EMP Renewable Energy Systems 2

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) in a photovoltaic system?

Accepted Answer

Continuously adjust the load impedance to maximize energy harvest

Answer

An MPPT controller dynamically adjusts the electrical operating point of PV modules so they always operate at peak power output regardless of varying irradiance or temperature.

Question 2

Which wind turbine configuration is most commonly used in utility-scale onshore wind farms?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal-axis upwind three-blade turbine

Answer

The horizontal-axis upwind three-blade design dominates utility-scale wind because it offers the best balance of aerodynamic efficiency, structural reliability, and noise characteristics.

Question 3

A solar farm in the US Southwest produces 8 GWh annually from a 5 MW DC installation. What is its capacity factor?

Accepted Answer

18.3%

Answer

Capacity factor = 8,000 MWh ÷ (5 MW × 8,760 h) = 8,000 ÷ 43,800 ≈ 18.3%.

Question 4

In a geothermal binary cycle power plant, what fluid is used to drive the turbine?

Accepted Answer

A low-boiling-point working fluid heated by geothermal brine

Answer

Binary cycle plants use a secondary organic working fluid (e.g., isobutane) with a low boiling point, allowing electricity generation from moderate-temperature geothermal resources without flashing brine.

Question 5

Which metric best describes the ratio of usable energy output to total energy input over a renewable technology's lifetime?

Accepted Answer

Energy Return on Energy Invested (EROI)

Answer

EROI measures how many units of energy a technology delivers for every unit consumed during manufacturing, installation, operation, and decommissioning.

(EMP) Energy Management Professional Practice Test

(EMP) Energy Management Professional Practice Test

EMP Renewable Energy Systems 2