CEA Renewable Energy Technologies 3

Question 1

Which metric best describes the total electricity generated by a solar PV system over its lifetime relative to the energy used to manufacture and install it?

Accepted Answer

Energy payback ratio (EPR)

Answer

The energy payback ratio (EPR) compares lifetime energy output to embodied energy, indicating net energy gain from a PV system.

Question 2

In a wind turbine drivetrain, a gearbox-free direct-drive design eliminates the gearbox by using:

Accepted Answer

A low-speed permanent magnet generator with many pole pairs

Answer

Direct-drive turbines use low-speed permanent magnet generators with many pole pairs to match rotor RPM without mechanical gearing.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a power purchase agreement (PPA) in renewable energy project finance?

Accepted Answer

Provide a long-term contract guaranteeing electricity sale price and volume

Answer

A PPA is a long-term contract between an energy producer and buyer that locks in the price and volume of electricity sold, reducing revenue risk.

Question 4

What differentiates a parabolic trough CSP system from a power tower (central receiver) CSP system?

Accepted Answer

Parabolic troughs focus sunlight onto a linear receiver; power towers concentrate it onto a central point

Answer

Parabolic troughs use curved mirrors to focus sunlight onto a linear tube receiver, while power towers use hundreds of heliostats to focus on a central point at higher temperatures.

Question 5

Which geothermal power plant type is best suited for lower-temperature hydrothermal resources (below 150°C)?

Accepted Answer

Binary cycle plant

Answer

Binary cycle plants use a secondary working fluid with a lower boiling point, enabling power generation from lower-temperature geothermal resources.

(CEA) Certified Energy Analyst Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Energy Analyst Practice Test

CEA Renewable Energy Technologies 3