Certified Energy Auditor Certification Energy Audit Data Analysis 5

Question 1

An energy auditor is performing a Level II audit and finds 15-minute interval electricity data shows demand spikes lasting only 1-2 intervals. What is the most cost-effective first step to address this?

Accepted Answer

Investigate whether the spikes are caused by equipment with staggered start sequencing that could be adjusted

Answer

Short-duration demand spikes often result from simultaneous equipment startups; staggering starts through controls or timers can eliminate spikes at minimal cost before capital solutions are considered.

Question 2

When calculating the internal rate of return (IRR) for an energy project, what does it mean if the IRR equals the organization's minimum acceptable rate of return (MARR)?

Accepted Answer

The project generates exactly the minimum required return and is at the threshold of acceptability

Answer

When IRR equals MARR, NPV equals zero—the project just meets the minimum financial hurdle and the decision is at the breakeven point of acceptability.

Question 3

An auditor discovers that a manufacturing facility's energy consumption per unit of production has increased 12% over three years despite no equipment changes. What analysis should be performed?

Accepted Answer

Analyze production mix, shift patterns, equipment loading factors, and maintenance records for the period

Answer

An unexplained efficiency decline over time requires root cause analysis across operational factors—production mix changes, reduced throughput, deferred maintenance, or process changes—before conclusions are drawn.

Question 4

What is the primary distinction between 'gross savings' and 'net savings' in energy audit reporting?

Accepted Answer

Net savings account for free-rider effects and spillover, while gross savings reflect total measured savings

Answer

Gross savings are the total energy reduction attributed to a measure; net savings adjust for free riders (who would have acted without incentive) and spillover effects in program evaluation contexts.

Question 5

An auditor analyzes a steam trap survey and finds that 30% of traps are failed-open (blowing live steam). How should this finding be quantified for the audit report?

Accepted Answer

Calculate steam loss per trap using known failure mode flow rates, convert to fuel cost, and project annual savings from repair

Answer

Failed-open traps have known steam loss rates by trap orifice size and pressure; converting steam loss to boiler fuel consumption and applying fuel cost yields a quantifiable annual savings for the audit report.

Certified Energy Auditor Certification Practice Test

Certified Energy Auditor Certification Practice Test

Certified Energy Auditor Certification Energy Audit Data Analysis 5