SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Occupational Certificate: Hydro Power Plant Process Controller 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97224  Occupational Certificate: Hydro Power Plant Process Controller 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - EWSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  189  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Hydro Power Plant Process Controller. A Hydro Power Plant Process Controller manages, supervises and controls the application of resources, operations, processes and activities within a hydro power generating plant. In addition to ensure the energy conversion processes are effectively and efficiently supplying a continuous, reliable electrical energy to the national grid and/or internal reticulation system.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Manage, monitor and control the availability of the hydro/auxiliary plants/services required within the electrical production processes.
  • Manage, supervise and control the application of resources, operations, processes and activities related to the water cycle management within a hydro generating plant effectively and efficiently to meet normal and peak national grid demands.
  • Manage, supervise and control the application of resources, operations, processes and activities within the energy conversion processes of a hydro power plant turbo generator set effectively and efficiently to ensure a continuous, reliable supply of electrical energy.
  • Manage, supervise and control the application of resources, operations, processes and activities related to high-voltage and local electrical reticulation systems effectively and efficiently to ensure a continuous, reliable supply of electrical energy to the national grid and/or internal reticulation system.

    Rationale:
    Learners obtaining this qualification will be recognised on a national level for performing process control activities on a Hydro Power Plant. This qualification will ensure professionalism, proficiency and excellence in the control of Hydro Power Plant Generation Units. It will also assist in changing perceptions on the status and functional levels of Process Controllers in hydro power plant generation. The qualification will enable learners to feel pride and self-worth, and enhance their morale.

    Value-adding to the employer will be manifested in the competence of the employee in terms of safe, sound and efficient operations performed by the Process Controller. This qualification will provide standards for recognition of prior learning of existing Process Controller competence throughout the industry and allow credits to be obtained in cross-functional learning fields.

    This qualification is based on the needs of the power generation industry in building competence in the workplace for Hydro Power Plant Process Operations.

    The qualification to be replaced was generic in nature, not only for implementation in the contexts of Fossil, Hydro and Nuclear, but also had to cater for the needs of power plant process control in contexts such as sugar processing and SASOL. These contexts are significantly limited in what is expected from a power plant controller in the Fossil, Hydro and Nuclear contexts. This resulted in the practice of ESKOM having had to do top up-training in order to close the gaps of the qualification. Since this qualification is now specific to a single context, (as per OFO) these gaps are now addressed in the qualification and therefore demonstrate an increase in complexity, which places the qualification at NQF Level 6.

    This qualification provides the learner with accessibility to be employed within the process control function on hydro power plant units. Other considerations in the national interests that is addressed by this Qualification are:
  • Building individual capacity in this specialised profession.
  • Ensuring entry, progression and mobility into Life Long Learning in this specific learning field.
  • Addressing Power Plant Operations Industry's specific employment requirements.
  • Enhancing professional competence on a national level.
  • Providing an avenue of upliftment for the previously disadvantaged into this professional discipline.
  • Enhancing social and economic development.

    Typical learners will include Power Station employees that have completed the relevant Operator Qualification. The power generating industry is currently investing huge amounts of capital in the training of power plant operators. In the different elements of the qualification, the following aspects are addressed which will contribute to good environmental practices:
  • Basic Environmental Procedures.
  • Air Quality Management according to procedures and administrative requirements.
  • Water Quality Management.
  • Waste Management.
  • Soil/Land Quality Management.
  • Environmental Management System. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related Curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a Statement of Results or certifying a Work Experience Record.RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may Recognise Prior Learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have the following in order to be considered for admission:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Power Plant Operations at NQF Level 4 SAQA ID: 61569.
  • Senior Certificate (SC) or National Senior Certificate with a pass in Mathematics, Science and English Language.
  • National Vocational Certificate. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 313103000-KM-01, Hydro power plant chemistry and efficiency principles, NQF Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 313103000-KM-02, Electrical theories, concepts and reticulation systems, NQF Level 4, 9 Credits.
  • 313103000-KM-03, Operating practices and shift communication, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 313103000-KM-04, Hydro power plant chemistry and efficiency principles, NQF Level 5, 7 Credits.
  • 313103000-KM-05, Hydro power plant instrumentation and control systems, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • 313103000-KM-06, Statutory and regulatory requirements pertaining to a hydro power plant, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 313103000-KM-07, Electrical theories, concepts and reticulation systems., NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • 313103000-KM-08, Operating processes and practices and shift communication, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
  • 313103000-KM-09, Hydro power plant chemistry and efficiency principles, NQF Level 6, 4 Credits.
  • 313103000-KM-10, Electrical theories, concepts and reticulation systems, NQF Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • 313103000-KM-11, Hydro power plant unit operations, NQF Level 6, 20 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 103.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 313103000-PM-01, Monitor and verify the operability of all systems, supplies and services in a hydro power plant, NQF Level 6, 18 Credits.
  • 313103000-PM-02, Control and monitor all water supply levels and volume parameters, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 313103000-PM-03, Manage the energy conversion processes of a hydro power plant turbo generator set effectively and efficiently to ensure a continuous, reliable supply of electrical energy, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 313103000-PM-04, Monitor safe operation from the control room of the electrical distribution system and generator with its support system in normal, incident and accident conditions, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 48.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 313103000-WM-01, Raw material management from a control room/panel, NQF Level 6, 6 Credits.
  • 313103000-WM-02, Management of the water cycle and dam levels, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 313103000-WM-03, Hydro-driven turbine power generating set control processes, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 313103000-WM-04, High-voltage and local electrical reticulation systems, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 38. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Justify the purpose and function of all plant systems on a hydro power plant.
    2. Evaluate the plant generic knowledge and abilities on a hydro power plant.
    3. Locate and operate equipment in the main control room and the plant on a hydro power plant.
    4. Interpret or diagnose events and conditions based on alarms and indications during normal, out of normal and emergency operations on a hydro power plant.
    5. Apply procedures, references and technical specifications during normal, out of normal and emergency operations on a hydro power plant.
    6. Operate and control a hydro power plant during normal and abnormal conditions.
    7. Communicate and interact with other role players during normal, out of normal and emergency operations on a hydro power plant.
    8. Source and use documentation on a hydro power plant.
    9. Evaluate the strategies in incidents, out of normal and accident conditions on a hydro power plant. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The purpose and the functions of all plant systems are evaluated.
  • The purpose and the integrated function of all the equipment that make up the plant system are explained.
  • The instrumentation and control function of all plant systems are distinguished.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The conduct of operations, procedures and strategies are explained and evaluated.
  • Equipment control strategies are evaluated.
  • Protection actions are implemented.
  • The implementation of emergency plan procedures and equipment are evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Fire and medical emergencies are responded to from the control room.
  • Strategies during incident and accident conditions to return the plant to a safe state or to backup equipment needed for safe operations are implemented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Recognition of normal and out of normal plant trends is used for diagnosis of plant conditions.
  • Prioritisation of actions is based on diagnosis of plant conditions.
  • An emergency condition on a hydro power plant is recognised and diagnosed.
  • Prioritisation of actions is based on diagnosis of emergency plant conditions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The correct procedures and technical specifications to control a hydro power plant in all conditions are referenced.
  • Compliance with procedures in an accurate and timely manner is achieved.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Controls are located and manipulated in an accurate and timely manner in a hydro power plant.
  • The system operation, including set-points, interlocks and automatic actions, is accurately described and applied.
  • The manual control of automatic actions is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • System status is analysed and evaluated, and clear and accurate information is provided.
  • Information is received from others and accurately responded to.
  • Instructions from the supervisor are received and enacted.
  • The correct alarm response procedures are identified based on the monitoring and appraisal of critical parameters.
  • Operate and control a hydro power plant during normal and abnormal conditions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Operating technical specifications are correctly interpreted to determine limited conditions for operations according to specified hydro plant conditions.
  • Control room documentation is utilised to control a hydro plant during steady state as well as off normal conditions, according to specified hydro plant conditions.
  • An understanding of conduct of operations, procedures and strategies and its uses and applications is illustrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria of Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • The strategy to mitigate all accident and incident conditions is justified based on specific plant conditions.
  • The major action steps in accident and incident procedures are outlined.
  • The basis for procedure steps used in accident and incident procedures is justified.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment for this qualification is both formative and summative:

    Formative assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the Curriculum to guide the learners on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Summative assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner, is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is based on a study conducted by ESKOM on various European countries with leading power producers. The German model (with minor changes) was adopted as the basis for this qualification and the Silver Seal Operator Qualification was registered and accredited by the ESKOM and Allied Industries Training Board (EAITB). This qualification only covers the hydro component of the Silver Seal Operator Qualification.

    Hydropower is produced in 150 countries, with the Asia-Pacific region generating 32 percent of global hydropower in 2010. China is the largest hydroelectricity producer, with 721 terawatt-hours of production in 2010, representing around 17 percent of domestic electricity use. Hydropower development, particularly small hydropower, has been gaining traction in China as a clean energy source that can supplement thermal power sources and electrify rural areas.

    Tuopai Power Development is among the first hydropower generators in China to adopt distributed control system technology that provides tighter overall control, enhanced diagnostics, improved plant efficiency, reliable grid synchronisation, enhanced cybersecurity and more efficient operator deployment. The development of this qualification considered the practice from leading countries such as China and Canada which is rated the second producer of hydro-power electricity.

    Training hydroelectric power station operators or power generation turbine room operators focus on:
  • Control of the flow of fuel to boilers and making sure that the machinery is working properly.
  • Control of the flow of water in hydroelectric power stations and ensure that the machinery is working correctly operate.
  • Control of instruments to switch off lines or equipment and to connect alternative circuits.
  • Check instruments and switchboards to make sure that all systems are working efficiently to detect line disturbances and to check the flow of power.
  • Compile records and reports on equipment performance, instrument readings and switching operations.

    Conclusion:
    The finding is that this qualification is aligned and comparable to international qualifications delivered by training providers. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates vertically and horizontally.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Power Plant Operations Manager, NQF Level 6 (to be developed following the registration of this qualification).

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Water Science and Technology, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide evidence of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Hydro Power Plant Process Controller: 313103000. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.