Renewable Energy Systems Flashcards
7 cards from real Certified Energy Auditor Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Renewable Energy Systems flashcards as text
What is the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of a ground source heat pump (GSHP) heating system?
Answer: The ratio of heat output delivered to electrical energy consumed
COP is the ratio of useful heat output to electrical energy consumed; GSHPs typically achieve heating COPs of 3–5, delivering 3–5 units of heat energy per unit of electricity input.
What is Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)?
Answer: Total lifecycle costs of an energy system divided by its total lifetime energy production
LCOE represents all costs (capital, O&M, financing) over the system's useful life divided by total lifetime energy produced, providing a standardized metric for comparing different generation technologies.
Which ASHRAE standard provides guidelines specifically for energy audits of commercial buildings?
Answer: ASHRAE Standard 211
ASHRAE Standard 211, 'Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits,' defines the scope, deliverables, and procedures for Level 1, 2, and 3 energy audits of commercial buildings.
When evaluating a small wind turbine for a facility, what is the generally accepted minimum average annual wind speed for a viable installation?
Answer: 5 m/s (11.2 mph)
An average annual wind speed of approximately 5 m/s (about 11 mph) is the generally accepted minimum threshold for a cost-effective small wind turbine installation.
How does high moisture content affect biomass fuel used in an energy system?
Answer: It reduces the effective heating value and lowers combustion efficiency
High moisture content in biomass fuel reduces its effective heating value because energy is consumed evaporating the water, which lowers combustion efficiency and increases the volume of fuel needed.
What is the purpose of an interconnection agreement for a grid-tied renewable energy system?
Answer: To define the technical and safety requirements for connecting the system to the utility grid
An interconnection agreement establishes the technical, safety, and procedural requirements that must be met before a customer-owned generation system can be connected to the utility distribution grid.
Which federal incentive allows businesses to deduct a percentage of qualifying renewable energy system costs directly from their federal income tax liability?
Answer: Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows businesses to deduct a percentage of the installed cost of qualifying renewable energy systems directly from their federal income tax owed, dollar-for-dollar.