This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to simultaneously operate and monitor combined cycle power generation plant. It involves the safe and effective management of energy production to meet demand using a combined cycle gas turbine unit.

Combined cycle plant typically consists of a gas turbine and associated generator, Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), steam turbine and associated generator. Combined cycle power plant uses both the gas and steam turbines together to produce more electricity from the same fuel.

Competency in this unit requires the ability to plan for plant operation,operate heat recovery steam generator,operate generator and excitation system,control generation of electrical energy,coordinate unit operations,monitor system/plant,test system/plant operation,analyse system/plant faults and complete all documentation. Individuals will, in general, work as an operator, in a power generation facility.

Power generation plant operators are typically trained and authorised to isolate, prepare plant and issue permits to work.

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

Note: Workplace practice

The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a licence or training permit to practice in the workplace where work is carried out on gas and electrical installations. Additional conditions may apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirements.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Plan for plant operation

1.1

Safety issues, including Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures and site requirements

1.2

Work, combined cycle plant and resource requirements are identified from relevant information and documentation, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.3

Preoperational checks are carried out on combined cycle plant, in accordance with workplace procedures and site requirements

2

Operate heat recovery steam generator

2.1

Gas turbine exhaust, gas flow and power output are adjusted to achieve required steam flow and conditions, in accordance with workplace procedures and operating requirements

2.2

Supplementary firing system is placed into and out of service, as required, in accordance with workplace procedures, to maintain steam flow and steam conditions

2.3

Combined cycle plant is operated within limits of its design, in accordance with workplace procedures and site requirements

2.4

Combined cycle plant is operated, monitored and observed, in accordance with workplace procedures, to detect deviations from required operating conditions

2.5

Corrective action is taken to rectify abnormalities in combined cycle plant, in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and workplace procedures

3

Operate generator and excitation system

3.1

Generator and excitation system is operated, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer’s operating recommendations

3.2

Synchronising requirements are assessed, evaluated and implemented, in accordance with workplace procedures, to ensure generator and excitation system stability

3.3

Generator and excitation system is monitored and observed, in accordance with workplace procedures, to detect deviations from normal operating conditions

3.4

Corrective actions are taken to rectify generator and excitation system abnormalities, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' recommendations

4

Control generation of electrical energy

4.1

Generator output is adjusted to meet demand, in accordance with workplace procedures, whilst observing operating requirements

4.2

Reactive power generation and voltage regulation requirements are assessed, in accordance with workplace procedures, to ensure the generator and excitation system is controlled to achieve desired output

4.3

Generator stabilities and operating limits are assessed and the generator and excitation system is controlled to maintain those limits, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' recommendations

4.4

Generator cooling systems and limits are monitored and assessed, and excitation system is controlled to maintain those limits, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' recommendation

5

Coordinate generator and excitation systemoperations

5.1

Generator and excitation systems are operated, in accordance with workplace procedures, to meet workplace requirements whilst observing power generating plant limitations

5.2

Generator and excitation systems are monitored and observed, in accordance with workplace procedures, to detect deviations from normal operating conditions

5.3

Causes of abnormal generator and excitation system operating conditions are identified by analysing technical and operational data and information, in accordance with workplace procedures

5.4

Corrective action is taken to rectify generator and excitation system abnormalities, in accordance with workplace procedures and site requirements

5.5

Generator and excitation system integrity, personnel safety and continuity of supply are maintained, in accordance with workplace procedures

5.6.

Consultation with appropriate personnel is undertaken, in accordance with workplace procedures and site requirements

5.7

Generator and excitation system is operated at optimum efficiency, in accordance with workplace procedures

6

Monitor system/plant

6.1

Generator and excitation system and combined cycle plant to be monitored is physically identified, in accordance with workplace procedures

6.2

Generator and excitation system and combined cycle plant is monitored for normal operation to detect deviations, in accordance with workplace procedures

6.3

Corrective action is taken, in accordance with workplace procedures

6.4

Appropriate personnel are notified, in accordance with workplace procedures, when defects and abnormal operating conditions are detected

7

Test system/plant operation

7.1

Operational tests are performed, in accordance with workplace procedures

7.2

Generator and excitation system and combined cycle plant is observed for correct operational response, in accordance with workplace procedures

7.3

Corrective action is taken, in accordance with workplace procedures, when response does not meet documentation, combined cycle plant and generator and excitation system integrity or personnel safety requirements

7.4

Generator and excitation system and combined cycle plant is returned to required operational status, in accordance with workplace procedures, upon completion of testing

8

Analyse system/plant faults

8.1

Causes of abnormal generator and excitation system operating conditions are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures, by analysing technical and operational information

8.2

Corrective actions to rectify faults are determined, in accordance with workplace procedures

8.3

Generator and excitation system and combined cycle plant integrity and personnel safety are maintained, in accordance with workplace procedures, and in consultation with appropriate personnel and technical and operational documentation

8.4

Appropriate personnel are organised, in accordance with workplace procedures for investigation of identified operational abnormalities

9

Complete documentation

9.1

Combined cycle plant problems, movements, and status are reported, in accordance with workplace procedures

9.2

Documentation is updated, in accordance with workplace procedures

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 Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Electricity generation

Operations