Specialised Occupational Diploma: Energy Advisor (Advanced Pinch Analysis and Process Integration)

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Energy Advisor (Advanced Pinch Analysis and Process Integration Specialist).

The Energy Advisor (Advanced Pinch Analysis and Process Integration Specialist) develops, manages and advises on enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of heating and cooling thermal energy use within industrial facilities to improve thermal energy performance.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Conduct a pinch analysis assessment and analyse the performance of the thermal energy application.
• Manage and advise on heating and cooling system optimisation and efficiency enhancement of thermal system performance, processes and practices.
• Manage energy performance programme, monitoring, and reporting.
• Capacitate and maintain productive stakeholder relationships and negotiate commitment for process heating and cooling system optimisation and integration.

Successful learners would gain knowledge and skills to develop, manage and advise on enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of process heating and cooling power generation, and distribution within a thermal application and industrial facilities to improve process heating and cooling system performance.

A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: Strategical, problem solving, creativity, methodical, technicality, analytic and procedural.

Rationale

The South African energy sector faces unique challenges that necessitate specialised skills in advanced pinch analysis and process integration. These challenges include inefficient energy use, high energy costs, and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to environmental degradation and economic inefficiency. The qualification addresses these issues by equipping professionals with the skills needed to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of Pinch Analysis and Process Integration systems, which are integral to various heating and cooling manufacturing processes.

This qualification is critical for supporting South Africa's transition towards more sustainable energy and carbon management practices. Given the country's industrial landscape, where process heating and cooling systems play a pivotal role in sectors such as manufacturing, power generation, and mining, optimising these systems can lead to significant energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, and improved operational efficiency. Specialists in advanced pinch analysis and process integration will be at the forefront of implementing technologies and practices that reduce heat energy consumption and costs, contributing to the environmental and economic goals of the nation.

Moreover, this qualification supports South Africa's commitments under international agreements on climate change by promoting the adoption of cleaner, more efficient energy technologies. It aligns with global and national strategies aimed at enhancing industrial energy efficiency, thereby supporting sustainable development and green job creation in the energy sector.

This qualification delves into advanced concepts of process integration, focusing primarily on Pinch Analysis techniques for optimising energy usage and minimising environmental impact in chemical processes. Learners will gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to analyse, design, and optimise industrial processes.

Currently there are no other similar occupational qualifications for this specific specialisation area registered on the NQF. There are a number of energy related qualifications on the NQF, but they are in the HEQSF at either a lower or higher NQF Level and they are provider specific qualifications.

Sector Benefit: This qualification benefits the energy generation and mining sectors by providing a pool of specialists skilled in advanced pinch analysis and process integration leading to more efficient use of heating energy, reduced operational costs, and enhanced competitiveness of South African industries.

Societal Benefit: By improving the efficiency of advanced pinch analysis and process integration, this qualification contributes to environmental sustainability by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimising the environmental impact of industrial activities. It also promotes energy conservation awareness among industries and society.

Economic Benefit: Advanced pinch analysis and process integration can lead to substantial energy cost savings for industries, which, in turn, can lower product costs and stimulate economic growth. This qualification fosters innovation in advanced pinch analysis and process integration, driving technological advancements and creating new opportunities in the green economy.

The typical learners who are professionals and practitioners for this qualification are with a background in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, seeking to specialise in energy management. They are likely to have experience in the energy sector and are seeking to enhance their expertise to take on more specialised roles. These areas include but are not limited to Process Heating and Cooling System Optimisation Experts, Thermal System Advisors, Process and Integration Managers and Process Engineers.

Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate

• Process Heating and Cooling System Optimisation Expert.
• Thermal System Advisor.
• Process and Integration Manager.
• Process Engineer.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for Access to Training

Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

RPL for exemption from modules

For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for credits

Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

• An NQF Level 7 qualification or equivalent in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental, or any other related fields.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 214105-007-00-KM-01, International and Local Commitment to Climate Change Mitigation and Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GhG) Emissions, Level 7, 5 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-KM-02, Fundamentals of Process Integration, Level 7, 10 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-KM-03, Pinch Analysis, Level 8, 10 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-KM-04, Heat Exchanger Networks, Level 8, 15 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-KM-05, Process Optimisation Techniques, Level 7, 10 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-KM-06, Environmental and Economic Aspects, Level 8, 8 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-KM-07, Advanced Topics in Pinch Analysis, Level 7, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 68

Practical Skill Modules

• 214105-007-00-PM-01, Develop a Heating and Cooling Process Optimisation Strategy and Plan and Scope and Prepare for the Assessment, Level 8, 10 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-PM-02, Direct Pinch Analysis Assessment Process, Develop Heating Integration Opportunities, and Analyse Savings Opportunities, Level 8, 15 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-PM-03, Prepare and Present Heating and Cooling Thermal Performance Findings and Advise on Best Practises and Techniques for Heating and Cooling Optimisation, Level 7, 15 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-PM-04, Assess and Track Performance of the Heating and Cooling Integration, Level 7, 13 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-PM-05, Participate in Stakeholder Forums and Provide Information to Capacitate Stakeholders Regarding Heating and Cooling System, Level 8, 4 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-PM-06, Compile and Communicate Report Findings, Level 8, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 61

Work Experience Modules

• 214105-007-00-WM-01, Pinch Analysis Assessment Planning and Preparation Processes, Level 8, 5 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-WM-02, Heating and Cooling System Assessment and Analysis Processes, Level 8, 19 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-WM-03, Pinch Analysis Programme Management Processes, Level 8, 12 Credits.
• 214105-007-00-WM-04, Processes and Procedures for Stakeholder Engagement, Level 8, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40

1. Apply knowledge and skills of heating and cooling system to analyse the needs for the thermal energy application performance assessment.
2. Review information gathered, synthesise data, and evaluate management processes to analyse and advise on heating and cooling energy performance, optimisation measures, and efficiency enhancement processes, and practices.
3. Review information gathered, synthesise data, and evaluate management processes to analyse and advise on heating and cooling energy performance, optimisation measures, and efficiency enhancement processes
4. Synthesise case study data on heating and cooling system performance to obtain stakeholder commitment using appropriate tools and methodologies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Apply knowledge and skills of heating and cooling system to analyse the needs for the thermal energy application performance assessment.

• Develop a heating and cooling system plan and strategy to conduct a pinch assessment.
• Establish the processes and equipment required for the execution of the pinch assessment.
• Analyse data to determine heating and cooling and thermal energy system efficiency.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Review information gathered, synthesise data, and evaluate management processes to analyse and advise on heating and cooling energy performance, optimisation measures, and efficiency enhancement processes, and practices.

• Identify, analyse and quantify heating and cooling system opportunities in terms of thermal energy savings.
• Evaluate heating and cooling system performance and prepare and present findings.
• Determine and quantify the financial impact of thermal energy saving opportunities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Review information gathered, synthesise data, and evaluate management processes to analyse and advise on heating and cooling energy performance, optimisation measures, and efficiency enhancement processes.

• Plan and align the heating and cooling thermal energy efficiency improvement programme to process requirements.
• Assess and track the performance of the heating and cooling system against the thermal energy performance indicators.
• Track post-retrofit thermal energy performance to determine effectiveness of the measures implemented.
• Determine thermal energy savings and produce a performance tracking report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Synthesise case study data on heating and cooling system performance to obtain stakeholder commitment using appropriate tools and methodologies.

• Identify and examine international heating and cooling system performance optimisation methods.
• Develop a sound business case in favour of heating and cooling system optimisation implementation.
• Summarise findings on opportunities for heating and cooling system optimisation for presentation.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessments conducted internally

Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained.

Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally

Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme.

Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.

External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) - a national assessment

The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.

For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating the attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules.