Energy and Utilities Energy Efficiency and Conservation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'combined heat and power' (CHP) or cogeneration?
- Using two separate boilers for redundancy
- Simultaneously generating electricity and capturing waste heat for useful purposes at one facility (Correct answer)
- Combining nuclear and gas generation at one site
- Co-ownership of a power plant by two utilities
Correct answer: Simultaneously generating electricity and capturing waste heat for useful purposes at one facility
CHP systems capture heat that would otherwise be wasted in electricity generation, using it for space heating or industrial processes, achieving overall efficiencies of 70–80%.
Question 2: What does 'EER' (Energy Efficiency Ratio) measure for air conditioning units?
- The lifespan of the unit in years
- Cooling output in BTU/h divided by power input in watts at a standard test condition (Correct answer)
- The noise level of the compressor
- The refrigerant type used
Correct answer: Cooling output in BTU/h divided by power input in watts at a standard test condition
EER measures an air conditioner's cooling efficiency as the ratio of cooling output to electricity input at a specific test condition (95°F outdoor temperature).
Question 3: What is 'time-of-use' (TOU) electricity pricing?
- Pricing based on total lifetime energy use
- Rate structure with higher prices during peak demand hours and lower prices during off-peak hours (Correct answer)
- Billing customers only for peak monthly usage
- A flat rate regardless of time of consumption
Correct answer: Rate structure with higher prices during peak demand hours and lower prices during off-peak hours
TOU pricing reflects the actual cost of electricity at different times, incentivizing customers to shift discretionary loads to cheaper off-peak periods.
Question 4: What is 'commissioning' in the context of a new commercial building?
- The building permit approval process
- Verifying and documenting that building systems are installed and performing as designed (Correct answer)
- The formal opening ceremony for a new building
- Ordering new HVAC equipment
Correct answer: Verifying and documenting that building systems are installed and performing as designed
Building commissioning is a quality assurance process that verifies all energy systems (HVAC, lighting, controls) function correctly together as designed.
Question 5: What does 'LEED certification' indicate for a building?
- The building meets local fire safety codes
- The building has achieved a green building rating for sustainability and energy performance (Correct answer)
- The building was constructed with union labor
- The building uses only LED lighting
Correct answer: The building has achieved a green building rating for sustainability and energy performance
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system, recognizing buildings that meet standards for energy, water, and environmental performance.
Question 6: What is 'weatherization' as applied to low-income household energy efficiency programs?
- Installing weather stations at homes
- Adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and improving heating systems to reduce energy bills (Correct answer)
- Protecting homes from storm damage
- Installing rainwater collection systems
Correct answer: Adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and improving heating systems to reduce energy bills
Weatherization assistance programs (like DOE's WAP) improve home energy efficiency by insulating, air sealing, and upgrading heating systems to lower low-income families' energy burdens.
