Systems Final
Based on the Bioclimatic Chart and skin-load dominated buildings for a hot and humid climate, like Houston,Texas, which primary passive strategies would you utilize during July for passive cooling? (1) provide for natural ventilation when appropriate (2) high thermal mass located within the building (3) shade the building envelope from the sun A. 1&3 B. 2&3 C. all of the above
A. 1 & 3
In reference to thermal properties of materials, which of the following statements is correct? (1) R value of a material indicates how effective it is as an insulator (2) The smaller the R value of the material the greater the insulating ability of the material A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 & 2
A. 1 only
Which of the following benefits can be attributed to daylighting a building as noted in the class lectures. A. 30% of commercial building electricity is used for lighting and 40 to 80% of that use can be offset by daylighting. B. Daylighting of buildings increases the overall total internal heat gain of a buildings.
A. 30% of commercial building electricity is used for lighting and 40 to 80% of that use can be offset by daylighting.
Since the heating distribution system has an enormous effect on the architecture, it must be selected with care. Heat can be distributed in a building by air, water or electricity. Which distribution system requires the most forethought and requires the largest areas in a building? A. Air B. Water C. Electricity D. BothA&C
A. Air
Which central HVAC system generally requires the largest distribution tree: A. All Air B. Air and Water C. Electricity D. Water and Glycol
A. All Air
As outlined by Fuller Moore in the reading on Mechanical Equipment, if you are designing a school, which type of HVAC System might you select based on Moore's Chart. A. Fan Coil Terminals B. Closed Loop Heat Pump C. Hydronic Convectors D. All of the above E. Only A & C from above
A. Fan Coil Terminals
In considering the design and placement of a light shelf in regard to daylighting a space, which is the best location from the following choices listed: A. Light shelves are usually placed above eye level to prevent glare. B. Light shelves are usually placed below eye level to prevent glare. C. Light shelves are usually placed at the very top of a window unit to prevent glare. D. Light shelves are usually placed at the sill/bottom of a window to prevent glare and maximize daylighting.
A. Light shelves are usually placed above eye level to prevent glare.
In designing the size/area of a Photo Voltaic Array what is the first issue that needs to be considered, as illustrated in Lechner's (3) three tier approach to sustainable strategies for environmental design? A. Selection of efficient electrical lights and appliances B. Location of Photo Voltaic Array C. The location of the building D. Cost of the system
A. Selection of efficient electrical lights and appliances
What statement best describes an external load dominated building with regard to heating and cooling? A. The major heat loss and heat gain occurs through the building envelope B. The major heat gain in the building is for people, machines and lighting. C. The balance point for heating the building will be lower because of the internal heat gains of the building. D. None of the above E. Both B & C
A. The major heat loss and heat gain occurs through the building envelope.
A Passive Cooling Strategy utilizing high thermal mass with night ventilation is an appropriate passive strategy in a climate that is dry & hot with a large diurnal temperature swing between day and night. A. True B. False
A. True
Internal heat gains can shift the appropriate design strategies for a building towards cooling, perhaps eliminating heating needs entirely.Typically, much of this thermal heat is provided be electric lighting. A. True B. False
A. True
Most fatalities in fires are due to the inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, not burns. A. True B. False
A. True
A hydraulic elevator uses: A. a piston arrangement to lift cars instead of a rotating drive B. a fluid-based transmission to control a rotating drive and lift arrangement C. energy from roof-top water tanks to power the system instead of electricity D. an innovative fluid logic system to replace conventional computer controls
A. a piston arrangement to lift cars instead of a rotating drive
Match the lighting terminology of "illuminance" with one of the parameters it describes listed below: A. density of light falling on a surface B. density of light leaving a surface C. quantity of light leaving a source D. output of a light source in some direction
A. density of light falling on a surface.
Typical applications for hydraulic elevator systems would include: A. low-rise passenger and freight service B. high-rise passenger and freight service C. freight service only—never for passenger service (in any building type) D. passenger service only—never for freight (in any building type)
A. low-rise passenger and freight service
An illuminance meter will provide read outs in which of the following units: A. lux (or footcandles) B. lumens(orcandles) C. candela per square meter (or footlamberts) D. watts (or Btu per hour)
A. lux (or footcandles)
Acceptable methods for managing rainwater include on site retention and on site detention. How were on site retention ponds defined in the class lecture? A. rainwater is held onsite for an indefinite period of time B. rainwater is held onsite for a limited period of time for controlled discharge C. rainwater is discharged into the municipal storm sewer system
A. rainwater is held onsite for an indefinite period of time
In a skin-load dominated building, energy consumption is primarily dictated by: A. the influence of the exterior climate on a building's envelope B. the influence of the interior climate on a building's envelope C. lighting use, heat from people, fixtures, equipment, and other internal heat sources D. none of the above
A. the influence of the exterior climate on a building's envelope.
In regards to Passive Solar Design Strategies and Building Form, which building forms lends itself to take advantage of passive heating & cooling and daylighting solutions? A. thin buildings B. thick tall buildings C. All of the above
A. thin buildings
Which one of the following is not correct in regard to climate? A. Windward sides of mountain ranges tend to be wetter and leeward sides dryer B. "Degree days" are used to show how much humidity affects comfort C. With an "urban heat island" effect, the city is significantly warmer than the surrounding natural countryside D. Wind roses can show both direction and windspeed E. None of the above
B. "Degree days" are used to show how much humidity affects comfort
In an all electric heating system (resistance heating element) which of the following are considered advantages of this system? (1) inexpensive first cost; (2) inexpensive to operate; (3) easy to zone A All of the above B 1&3 C 2&3 D only 1
B. 1 & 3
In referring to the egrees travel distance requirements in a building to a protected fire exit, what was the range of distances given for a unsprinklered building? A. 25-50 ft. B. 150-300 ft. C. 500-750 ft. D. 750-1000 ft.
B. 150-300 ft.
Which one of the following is not correct about solar radiation? A. Thermal mass that receives direct sunlight should be medium to dark in color B. A concrete floor slab used as thermal mass may be covered with a thick dark colored carpet C. Sunspaces are the least economical of the 3 main passive solar systems D. Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon, NM, is an example of a Pre-Colombian passive solar village E. None of the above
B. A concrete floor slab used as thermal mass may be covered with a thick dark colored carpet
Mechanical Heating sources may be categorized as Boilers, Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Electric Resistance. In defining how a heat pump functions or advantages/disadvantages which of the following statements is not correct? A Heat Pumps heat air or water by extracting heat from the surrounding outdoor environment using a refrigeration cycle B. A heat pump requires electrical power for the mechanical process and is only able to provide heat. C. Heat pumps are more commonly used in small and medium sized buildings. D. Since the efficiency of an air to air heat pump drops with the outdoor temperature they are not appropriate in very cold climates
B. A heat pump requires electrical power for the mechanical process and is only able to provide heat.
Which one of the following is not correct about north lighting? A. North windows give the most even (constant) lighting. B. A warm white light is received through north windows on a clear day C. North lighting is best for climates that have no winters. D. In very hot climates, north windows should be protected by vertical fins.
B. A warm white light is received through north windows on a clear day
Waste water from toilets, kitchen sinks and dishwashers is considered to be: A. Greywater B. Blackwater C. none of the above
B. Blackwater
Which one of the following is not correct? A. A single radiant barrier stops about 95% of radiant heat transfer. B. Earth sheltering is an appropriate technique in the Southeast. C. A radiant barrier is especially appropriate for attics in hot climates. D. The reflectivity of solar radiation is called albedo
B. Earth sheltering is an appropriate technique in the Southeast.
An equinox occurs twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, the center of the Sun being in the same plane as the Earth's equator.The equinox results in the longest number of hours of sunlight during the day for locations in the northern hemisphere. A. True B. False
B. False
The definition of Conduction as related to Heat Flow is: Heat is exchanged between a fluid (typically air) and a solid. A. True B. False
B. False
The psychrometric chart is used to establish the extent of heat gains and losses through the building envelope. A. True B. False
B. False
In the Lecture on Daylighting which of the following type of light fixtures works best when paired with daylighting? A. Direct/Indirect where 80% is directed down toward the work plane & 20% directed upward. B. Indirect/Direct where 20% is directed down toward the work plane & 80% directed upward. C. Indirect where 100% is directed up toward the ceiling plane.
B. Indirect/Direct where 20% is directed down toward the work plane & 80% directed upward.
All of the following are advantages of geo-exchange heat pump equipment EXCEPT: A. High Efficiency B. Low Initial Cost C. no obtrusive equipment D. ability to both heat and cool
B. Low Initial Cost
Which one of the following is not a good daylighting strategy for top lighting (roof openings)? A. Place roof openings just in front of north walls. B. Use horizontal skylights for the best summer/winter balance. C. On an overcast day the sky is brighter at the zenith (highest point) than at the horizon. D. Use baffles to control direct glare when necessary.
B. Use horizontal skylights for the best summer/winter balance.
Which one of the following is not correct about passive solar? A. Often the best solution for passive solar is to use a mix of Direct gain and Trombe wall B. Water tubes are not a good method of storing heat for passive solar C.Phase change materials are the most compact way to store heat D. To use natural convection, the collector needs to be below the storage device E. None of the above
B. Water tubes are not a good method of storing heat for passive solar
A septic tank is a component of which of the following: A. an on-site water softening system B. an on-site sewage disposal system C. a rainwater purification system D. most conventional water conservation systems
B. an on-site sewage disposal system
In reference to "All Air HVAC Mechanical Systems" which statement is false: A. canperformotherfunctionssuchashumiditycontrol,filtering,ventilation B. compactdistributionsystemandiseasilyhiddenwithinwallsandfloors C. very quick response to changes in temperature D. can be noisy
B. compact distribution system and is easily hidden within walls and floors.
Bilateral daylighting requires: A. both top lighting and side lighting apertures B. daylight apertures on two opposite sides of a space C. a 2 to 1 final illuminance ratio from maximum to minimum
B. daylight apertures on two opposite sides of a space
In the typical U.S. home, the quantity of water used for drinking and cooking is: A. about the same as the quantity of water used to flush toilets B. much less than the quantity of water used to flush toilets C. about twice as great as the quantity used to flush toilets
B. much less than the quantity of water used to flush toilets
Most fire-related deaths are the result of: A. structural collapse B. smoke inhalation C. exposure to high temperature D. the expansion of gases within the building
B. smoke inhalation
A building "service core" can be best described as a: A. series of horizontal channels in a floor structure used to distribute utilities B. tall vertical element containing stairs, elevators, pipe risers, etc. C. group of maintenance/operating personnel responsible for building performance D. a tunnel connecting a building to the urban infrastructure
B. tall vertical element containing stairs, elevators, pipe risers, etc.
Water conservation in buildings is best achieved through: A. the simplification of plumbing in order to use potable water in all tasks B. the reservation of high-quality water for high-grade tasks and emphasis of water recycling and reuse C. the reservation of low-quality water for all building tasks D. the removal of all drinking fountains within a building
B. the reservation of high-quality water for high-grade tasks and emphasis of water recycling and reuse
What are heating degree days? A. the average number of days that heating is required in order to maintain thermal comfort within a building B. the sum (for an entire year) of the differences between the base temperature (65oF) & the average daily temperature. C. a direct measurement for a building's energy consumption for spatial heating D. the number of days in a year that the mean outside temperature is more than 65°F
B. the sum (for an entire year) of the differences between the base temperature (65oF) & the average daily temperature.
Metal studs in an exterior wall assembly create ...................... that will..................... the overall heat loss when compared to a traditional wood frame wall. A. thermal breaks; reduce B. thermal bridges; increase C. thermal breaks; increase .D thermal bridges; reduce
B. thermal bridges; increase
The key to energy savings with daylighting is: A. to have very high daylight factors throughout a building B. to provide responsive and operable controls for the electric lighting system C. to use both side lighting and top lighting approaches D. to design the daylighting system using a computer simulation program
B. to provide responsive and operable controls for the electric lighting system
To best protect against cold & heat, insulation in a wall assembly should be located: A. at the middle of the assembly B. toward the outside of the assembly C. directly adjacent to the interior wall surface
B. toward the outside of the assembly
The most appropriate & effective way to shade a west facing window is with: A. long horizontal planes B. vertical fins C. internal mini blinds
B. vertical fins
In reference to thermal properties of materials, which of the following statements is correct? (1) R value of a material indicates how effective it is as an insulator (2) The larger the R value of the material the greater the insulating ability of the material A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 & 2
C. Both 1 & 2
Most municipal sewer systems are designed to deal with two forms of liquid waste from buildings. Identify the two forms. A. Rainwater/Stormwater B. Blackwater/Sanitary Sewer C. Both A and B D. none of the above
C. Both A and B
Why was it suggested that you should utilize clerestories rather than skylights in designing a daylit building? A. it is difficult to control direct sunlight with the use of skylights B. clerestories with the use of light shelves will distribute the light more evenly C. BothAandB D. none of the above
C. Both A and B
The term Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) refers to: A. Pre-planning spaces and locations that can accept PV modules and batteries B. The use of PV systems to operate building HVAC systems C. The integration of PV cells into some fundamental building construction element D. The integration of PV cells into an intelligent building control system
C. The integration of PV cells into some fundamental building construction element
Which one of the following is not correct about thermal comfort? A. The amount of heat produced by the human body is mainly a function of physical activity B. Excessive heat loss is called hypothermia C. When a sample of air is heated its % RH also increases D. The mean radiant temperature is a function of both surface temperatures and exposure angles E. None of the above
C. When a sample of air is heated its % RH also increases.
The primary purpose of a sanitary drainage vent system is to: A. keep the drainage pipes from being coated with algae B. ventilate the public sewer system mains to above street level C. control pressure differences that might otherwise siphon traps D. provide makeup air to spaces, such as bathrooms, that may not have windows
C. control pressure differences that might otherwise siphon traps
A wet pipe sprinkler systems is typically used in which application listed below, pick only one: A. buildings subject to freezing B. areas where water damage is a concern C. everyday building occupancies D. areas with very high fire hazards
C. everyday building occupancies
Daylighting design for climates with lots of clear sky conditions should typically: A. assume completely overcast sky conditions as a default "worst-case" B. include contributions from direct sun to improve DF values C. exclude contributions from direct sun to decrease glare and overheating D. be avoided, as clear skies are too difficult to deal with
C. exclude contributions from direct sun to decrease glare and overheating.
Potable water is best described as water that is: A. percolating through the soil from surface to water table B. used on site for ornamental purposes C. fit for human consumption D. used for landscape irrigation
C. fit for human consumption
The design guidelines for deciding at what tilt (angle) an array of photovoltaics (PV) should be set to maximize annual energy production os which of the following? A. latitude minus 15 degrees B. latitude plus 15 degrees C. latitude D. None of the above
C. latitude
Advantages of a "local" HVAC system over a "central" system would typically include: A. better thermal comfort environment, higher efficiency, more architecturally appealing B. no space required for equipment, quiet equipment, easy use of centralized controls. C. more individual control, smaller equipment units, potential for building conditioning should a single unit fail. D. no need for sizing calculations or engineering consultants, hidden equipment
C. more individual control, smaller equipment units, potential for building conditioning should a single unit fail.
Advantages of a "local" HVAC system over a "central" system would typically include: A. betterthermalcomfortenvironment,higherefficiency,morearchitecturallyappealing B. nospacerequiredforequipment,quietequipment,easyuseofcentralizedcontrols C. more individual control, smaller equipment units, potential for building conditioning should a single unit fail. D no need for sizing calculations or engineering consultants, hidden equipment
C. more individual control, smaller equipment units, potential for building conditioning should a single unit fail.
The primary advantages of a hydraulic elevator system versus a traction elevator system are best summarized as: A. no penthouse or upper machine room, faster speeds, better ride B. higher capacities, faster speeds, better ride C. no elevator penthouse, loads are supported at the ground, the shafts are slightly smaller D. lower first costs, greater energy efficiency, higher speeds
C. no elevator penthouse, loads are supported at the ground, the shafts are slightly smaller
In referring to the anatomy of a drain, waste and vent system, which of the following statements best describes the Soil Stack? A. horizontal run from bottom of stack to building perimeter B. vertical assembly of piping that transfers waste to house drain and gasses through the roof C. portion of stack assembly that transfers soil to house drain D. portion of stack assembly that transfers gasses up stack to stack vent E. u-shaped pipe at fixture that holds a small amount of water to prevent gasses from entering occupied space
C. portion of stack assembly that transfers soil to house drain
In a properly designed passive direct gain system, what are the heating characteristics of the system and how do they impact the interior occupied space? A. slow to warm up by day, slow to cool by night, small temperature swings, most of the heat arrives in evening B. slow to warm up by day, quick to cool by night, large temperature swings, most of the heat arrives at noon C. quick to warm up in the morning, tendency to overheat at midday, moderate temperature swings D. quick to warm up in the morning, tendency to overheat at midday, no temperature swings
C. quick to warm up in the morning, tendency to overheat at midday, moderate temperature swings
Plumbing codes provide: A. helpful suggestions for the number of plumbing fixtures to use B. maximum limits on the number of plumbing fixtures that can be used C. requirements for the minimum number of plumbing fixtures to be provided D. no guidance whatsoever regarding the number of plumbing fixtures
C. requirements for the minimum number of plumbing fixtures to be provided
If space is not a problem, what cross sectional shape would be most efficient for a HVAC air supply duct? A. oval B. square C. round D .spiral flat E. rectangular
C. round
What is the function of a cooling tower? A. the cooling of supply air for interior spaces. B. the creation of cooling for the AHU. C. the dissipation of heat to the atmosphere. D. the creation of noise and steam for the exterior.
C. the dissipation of heat to the atmosphere.
A "geo exchange" heat pump: A. is an idea that is yet to be commercially developed and brought to market B. uses solar energy from an active solar collector array C. uses underground soil temperatures as a heat source or sink D. taps into heat released by geysers or volcanic activity
C. uses underground soil temperatures as a heat source or sink.
"Hydronic" refers to a system that uses: A. forced air circulation for distribution of heat B. electricity as the source of heat C. water for distribution of heat D. the evaporation of water to provide cooling effect
C. water for distribution of heat
When your design objective is to minimize floor to floor height which of the following systems might be appropriate. A. FanCoilTerminals B. Closed Loop Heat Pump C. Hydronic Convectors D. All of the above E. Only A & B from above
D. All of the above
Which one of the following is not correct? A. Short wave solar radiation from the sun is able to pass easily through glass B. Air going around in a circle is called an eddy C. A solar chimney is based on the stack effect D. Glass is transparent to long wave radiation emitted from objects inside a conditioned space
D. Glass is transparent to long wave radiation emitted from objects inside a conditioned space
What is the primary architectural reason for preliminary HVAC system design in both the conceptual and schematic design phase of a building project. A. To determine the system's initial and operating costs. B. To be able to design and draw an accurate reflected ceiling plan. C. To determine the system's life cycle costs. D. To determine the system's spatial requirements
D. To determine the system's spatial requirements
Rainwater purity is dependent on three factors. Identify all three of the factors. A. surface contaminates B. duration between rain storms C. quantity of rainfall in storm D. all of the above E. none of the above
D. all of the above
An office building has multiple floors, each with an area of 900 ft2.The following building form is ideal from a daylighting standpoint: A. an elongated narrow plan that maximizes east and west exposure B. a square plan with windows on the north and south faces C. a square plan with windows on the east and west faces D. an elongated, narrow plan that maximizes north and south exposure
D. an elongated, narrow plan that maximizes north and south exposure
Room illuminance values are typically measured: A. on the ceiling B. on the floor C. at eye level D. at the work plan
D. at the work plan
Sizing cooling equipment is more complicated than sizing heating equipment because: A. cooling equipment uses more energy and therefore determination of its size requires additional precision B. sizing heating equipment only requires the consideration of latent heat gains C. cooling equipment requires local control, while heating equipment can be centrally controlled D. both latent and sensible heat gains must be considered
D. both latent and sensible heat gains must be considered
The primary components of a compressive refrigeration cycle include: A. generator, compressor, condenser, absorber B. fan, motor, coil, filter C. outside air, inside air, distribution tree, controls D. evaporator, condenser, compressor, expansion valve
D. evaporator, condenser, compressor, expansion valve
The concept of "distribution tree" is used to describe: A. the network of sales and delivery locations established to provide HVAC equipment B. the flow of design information from architect to consultant to contractor C. the continuous flow and cycling of refrigerant in a mechanical cooling system D. the means by which cooling and heating are delivered from a central system to conditioned space
D. the means by which cooling and heating are delivered from a central system to conditioned space
Off gassing as a building IAQ concern refers to: A. the tendency of electronic air cleaners to reverse polarity and dump collected dust B. an unfortunate out come of occupant seating some types of food C. the recharge cycle of desiccant dehumidifiers D. the release of volatile organic compounds by finishes and furnishings
D. the release of volatile organic compounds by finishes and furnishings
The primary purpose of a drainage system trap is to: A. keep objects (such as rings, etc.) from being lost down the drain B. ensure that potable water and drainage water can never mix C. temporarily retain water at a fixture to reduce the load on the drainage system D. to keep sewer gases from entering a building through a plumbing fixture
D. to keep sewer gases from entering a building through a plumbing fixture
Mechanical Heating sources may be categorized as Boilers, Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Electric Resistance. Boilers and furnaces require which of the following components? A. Fuel B. Combustion Air. C. Chimney D. BothA&B E. A,B&C
E. A, B & C
In referring to the anatomy of a drain, waste and vent system, what are the disadvantages of a wet venting system? A. Fixtures "chug" when draining B. When a fixture is drained it siphons water and waste from P traps of other fixtures on branch C. Sewer gasses may enter building D. AandB E. A,B&C
E. A,B&C
What statement best describes an internally load dominated building with regard to heating and cooling? A. The major heat loss and gain occurs through the building envelope B. The major heat gain in the building is form people, machines and lighting C. The balance point for heating the building will be lower because of the internal heat gains of the building D. None of the above E. both B & C
E. Both B & C
What is the name of the refrigeration machine (cycle) that only needs heat as an input (i.e. no electricity) to cool? A. heat pump B. compressive C. geo-exchange D. thermoelectric E. absorption
E. absorption
An office building has multiple floors, each with an area of 1000 ft2.The following building form is ideal from a daylighting standpoint: A. a square plan with windows on the east and west faces B. an elongated narrow plan that maximizes east and west exposure C. a square plan with windows on the north and south faces D. an elongated narrow plan that faces south east and northwest exposure E. an elongated, narrow plan that maximizes north and south exposure
E. an elongated, narrow plan that maximizes north and south exposure
Which phrase listed below best describes or matches with a thermostat? A. using heat to cool a building B. hotwaterheatingsystems C. two-way refrigeration machine D. a part of building with separate climate control E. controls mechanical equipment in a zone
E. controls mechanical equipment in a zone
Heating degree days are... Note: it is not number of days.
defined relative to a base temperature: the sum (for an entire year) of the differences between the average outside temperature and 65 °F.
