E-RPL

Designer of solar thermal systems

for implementation of the process of recognition and validation of previous knowledge and skills acquired in non-formal and informal education

Level 1

I understand the importance of solar thermal energy systems

What should I know?
"Minimal knowledge of:
- main types of solar thermal systems and components (e.g. flat plates, evacuated tubes, thermodynamic panels, glazed/unglazed, storage tanks)
- installation and usage for heating and DHW;
- solar radiation exposure and energy production. "

What skill should I have?
Participating in discussions for the feasibility study of solar thermal systems for heating/DHW within a design team, considering also solar thermal for cooling (absorption cooling systems).

Level 2

I can apply basic solutions for solar thermal energy systems

What should I know?
"Basic knowledge of:
- fundamental principles of energy and heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics;
- main types of solar thermal systems and components (e.g. flat plates, evacuated tubes, thermodynamic panels, glazed/unglazed, storage tanks)
- installation and usage for heating and DHW;
- solar radiation exposure and energy production;
- simple calculation methods to pre-size solar thermal systems in residential buildings (rules of thumb, graphic methods, datasheets). "

What skill should I have?
Performing simplified verifications of energy performance and thermal power output for alternative solar thermal systems, based on solar radiation data and other input from team members.

Level 3

I can propose conceptual solutions for solar thermal energy systems

What should I know?
"Medium knowledge of:
- fundamental principles of energy and heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics;
- main regulations and technical standards on the design of solar thermal systems ;
- main types of solar thermal systems and components (e.g. flat plates, evacuated tubes, thermodynamic panels, glazed/unglazed, storage tanks);
- installation codes in new/existing buildings and usage for heating, DHW and cooling;
- analysis of climatic data and solar radiation exposure vs energy production;
- calculation methods to size small solar thermal systems for heating/DHW in residential buildings. "

What skill should I have?
Selecting and proposing alternative solutions of solar thermal systems for heating/DHW in residential buildings, in relation to building functions and architectural features. Designing the architectural integration of solar thermal systems (e.g. on flat/pitched roof, on facade, on the ground), specifically for existing buildings. Sizing the solar thermal system with respect to heating and DHW demand in residential buildings, estimating the needed storage volume and types of storage tanks, and the relation between water storage / peak demand /available solar energy.

Level 4

I can enineer the concept design for solar thermal energy systems

What should I know?
"Advanced knowledge of:
- fundamental principles of energy and heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics;
- all regulations and technical standards on the design of solar thermal systems;
- main types of solar thermal systems and components (e.g. flat plates, evacuated tubes, thermodynamic panels, glazed/unglazed, storage tanks);
- solar thermal systems for cooling (e.g. absorption cooling with heat tube collectors);
- hybrid PV/solar thermal systems;
- installation codes in new/existing buildings and usage for heating, DHW and cooling;
- environmental impact assessment of solar thermal systems;
- analysis of climatic data and solar radiation exposure vs energy production;
- solar thermal system design for heating/DHW and cooling in non residential buildings and complex energy systems (also for industrial processes);
- cost/benefit analysis."

What skill should I have?
Engineering solutions for solar thermal systems in non residential buildings and complex installations, also considering solar absorption systems for cooling. Calculating accurate heating and DHW demand of the whole building (hourly simulation), performing a detailed design of the installation, operating principle, automatisation strategy, cost/benefit analysis. Pursuing the integration of PV systems with solar thermal systems, considering electricity demand vs heating/DHW demand. Assessing the impact of solar systems at building and landscape scale.

Level 4

I can specify the design for solar thermal energy systems in tender documents

What should I know?
"Advanced knowledge of:
- technical specifications of solar thermal energy systems and their own energy performances;
- technical drawing representation;
- terminology and form for contracting purpose;
- cost/benefit analysis. "

What skill should I have?
Selecting components and technical solutions that fit specifications and demands on given quality aspects and economics related to solar thermal energy systems, ensuring the contribution to energy saving. Writing technical documentation for contracting purpose.

Level 4

I can assure the quality of solar thermal energy systems

What should I know?
Advanced knowledge of:
- standards and procedures for quality assurance of solar thermal energy systems;
- methods to evaluate quality of solar thermal energy system installation (e.g. check-list survey, first-run inspection).

What skill should I have?
Managing, instructing and auditing contractors on site during the realisation of the solar thermal energy system, based on information given in tender documents and given by the designer. Giving feedbacks to the design team on design and operation suitability of the installed solar thermal energy system.

Level 4

I can commission solar thermal energy systems to ensure operation as planned

What should I know?
"Advanced knowledge of:
- standards and procedures for commissioning and quality assurance in solar thermal energy systems;
- support to resolution of disputes, subject to terms of the contract documents;
- methods to evaluate the operativity of installed solar thermal systems (e.g. testing of the system). "

What skill should I have?
Commissioning the solar thermal energy system after realisation, in order to check if the system fullfills all demands, fuctionality and foreseen energy performance is realised. Testing and adjusting the solar system under different operating conditions (full/partial loads, seasonal performance).

Level 4

I can ensure optimal operation of solar thermal energy systems during life cycle

What should I know?
"Advanced knowledge of:
- standards and procedures for management and maintenace of solar thermal energy systems;
- technical writing for reference and training manuals;
- methods to evaluate the operativity of installed solar thermal energy systems (e.g. testing of the system). "

What skill should I have?
Designing the operative manual and the maintenance plan of the installed solar thermal energy system, for the facility manager and/or for users. Instructing (the facility manager) on monitoring energy and microclimate parameters, to ensure the system achieves designed energy savings and comfort goals during its life cycle.

Level 5

I can develop new technical solutions and optimising the detailed design for solar thermal energy systems

What should I know?
"In-depth knowledge of:
- fundamental principles of energy and heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics;
- all regulations and technical standards on the design of solar thermal systems;
- main types of solar thermal systems and components (e.g. flat plates, evacuated tubes, thermodynamic panels, glazed/unglazed, storage tanks);
- solar thermal systems for cooling (e.g. absorption cooling with heat tube collectors);
- hybrid PV/solar thermal systems;
- installation codes in new/existing buildings and usage for heating, DHW and cooling;
- environmental impact assessment of solar thermal systems;
- analysis of climatic data and solar radiation exposure vs energy production;
- solar thermal system design for heating/DHW and cooling in non residential buildings and complex energy systems (also for industrial processes);
- interaction with R&D companies specialised in solar thermal systems;
- hourly simulation of demand/offer extended to thermal energy storage, optimisation of the system energy performance;
- cost/benefit analysis. "

What skill should I have?
Developing and experimenting innovative solutions for solar thermal systems based on emerging components and technologies (hybrid systems, new selective surface materials, solar absorption cooling techniques), interacting with R&D department of specialised companies. Pursuing integration of solar thermal systems with passive heating/cooling systems and building automation systems. About cooling, engineering an absorption cooling generation system (e.g. heat tube collectors), calculating accurate cooling demand of the building in order to select the right capacity and considering cost/benefit aspects.

Disclaimer

This web application are created by the SEEtheSkills project consortium under EC grant agreement 101033743 and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission. The European Commission is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.

All intellectual property rights are owned by SEEtheSkills consortium members and are protected by the applicable laws. Reproduction is not authorized without prior written agreement. The commercial use of any information contained in this document may require a license from the owner of that information.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101033743

E-RPL

Designer of solar thermal systems

Disclaimer

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