Texas State Technical College Waco

DACUM Occupational Research Chart for
Fuel Cell Systems Technology (ECR Specialization)

"FUEL CELL SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN"

Occupation Description:  Individual will have strong, diverse technical background in fuel cell systems theory of operation, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. Competencies must include stationary fuel cells for residential, commercial, and industrial equipment typically used in this industry.

 


   FULL DACUM  
  April 2 - 3, 2003  

 


 

                    A, B, C  = DUTIES       A1, B2, C3  = Tasks

 

DUTY A.   MAINTAIN SAFETY PRACTICES

    A1  Attend safety training
    A2  Assist in determining safety procedures
    A3  Follow safety procedures
    A4  Determine site-specific safety training
            requirements
    A5  Maintain tools & equipment in safe condition
    A6  Maintain and use PPE
    A7  Ensure proper operation of safety equipment
    A8  Maintain on-site safety communication
    A9  Conduct site safety inspections
  A10  Report unsafe conditions
  A11  Verify certification and rigging procedures
  A12  Maintain a clean site
  A13  Respond to emergencies
  A14  Document incidents and accidents

 

DUTY B.   PERFORM COMMISSIONING START-UP

  B1  Take service call
  B2  Follow all approved procedures
  B3  Coordinate with site point of contact (POC)
  B4  Perform site inspection
  B5  Verify power plant interfaces
  B6  Verify and install shipped-loose items
  B7  Verfiy installation of upgrades
  B8  Contact local utilities
  B9  Verify safety devices/placards
B10  Check fluid levels
B11  Verify remote data communications
B12  Perform pre-start systems check
B13  Start unit
B14  Perform functional tests
B15  Perform customer-specific acceptance tests
B16  Provide customer training
B17  Clean site
B18  Close service call

 

DUTY C.   MAINTAIN RECORDS

  C1  Maintain power plant configuration control
  C2  Maintain site log
  C3  Manage parts/tools inventory
  C4  Maintain technical manuals
  C5  Document service calls
  C6  Maintain MSDS book
  C7  Maintain disposal log

 

DUTY D.   PERFORM SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

  D1  Determine maintenance schedule
  D2  Take service calls
  D3  Verify test equipment calibration
  D4  Put unit into safe condition
  D5  Check for leaks
  D6  Maintain system sensors
  D7  Maintain filters & screens
  D8  Maintain cooling systems
  D9  Process waste/parts
D10  Close service call

NOTE: Duties E-H are "sub-sets" of Duty D

DUTY E.   MAINTAIN WATER SYSTEMS

  E1  Verify water quality specifications
  E2  Test water quality
  E3  Change out resin bottles
  E4  Maintain reverse osmosis systems
  E5  Maintain make-up water system
  E6  Maintain water system components
  E7  Clean storage tank

 

DUTY F.   MAINTAIN THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

  F1  Maintain fluid levels
  F2  Verify system performance
  F3  Maintain fluid coolant system (e.g., glycol)
  F4  Maintain freeze protection systems
  F5  Maintain thermal system components
  F6  Maintain external cooling equipment
  F7  Clean condenser
  F8  Maintain heat recovery system

 

DUTY G.   MAINTAIN AIR & FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM

[Fuel delivery systems include hydrogen (electrolyzers, bottles, pipelines, reformats and others) natural gas, propane, methanol, ethanol, anaerobic digestor gas (ADG) diesel, bio-diesel, gasoline, landfill methane, and jet fuels.]

  G1  Maintain humidification system
  G2  Maintain pressure regulation system
  G3  Maintain fuel components
  G4  Maintain sulfur removal system
  G5  Maintain air components
  G6  Check CO2 quantity
  G7  Maintain insulation integrity
  G8  Perform gas analysis
  G9  Verify fuel properties
G10  Replace catalysts
G11  Maintain purging systems
G12  Maintain cabinet ventilation systems

DUTY H.   MAINTAIN ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

  H1  Maintain electrical connections
  H2  Verify operation of communication interface
  H3  Maintain software
  H4  Verify grounding quality
  H5  Verify inverter performance
  H6  Verify cell stack performance
  H7  Verify switching components performance
  H8  Maintain grid interface
  H9  Maintain mechanical switchgear
H10  Maintain electrical enclosures
H11  Maintain/replace AC/DC motors
H12  Maintain batteries and uninterruptible power supplies
H13  Clean electronics
H14  Check/replace electrical components
H15  Check/replace circuit boards

DUTY I.   PERFORM REPAIRS

  I1  Take service call
  I2  Follow all approved procedures
  I3  Make initial assessment
  I4  Put unit into safe condition
  I5  Troubleshoot the problem
  I6  Correct the problem
  I7  Test the correction
  I8  Process removed parts
  I9  Close service call

DUTY J.   CONTINUE EDUCATION

  J1  Maintain licenses and certifications
  J2  Participate in site-required safety training
  J3  Read service bulletins
  J4  Attend manufacturers/vendor product training
  J5  Attend seminars and trade shows
  J6  Participate in customer relations training
  J7  Maintain personal technical library
  J8  Participate in cross-training

 

 

DACUM PANEL

Larry Alford
Austin Energy
Austin, TX

Chuck Berry
Gas Technology Institute
Merrick, NY

Dr. Mike Binder
US Army Construction Engineering
Research Laboratory
Champaign, IL

George Collard
GBC Electrical Services
Twenty-nine Palms, CA

Alan Huddleston
Toshiba International Corp.
Houston, TX

Malcolm Jacobson
FuelCell Energy, Inc.
Magnolia, TX

George King
Houston Advanced Research Center
The Woodlands, TX

Sam Logan
Logan Energy Corp.
Roswell, GA

Richard Shaw
FuelCell Energy, Inc.
Danbury, CT

Mark Stevens
Gas Technology Institute
Des Plaines, IL

Rick Wallace
United Technologies Corp.
South Windsor, CT

Mark Welch
NASA Johnson Space Center
Houston, TX

Scott Wilshire
Plug Power, Inc.
Latham, NY

 

DACUM Facilitators
Michael Jones
TSTC Waco

Larrie Barkley
Lamar Institute of Technology

 


 

General Knowledge and Skills
Able to read schematics, blueprints, diagrams,
    ladder diagrams, physical layout drawings
Standard office suite computer software
Advanced reading and cognitive skills
Working knowledge of:
    Electrical systems symbols and terminology
    Three-phase power theory
    Single-phase and polyphase pwer distribution
    Instrumentation basics
    Power delivery
    Basic thermodynamics; basic chemistry
    Catalysts
    Math (esp. algebra)
    Mechanical systems
    Motor control circuits
    Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
    FC electrical and all electrical codes and standards
    Grid interconnectivity
    Fiber optics
    Electronics
    Wireless systems
Electrical backup systems
Control systems design
Basic power system coordination
Distribution systems, transmission systems
Circuit interrupting systems
Product knowledge
Quality control
Good interpersonal skills (written and verbal)
Computer literacy
Testing and measuring procedures and tools
Power and hand tools



Tools, Equipment, Materials and Supplies
Computer (including office applications and
    unit controller software
Oscilloscope
Signal generator
Pressure meters
Conductivity testing equipment
Turbidity testing equipment
Refractometer
Gas chromatograph
Bridge
Voltage meter
Megger
Hipotentialtest set
Multimeter
Amp meter
Hand and power tools
Tubing bender
Rigging equipment
Multifunction test sets
Frequency counter
RF (radio frequency) wattmeter
db power meter
Safety equipment
Grounding equipment
Tensiometer
Data wire or cable
Cell phone



Worker Attitudes, Traits, and Attributes
Reliable
Critical thinking, analytical
Good personal appearance and grooming
Team worker, desire to learn
Self-reliat, self-motivated
Organizational skills
Problem solving skills
Troubleshooting skills
Demonstrates quality and safety awareness
Tenacious, patient
Honesty, integrity
Common sense
Communicative
Self-confident
Innovative
Positive work ethic
Loyal
Good memory
Customer service oriented
Detail oriented
Able to pass drug and alcohol testing
Physically fit



Future Trends and Concerns
Interstate regulations, licensing
Cost of the technology
Scarcity of trained technicians
Continued federal incentives
Combined heat and power
Acceptance and cooperation by major industries
Deregulation of electricity industry
Widespread codes and standards proliferation
Multiple technologies, hybrids



Acronyms and Terms Definitions
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
HAZMAT - Hazardous Materials
HVACR - Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
    and Refrigeration
NEC - National Electrical Code
NESC - National Electrical Safety Code
MSDS - Materials Safety Data Sheets
CO2 – Carbon dioxide
OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health
    Administration
PPE – Personal protective equipment
P&P - Policy & procedures

 

For DACUM information contact
Michael Jones, IDEAS Center
or call (254) 867-3300.

For more information about the
Fuel Cell Technology (FCT) program,
contact
TSTC Waco College Relations
1-800-792-8784.





     

Michael Jones, DACUM Coordinator    TSTC Waco      04/15/03