CEM Event Operations Management 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An event venue's electrical demand charge is based on the highest 15-minute average kW recorded during the billing month. A rock concert is scheduled for the first day of the month. What is the energy management implication?
- The demand peak from the concert will set the ratchet for the entire month, making it essential to minimize peak demand during the concert (Correct answer)
- Only the last 15-minute interval of the month matters for demand charge calculation
- The demand charge is irrelevant because concerts are short-duration events
- Demand charges only apply to facilities over 1 MW of connected load
Correct answer: The demand peak from the concert will set the ratchet for the entire month, making it essential to minimize peak demand during the concert
Because the billing demand is set by the single highest 15-minute interval in the month, a peak during an early-month concert establishes the demand charge for all subsequent weeks regardless of lower usage.
Question 2: What is the role of a building automation system (BAS) sequence of operations during event transitions, such as moving from setup to full occupancy?
- The BAS documents energy consumption for sustainability reports
- The BAS executes pre-programmed setpoint and mode changes to ramp HVAC systems ahead of occupancy changes, avoiding reactive energy spikes (Correct answer)
- The BAS alerts facility staff to manually adjust equipment as occupancy changes
- The BAS controls exhibitor booth power allocation
Correct answer: The BAS executes pre-programmed setpoint and mode changes to ramp HVAC systems ahead of occupancy changes, avoiding reactive energy spikes
Pre-programmed BAS sequences allow HVAC systems to transition smoothly and efficiently between event phases, avoiding the energy penalty of reactive, manual system adjustments.
Question 3: An outdoor festival is using diesel generators for temporary power. Which operating practice most significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions?
- Running all generators at full rated load continuously throughout the event
- Right-sizing generator sets so each operates between 70–80% of rated capacity (Correct answer)
- Using a single large generator rather than multiple smaller units
- Fueling generators at the start of each day rather than keeping them topped off
Correct answer: Right-sizing generator sets so each operates between 70–80% of rated capacity
Diesel generators are most fuel-efficient between 70–80% of rated load; operating below 40% causes wet stacking and high specific fuel consumption.
Question 4: A facility energy manager notices that CO2 levels in a ballroom rise sharply 30 minutes into events, then stabilize. What does this pattern most likely indicate?
- The HVAC system is introducing too much outdoor air at the start of the event
- The demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) system has a control lag and needs its response time tuned (Correct answer)
- Attendees are releasing CO2 from carbonated beverages
- The CO2 sensors are faulty and need calibration
Correct answer: The demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) system has a control lag and needs its response time tuned
A sharp rise followed by stabilization typically indicates a DCV control lag — the system detects occupancy-driven CO2 rise but takes time to ramp up outdoor air delivery, after which levels stabilize.
Question 5: Which strategy best addresses the 'elevator effect' — the energy impact of hundreds of attendees using elevators simultaneously between event sessions?
- Stagger session end times to distribute elevator use over a longer period
- Install regenerative drives on all elevators to recover braking energy (Correct answer)
- Limit elevator use to VIP attendees and require others to use stairs
- Increase elevator motor power to reduce travel time and energy per trip
Correct answer: Install regenerative drives on all elevators to recover braking energy
Regenerative drives capture kinetic and potential energy during braking and deceleration, returning it to the building electrical system and reducing net elevator energy consumption.
Question 6: A sports arena uses retractable seating that requires large electric motors. What energy management opportunity does this equipment present?
- Scheduling retraction and extension during off-peak rate periods to reduce energy costs
- Installing VFDs on retraction motors to reduce inrush current and allow speed optimization
- Replacing electric motors with hydraulic actuators for higher efficiency
- Using regenerative braking on retraction motors to recover energy when seating closes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Using regenerative braking on retraction motors to recover energy when seating closes
Retractable seating loads have significant gravitational potential energy when extended; regenerative motor controls can recover this energy during retraction rather than dissipating it as heat.
Question 7: Under ASHRAE Standard 90.1, what is the primary energy-related requirement for lighting in large event spaces with multiple occupancy modes?
- Lighting must achieve a minimum of 50 foot-candles at all times the space is occupied
- Lighting control systems must provide multi-level switching or dimming with at least two intermediate levels between off and full power (Correct answer)
- All lighting in event spaces must be LED technology
- Lighting in event spaces is exempt from 90.1 requirements due to theatrical and broadcast needs
Correct answer: Lighting control systems must provide multi-level switching or dimming with at least two intermediate levels between off and full power
ASHRAE 90.1 requires multi-level lighting controls in large spaces so that energy is proportional to actual needs, with at least two intermediate levels providing flexibility for different event configurations.
CEM Event Operations Management 4
An event venue's electrical demand charge is based on the highest 15-minute average kW recorded during the billing month.
A rock concert is scheduled for the first day of the month.
What is the energy management implication?