.
  • 1.8 Determine factors that contribute to quality, safety and time efficiency.
  • 1.9 Conduct cost-benefit analysis to compare a range of materials and system designs.
2 Plan and detail system components.
  • 2.1 Plan layout of pipework systems including type and location of fittings and valves.
  • 2.2 Select and evaluate the configuration and application of a range of proprietary solar heated water systems, materials and valves.
  • 2.3 Perform calculations for solar water heating systems.
  • 2.4 Plan and detail typical configuration of a hydraulic circuit (flow and return) and its components for a pumped-storage solar water heating system.
  • 2.5 Specify water quality and water pre-treatment methods.
  • 2.6 Specify suitable types and levels of insulation for system components and detail a range of methods to protect from freezing and over performance.
  • 2.7 Calculate pipe size, velocity, flow and pressure for a range of applications.
  • 2.8 Plan pipe supports for a range of applications.
  • 2.9 Specify approved materials, jointing methods and installation requirements.
  • 2.10 Provide allowance for expansion and contraction.
3 Design and size systems.
  • 3.1 Select solar collectors to meet identified installation requirements.
  • 3.2 Design and size solar water heating, solar pre-heat and solar pool and spa heating systems to meet requirements.
  • 3.3 Consider legionella bacteria mitigation design principles in the design of solar water heating systems.
4 Prepare documentation.
  • 4.1 Prepare a return client brief for the preferred design.
  • 4.2 Prepare plans and specifications for solar water heating systems.
  • 4.3 Prepare testing and commissioning schedule.
  • 4.4 Produce operation and maintenance manual.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WF938 CPCPPS5023A Design solar water heating systems Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BGB3 CPC50620 Diploma of Hydraulic Services Design Qualification