Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:33 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:33 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Apply basic principles of marine engineering thermodynamics
Apply basic principles of marine engineering thermodynamics
Unit of competency
National Code
MARL5002A
MARL5002A
State Code
WG460
WG460
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/02/2014
Field of Education
031701 - Maritime Engineering
Original Release Date
04/02/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply basic principles of marine engineering thermodynamics to perform calculations and to explain the operation of marine machinery, including engines, compressors, steam plants, refrigeration and air-conditioning units.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Explain common thermodynamic principles
- 1.1 Desired System International (SI) units applicable to thermodynamic calculations are developed
- 1.2 Basic properties of fluids are outlined
- 1.3 Gauge pressure is distinguished from absolute pressure
- 1.4 Temperature is defined and temperature scales are outlined
- 1.5 Calculations are performed by applying formulae for work, power and efficiency
2 Calculate properties of gas during expansion and compression
- 2.1 Calculations are performed by applying Boyle’s, Charles’s and combined gas law
- 2.2 Gas equation is derived and applied to gas process calculations
- 2.3 Specific heat of gases and the relationship between Cp, Cv, R and Gamma is defined
- 2.4 Heat transfer is calculated for constant pressure and constant volume processes
- 2.5 Isothermal, adiabatic and polytropic processes are outlined and properties of gases after expansion and compression including the effects of turbocharging are calculated
- 2.6 Work required to compress gases is illustrated and calculated
3 Explain methods of heat transfer
- 3.1 Different forms of heat transfer and their application to marine systems are explained
- 3.2 Heat transfer through flat layers is calculated
- 3.3 Purpose of insulation is explained
4 Explain enthalpy and apply to mixture calculations
- 4.1 Heat energy is defined
- 4.2 Fundamental formula for heat energy transfer is developed
- 4.3 Specific heat and its application are identified
- 4.4 Enthalpy and change of phase are outlined
- 4.5 Heat mixture problems involving water equivalent, ice, water and steam are solved
- 4.6 Specific heat of materials are calculated
- 4.7 Latent heat and dryness fraction are identified
- 4.8 Steam tables are used to find values of enthalpy for water, saturated and superheated steam and dryness fraction
- 4.9 Temperature/enthalpy diagram is constructed from steam table data
5 Explain steam plants and calculate thermal efficiency
- 5.1 Basic steam plant cycles are sketched and function of each component is outlined
- 5.2 Steam cycles on a temperature/enthalpy diagram are illustrated
- 5.3 Effects of superheating and under cooling are clarified
- 5.4 Calculations are performed for heat supplied, rejected, work and thermal efficiency of a steam plant
- 5.5 Methods of improving cycle efficiency are outlined
6 Explain operation of internal combustion engine cycles
- 6.1 Operating principles of two stroke and four stroke internal combustion engines are outlined
- 6.2 Differentiation is made, by use of a pressure/volume diagram, between Otto, Diesel and Dual combustion cycles
- 6.3 Mean effective pressure is calculated from an indicator diagram
- 6.4 Indicated power formula is developed and related calculations are solved
- 6.5 Specific fuel consumption is defined and calculated
- 6.6 Ideal cycle and air standard efficiency is defined
7 Explain operating cycle of reciprocating air compressors
- 7.1 Pressure/volume diagram is used to describe operating cycle of single stage reciprocating air compressors
- 7.2 Mass of air delivered by single stage reciprocating air compressors is calculated
- 7.3 Clearance volume and its effect on volumetric efficiency is outlined, and volumetric efficiency is calculated
- 7.4 Work per cycle for isothermal and polytropic processes is calculated
8 Explain operating cycle of refrigeration and air conditioning plant
- 8.1 Principle of refrigeration is outlined
- 8.2 Temperature/enthalpy and pressure/enthalpy diagrams are compared
- 8.3 Refrigerants used in refrigeration and air conditioning machines are identified
- 8.4 Refrigeration effect and plant capacity are defined
- 8.5 Refrigeration tables are used to calculate refrigeration effect and condition of vapour after expansion
- 8.6 Operating cycle of self-contained and centralised air conditioning systems are outlined and compared
- 8.7 Relative humidity is defined and key features of a psychrometric chart are outlined
9 Apply linear, superficial and volumetric expansion equations to calculate expansion of liquids and metals
- 9.1 Expansion processes for metals is defined
- 9.2 Coefficient of linear expansion is outlined
- 9.3 Linear expansion is applied to calculate machinery clearances and to shrink fit allowances
- 9.4 Superficial and volumetric expansion of solids is calculated
- 9.5 Apparent expansion of liquids in tanks is calculated
Not applicable.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:
performing accurate and reliable calculations
solving problems using appropriate laws and principles.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
Resources for assessment include access to:
industry-approved marine operations site where basic principles of marine engineering thermodynamics can be applied
diagrams, specifications and other information required for performing basic calculations related to marine engineering thermodynamics
technical reference library with current publications on basic marine thermodynamics
tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.
Method of assessment
Practical assessment must occur in an:
appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
appropriate range of situations in the workplace.
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:
direct observation of the candidate applying basic principles of marine engineering thermodynamics
direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:
performing accurate and reliable calculations
solving problems using appropriate laws and principles.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
Resources for assessment include access to:
industry-approved marine operations site where basic principles of marine engineering thermodynamics can be applied
diagrams, specifications and other information required for performing basic calculations related to marine engineering thermodynamics
technical reference library with current publications on basic marine thermodynamics
tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.
Method of assessment
Practical assessment must occur in an:
appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
appropriate range of situations in the workplace.
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:
direct observation of the candidate applying basic principles of marine engineering thermodynamics
direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUG51 | MARL011 | Apply basic principles of marine engineering thermodynamics | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J563 | MAR50213 | Diploma of Maritime Operations (Engineer Watchkeeper) | Qualification |