Higher Certificate in Renewable Energy Technologies

Purpose

The qualification aims to produce engineering technicians and technologists who are capable of functioning within the modern technological environment and contribute to the socio-economic development in the country. The qualification also intends to produce innovative and visionary graduates for tomorrow's technological needs contributing to socio-economic developments of the community. The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Renewable Energy Technologies (HC: RET) is to position a suitable learner academically with an appropriate mix of relevant subjects in order to obtain employment or add value to current employment as an installation and maintenance provider for clients in using renewable energy technologies. Alternatively, it will strengthen an insufficient profile for entering into a Diploma.

Rationale

Considering the international commitments of the South African Government, it is a given that the move towards technologies for renewable energy will gain momentum. Closely analogous arguments to those in the water sector arise regarding energy. Electricity production in South Africa is currently operating close to its margins and, by global standards, with an unacceptable carbon footprint. There is currently a significant drive for establishing a range of alternative energy technologies, with solar and wind energy ventures. There is a need for technical capacity to back up the implementation of these innovations in the differing urban and rural contexts of South Africa. The Environment and Engineering Faculties would be involved and the institution will collaborate with partner universities in Ulm and Aalen.

It is assumed that learners have achieved

• The level of numeracy and literacy skills associated with the entry requirements into the qualification.
• Good oral and written communication skills in the relevant medium of instruction at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The primary market for recruiting learners to the qualification will be school leavers with an interest in working in the engineering industry. However, applications from adult learners who have a similar interest in the qualification will also be considered for admission to the programme. Selection of such learners will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy of the CUT.

RPL applications for the institution are received by the Centre for Assessments and Graduations. The candidates are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting on extensive work learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology for assessment. The faculty's RPL committee assesses the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes.

Access to the Qualification

To register for the Higher Certificate in Renewable Energy Technologies the candidates should be in possession of one of the following, and should include Mathematics and Physical Science:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC), granting access to Certificate Studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate with Matriculation Exemption.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), at NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate Studies.

This qualification consists of a compulsory component comprising seven modules and an elective component, for which 24 credits must be achieved. All the modules are at NQF Level 5 with credits totalling 120.

Compulsory Modules (96 Credits)

• Mathematics, 24 Credits.
• Life skills, 24 Credits.
• Physics of energy conversion, 12 Credits.
• Power plant systems and operations (Fossil, Hydro, Bio-Gas, Solar and Wind), 12 Credits.
• Health and safety, 6 Credits.
• Basic electrical installation principles, 6 Credits.
• Storage of wind, solar and biogas converted electricity, 12 Credits.

Electives: Select module/s to a total of 24 Credits

• Solar homestead water heating installation and maintenance, 12 Credits.
• Solar VC homestead installation and maintenance, 12 Credits.
• Wind electrical homestead conversion installation and maintenance, 12 Credits.
• Installation and maintenance of farmstead biogas generation plant and electrical converting devices, 24 Credits.

1. Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve narrowly-defined engineering problems.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to carry out a wide range of practical procedures and practices.
3. Perform procedural designs of narrowly-defined components or processes to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
4. Conduct tests, experiments and measurements of narrowly-defined engineering problems by applying relevant codes and manufacturers' specifications.
5. Use appropriate established techniques, resources and modern engineering tools, including information technology, for the solution of narrowly-defined engineering problems, with an awareness of the limitations.
6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, within an engineering context.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activity on society and the environment.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic engineering management principles.
9. Understand and commit to ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering practice.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This qualification allows all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes to be addressed.

The following Assessment Criteria are applied in an intergrated manner across all Exit Level Outcomes.

• The basic physics of energy conversion into electricity is explained.
• The basic economics and finance of sustainable electricity practices are explained.
• Basic calculations relevant to quantities and costs related to the installation of renewable energy conversion equipment and the storage and distribution of converted electricity are performed.
• Fundamental knowledge of the engineering properties of materials and their basic testing, as well as the typical application in mechanical design of these materials, is demonstrated.
• Fundamental knowledge of the engineering properties of materials and their basic testing, as well as the typical application in mechanical design of these materials, is demonstrated.
• Perform basic calculations related to physics in the conversion of energy into electricity.
• The basic common and different features of a variety of electricity power plant systems and operations are explained in relation to a national/regional/macro grid.
• Basic managerial principles are described.
• Simple plumbing and electrical connections are installed.
• The basic principles of the installation of electrical connections are described.
• The need in real construction, installation and maintenance to co-operate with other trades (e.g. plumbing) is explained.
• Basic conventions of professional discourse are applied appropriately in writing and orally.
• An academic text is read and integrated into learning activities to enhance knowledge.
• Appropriate technology is applied in presentation skills.
• Principles in the storage of wind, solar and biogas converted electricity are described.
• Health and safety principles are explained and demostrated.
• Basic health and safety drills are performed.

Integrated Assessment

There are no strict policies and regulations governing the number of tests and assignments that must be given per academic year. Assessment methods can include tests, class participation activities, presentations, independent projects, simulations and formal examinations. All tests, assignments and projects constitute 40% and the examination mark constitutes 60% of the final year mark. Practical subjects are handled as continuous evaluation subjects.