SHI Technology & Digital Tools 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which software tool is commonly used to model shading losses on a solar thermal collector array throughout the year?
- AutoCAD Electrical
- PVsyst
- SAM (System Advisor Model) (Correct answer)
- Revit MEP
Correct answer: SAM (System Advisor Model)
NREL's System Advisor Model (SAM) is widely used to simulate solar thermal performance including shading and energy output projections.
Question 2: A solar installer uses a digital inclinometer app on their smartphone. What measurement does this tool provide?
- Compass bearing of the roof surface
- Tilt angle of the collector mounting surface (Correct answer)
- Solar irradiance at the site
- Ambient temperature of the roof
Correct answer: Tilt angle of the collector mounting surface
A digital inclinometer (clinometer) measures the angle of slope or tilt of a surface relative to horizontal.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software during a solar thermal installation project?
- To program the differential controller setpoints
- To coordinate 3D spatial design and detect clashes with other building systems (Correct answer)
- To calculate glycol concentration in the heat transfer fluid
- To submit permit applications directly to the AHJ
Correct answer: To coordinate 3D spatial design and detect clashes with other building systems
BIM software enables 3D coordination of all building systems, helping installers identify spatial conflicts before installation begins.
Question 4: A technician uses a digital manifold gauge set connected via Bluetooth to a tablet. What advantage does this provide over analog gauges?
- It eliminates the need to purge the system before charging
- It logs real-time pressure and temperature data for documentation (Correct answer)
- It automatically adjusts system pressure to setpoint
- It replaces the need for a differential temperature controller
Correct answer: It logs real-time pressure and temperature data for documentation
Bluetooth-connected digital manifolds allow real-time data logging on a tablet, improving documentation accuracy and diagnostic efficiency.
Question 5: Which type of sensor is most commonly integrated with a smart solar thermal controller to enable remote monitoring via the internet?
- Bimetallic strip sensor
- Pt1000 resistance temperature detector (RTD) (Correct answer)
- Liquid crystal thermometer
- Dial bimetallic thermometer
Correct answer: Pt1000 resistance temperature detector (RTD)
Pt1000 RTD sensors offer high accuracy and are compatible with modern differential controllers that support IoT connectivity.
Question 6: When using solar design software to enter roof azimuth, which value represents true south orientation in the Northern Hemisphere?
- 0°
- 90°
- 180° (Correct answer)
- 270°
Correct answer: 180°
In standard solar software conventions, 180° azimuth represents true south, which is the optimal collector facing direction in the Northern Hemisphere.
Question 7: A solar installer uses a drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera before installation. What is the most valuable use of this technology?
- Measuring roof pitch angles
- Identifying heat loss areas and existing roof insulation deficiencies (Correct answer)
- Programming the differential controller wirelessly
- Testing glycol freeze protection levels
Correct answer: Identifying heat loss areas and existing roof insulation deficiencies
Thermal drone imaging reveals heat loss patterns and roof condition issues that could affect collector placement and system efficiency.
SHI Technology & Digital Tools 2
Which software tool is commonly used to model shading losses on a solar thermal collector array throughout the year?