Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Systems Flashcards
7 cards from real Architecture and Design practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Systems flashcards as text
What does the acronym HVAC stand for in building systems?
Answer: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
HVAC is the standard industry acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems used to control building climate.
Which HVAC system type controls room temperature by varying the volume of conditioned air supplied to each zone?
Answer: Variable Air Volume (VAV) system
VAV systems modulate airflow volume to each zone rather than temperature, allowing efficient, individualized comfort control.
What is the primary function of a cooling tower in a commercial chilled-water HVAC system?
Answer: To reject condenser heat from the refrigeration cycle to the atmosphere
Cooling towers dissipate heat removed by chillers by evaporating condenser water, completing the refrigeration cycle.
What term describes the natural vertical air movement caused by temperature differences between indoor warm air and cooler outdoor air that can drive passive ventilation?
Answer: Stack effect
The stack effect occurs when buoyant warm indoor air rises and exits at upper openings, drawing cooler outdoor air in at lower openings.
Which type of ventilation system both supplies fresh air and exhausts stale air in equal quantities to maintain indoor air quality without creating pressure imbalances?
Answer: Balanced ventilation
Balanced ventilation systems manage both supply and exhaust airflows equally, preventing pressure imbalances and ensuring consistent fresh air delivery.
Which ASHRAE standard establishes minimum ventilation rates and indoor air quality requirements for commercial and institutional buildings?
Answer: ASHRAE 62.1
ASHRAE 62.1 specifies minimum outdoor air ventilation rates and IAQ procedures to maintain acceptable indoor air quality in commercial buildings.
Which refrigerant largely replaced R-22 in HVAC systems following environmental regulations phasing out ozone-depleting substances?
Answer: R-410A
R-410A became the dominant replacement refrigerant for R-22 after the Montreal Protocol mandated the phase-out of ozone-depleting HCFCs.