Construction Technology and Environmental Services Flashcards
What are PV panels?
PV panels convert sunlight into electrical energy.
Each device is known as a cell and multiple cells are combined to give a PV array.
These are then typically mounted on roofs or other areas which are exposed to sunlight.
They produce direct-current, which is converted to alternating-current for domestic/commerical use.
What are the benefits of PV panels?
Renewable energy source.
Typically one would expect them to payback the investment in 7-8 years in good conditions.
Excess electricity can be ‘sold back’ to the grid, providing more clean energy and helping to recoup costs faster.
When are fire sprinklers required in commercial buildings?
Under UK law, buildings spanning 20,000 sq. m or more and un-compartmented are legally required to have a sprinkler system installed.
For smaller UK businesses, those that employ more than 5 people or are open to the public are required to complete a fire risk assessment. Such an assessment may suggest sprinklers should be implemented despite the minimum size not being met.
What are the negatives of PV panels?
They can be expensive to install, and are vulnerable to weathering.
Storage of energy is expensive and the capacity of batteries is still relatively small, although this is improving.
Takes up a lot of space, and the additional weight on any structure will need to be accounted for with accommodation works or in the design of a new building.
How does Air Conditioning work?
Warm air is drawn in to the system through the cassette and blown over a cold evaporator coil, which absorbs the heat from the air.
The refrigerant inside the coil absorbs the heat and evaporates and moves towards the compressor.
The compressor decreases the volume of the gas and raises its pressure and temperature as it moves to the condenser.
The air conditioning condenser takes the heat from the refrigerant which is passed outside where the cold outside air absorbs the heat and the refrigerant cools and condenses, traveling back indoors to the evaporator to repeat the process.
What is R22 gas and why has it been banned?
R22 gas was used in air conditioning systems due to its properties which made it suitable for refrigerant in AC systems.
However, due to its damaging effect on the ozone layer, R22 gas is now banned.
It is now unlawful to undertake works that involve breaking into the circuits that contain R22.
Can you describe the RIBA Plan of Work?
Stages 0-7
0 - Strategic Definition
1 - Preparation and Briefing
2 - Concept Design
3 - Spatial Co-ordination
4 - Technical Design
5 - Manufacturing and Construction
6 - Handover
7 - Use
Explain the difference between PUR and PIR Insulation?
Similar in appearance and properties, PIR has greater resistance to the passage of smoke, heat and fire.
What is the EWS1 form?
A form created to allow valuation of tall residential buildings which assesses the safety of an external walling system, detailing the height, type of cladding and presence of baclonies and combustible materials.
What is required for the ongoing maintenance and testing of a dry riser system?
Annual pressure tests required.
What types of EV chargers are there?
Slow Charging
Fast Charging
Rapid Charging
What is the slenderness ratio in masonry wall design?
The slenderness ratio is the ratio of the height to the thickness of a structure, and it should not be greater than 27 for walls subjected to vertical loading.
How is lateral support provided?
Timber joists built onto brick piers.
