Certified Energy Auditor Certification Data Collection and Analysis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a power quality analyzer measure that a standard clamp meter cannot?
- Harmonic distortion and power factor (Correct answer)
- Three-phase voltage balance only
- Insulation resistance
- Duct static pressure
Correct answer: Harmonic distortion and power factor
Power quality analyzers capture waveform distortion (THD), power factor, and transients that are invisible to basic clamp meters.
Question 2: An auditor collects spot measurements of compressed air pressure at multiple points in a distribution system. What pattern indicates excessive pressure drop?
- Pressure at end-use points significantly lower than at the compressor outlet (Correct answer)
- Uniform pressure at all measurement points
- Higher pressure at end-use points than at the compressor
- Fluctuating pressure only during night hours
Correct answer: Pressure at end-use points significantly lower than at the compressor outlet
A large pressure differential between the compressor outlet and end-use points signals pipe friction losses or blockages that waste energy.
Question 3: Which statistical method is best suited for determining the relationship between outdoor air temperature and a building's chilled water consumption?
- Linear regression analysis (Correct answer)
- Chi-square test
- Monte Carlo simulation
- Fourier transform
Correct answer: Linear regression analysis
Linear regression quantifies the correlation between a dependent variable (chilled water use) and an independent variable (outdoor temperature).
Question 4: When inventorying HVAC equipment for an energy audit, which nameplate value is most critical for calculating annual energy consumption?
- Full-load rated input power (kW or hp) (Correct answer)
- Equipment serial number
- Refrigerant type
- Manufacture date
Correct answer: Full-load rated input power (kW or hp)
Full-load rated input power combined with operating hours enables calculation of annual energy use.
Question 5: A steam trap survey reveals 15% of traps are failed-open. What does this indicate for the energy audit?
- Live steam is blowing through, causing direct energy loss (Correct answer)
- The condensate return system is oversized
- Trap maintenance is adequate and no action is needed
- Condensate is subcooled and heat transfer is improved
Correct answer: Live steam is blowing through, causing direct energy loss
Failed-open steam traps allow live steam to pass continuously into the condensate return, wasting boiler fuel.
Question 6: In an energy audit, what is the purpose of sub-metering individual loads?
- To disaggregate total facility consumption by end-use category (Correct answer)
- To replace the utility revenue meter
- To measure power quality at the service entrance
- To verify equipment nameplate amperage ratings
Correct answer: To disaggregate total facility consumption by end-use category
Sub-metering breaks down whole-facility energy use into HVAC, lighting, process, and other categories to prioritize ECMs.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes a 'phantom load' in the context of energy data collection?
- Electricity consumed by equipment in standby or off mode (Correct answer)
- Peak demand that occurs only once per billing period
- Load created by harmonics from variable frequency drives
- Energy consumed during unoccupied hours by HVAC
Correct answer: Electricity consumed by equipment in standby or off mode
Phantom (or standby) loads are the continuous low-level draws from devices that appear off but remain energized.
Certified Energy Auditor Certification Data Collection and Analysis 3
What does a power quality analyzer measure that a standard clamp meter cannot?