Certified Energy Auditor Certification Energy Audit Process 4

Question 1

What is the purpose of weather-normalizing energy consumption data during an audit?

Accepted Answer

To adjust billing data to account for weather variability so years can be fairly compared

Answer

Weather normalization uses heating and cooling degree-days to adjust historical energy data, removing the effect of year-to-year weather differences for valid comparisons.

Question 2

Which energy conservation measure (ECM) typically offers the shortest simple payback period in commercial buildings?

Accepted Answer

Occupancy sensor lighting controls

Answer

Occupancy sensors are low-cost controls that eliminate lighting energy waste in unoccupied spaces, delivering rapid payback typically within one to two years.

Question 3

During combustion testing of a natural gas boiler, an auditor measures flue gas O2 at 10%. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Excessive excess air reducing thermal efficiency

Answer

High flue gas O2 (optimal is ~3–4%) indicates excessive excess air, which carries away heat in the flue gases and reduces boiler combustion efficiency.

Question 4

An auditor recommends adding VFDs to chilled water pumps that currently run at constant speed. What operational scenario maximizes the energy savings from this measure?

Accepted Answer

When the system frequently operates at partial load

Answer

VFD savings follow the affinity laws: power varies with the cube of speed, so partial-load operation (reduced flow) yields dramatic energy reductions.

Question 5

What is the key difference between a Measurement and Verification (M&V) plan and an energy audit report?

Accepted Answer

An M&V plan outlines how savings will be confirmed after implementation, while the audit report identifies and estimates potential savings

Answer

The audit report identifies ECMs and projects savings; the M&V plan specifies the post-installation methodology for measuring and verifying that projected savings are actually achieved.

Certified Energy Auditor Certification Practice Test

Certified Energy Auditor Certification Practice Test

Certified Energy Auditor Certification Energy Audit Process 4