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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Hydro power generation concepts and theories 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
13704  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Hydro power generation concepts and theories 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Power Plant Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard knows and understands the fundamental operations, requirements and philosophies associated with the generation of electricity on Hydro Power Generating Plants. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
None required. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • This unit standard includes the following process plant systems without any exemptions
    De-watering System
    Drainage Systems.
  • All mechanical equipment and electrical equipment up to and including 380V 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the role of hydroelectric power generation in the power system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Characteristics of hydroelectric plants understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Knowledge and understanding of electrical power system layout and operations demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Functions of Transmission and distribution utilities understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Basic concepts of power dispatch understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Power system operations explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Power from water production principles explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain Hydro power station operating principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Function of major components and systems understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Hydraulic principles and fundamentals associated with hydro electrical power production understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Hydroelectric Water Management principles explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The concept of hydrology defined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Dams construction principles and layout explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The functions of Headworks - Spillways understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The functions of Headworks - Intake Structures understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Reservoir control philosophy understood. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain Hydro Turbine concepts and theories. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Types of turbines associated with hydroelectric power generation explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Impulse Turbines - The Pelton Wheel and Reaction Turbines - Kaplan Type, Francis & Others
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Governor control philosophy explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Functions and application of digital control systems understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Fundamentals of integrated turbine monitoring and control principles explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain Hydro Generator concepts and theories. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The function and application of hydraulic actuators associated with hydro generators understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Generator construction theory and principles understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Generator excitation and synchronizing philosophy explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Active and reactive power output control principles understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Generator operational monitoring requirements known. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Functions and application of digital control systems understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Generator electrical protection systems and philosophy known. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain functions of Hydro Plant Auxiliary Equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Function and application of mechanical equipment and components known. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Function and operation of auxiliary systems understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Electrical equipment operating principles and requirements explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Electrical switchyard equipment and protection systems known. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Typical station service electrical supply systems and layout explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Function and operation of Direct Current (DC) equipment known. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Principles for safe operation of electrical equipment known. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Define Hydro Plant Operational And Maintenance principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Operator's responsibilities and requirements associated with hydro generating plant understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Powerhouse operation defined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Outdoor operations associated with hydro power plant explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Ecological factors associated with hydro power plant known and understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Hydro power plant maintenance philosophies and activities explained. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Evaluation of documentation by SAQA and registration thereof.

    Moderation: Standard Generating Group Hydro Power Plant Operations 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded in the criteria of this standard. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organizing and critically evaluating information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
    a. Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;
    b. Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;
    c. Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;
    d. Exploring education and career opportunities;
    e. Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Occupational Role: Power Plant Operator and Controller

    Terminology used in this unit standard is consistent with the following standards
  • Electricity Supply Industry in South Africa
  • Occupational Health and Safety Standards (NOSA). 

  • QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  23736   National Diploma: Hydro Power Plant Process Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2009-02-18  Was EWSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  23677   National Certificate: Power Plant Auxiliary Systems Operation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2009-02-18  Was EWSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  61549   National Certificate: Power Plant Auxiliary Systems Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  EWSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. MPUMELELO TRAINING 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.