Assessment & Monitoring Methods Flashcards
7 cards from real EMP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Assessment & Monitoring Methods flashcards as text
Which assessment technique uses tracer gas (such as SF6 or CO2) to quantify building air infiltration rates?
Answer: Tracer gas decay method
The tracer gas decay method releases a known concentration of tracer gas into a space and measures its dilution rate over time to calculate the actual air change rate due to infiltration.
In energy monitoring, what is the purpose of establishing a 'performance contract guarantee threshold'?
Answer: To define the minimum energy savings level below which the ESCO must compensate the client
The guarantee threshold in an energy performance contract defines the contractually obligated savings floor; if actual savings fall below this level, the ESCO must make up the financial difference.
An energy manager reviews utility data and finds that electricity consumption increases linearly with cooling degree days. What analytical tool would best formalize this relationship for ongoing monitoring?
Answer: A scatter plot with a regression line to create a weather-normalized baseline model
A scatter plot with regression analysis establishes the quantitative relationship between cooling degree days and electricity consumption, enabling weather-normalized energy performance monitoring.
What does the term 'phantom load' or 'standby power' refer to in building energy assessments?
Answer: Electricity consumed by equipment while switched off or in standby mode
Phantom loads are the small but continuous energy draws from devices in standby mode (chargers, electronics, appliances), which collectively can represent a significant portion of building energy waste.
Which ASHRAE standard provides the methodology for measuring and verifying energy and water savings in commercial buildings?
Answer: ASHRAE 14 (Measurement of Energy and Demand Savings)
ASHRAE Guideline 14 establishes protocols for measuring, calculating, and reporting energy and demand savings resulting from energy conservation measures in existing buildings.
A facility implements real-time energy monitoring and notices that energy consumption during weekend unoccupied periods is 60% of weekday occupied consumption. What does this finding most likely suggest?
Answer: HVAC and other systems are not being properly shut down during unoccupied periods
High unoccupied-period energy consumption relative to occupied periods typically indicates HVAC, lighting, or equipment is not being properly set back or shut down when the building is unoccupied.
In steam system assessments, what does a steam trap survey primarily evaluate?
Answer: The operational status of steam traps to identify failed-open or failed-closed traps wasting energy
A steam trap survey uses ultrasonic detectors or infrared thermography to identify traps that have failed open (passing live steam) or failed closed (causing water hammer and back-pressure), both of which waste energy.