Environmental technologies Flashcards
What is the purpose of permitted development in the context of building regulations?
To allow certain building work without needing planning permission.
Which act brought microgeneration under the requirements of the Building Regulations in the UK?
The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006.
Who is responsible for ensuring that Building Regulations have been met during the installation of microrenewable technologies?
The installer.
What are the key components of a solar thermal hot-water system?
A solar thermal collector, a differential temperature controller, and a hot-water storage cylinder.
Which part of the Building Regulations in England focuses on ventilation in buildings?
Part F
What is the primary source of energy for a solar thermal hot-water system?
Solar radiation
Which term refers to the small-scale generation of heat or electric power by individuals, small businesses, and communities?
Microgeneration
What is the purpose of a differential temperature controller in a solar thermal hot-water system?
To regulate the temperature of the hot water
Which part of the Building Regulations in England deals with the conservation of fuel and power?
Part L
What is the role of Local Authority Building Control (LABC) in the context of Building Regulations?
Checking for compliance with Building Regulations.
What is the primary purpose of Permitted Development in the context of building regulations?
To streamline the planning application process.
Which organization is responsible for checking compliance with Building Regulations in the UK?
Local Authority Building Control (LABC)
What is the purpose of an Approved Document in relation to Building Regulations in England?
To serve as a non-statutory guideline on how to comply with statutory requirements.
In England, which part of the Building Regulations focuses on drainage and waste disposal in buildings?
Part H
Which term describes the small-scale generation of electric power or heat for self-use, as an alternative to grid-connected power?
Microgeneration
Which technology uses solar radiation to produce heat directly or indirectly?
Solar thermal (hot-water) systems
In the UK, which Part of the Building Regulations deals with electrical safety in buildings?
Part P
What is the primary purpose of a circulating pump in a solar thermal hot-water system?
To transport solar radiation from the collector to the storage cylinder
Which Act in the UK brought microgeneration under the purview of the Building Regulations?
The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006
Which Building Regulations in England focus on the structure of buildings?
Part A
What is the primary function of a solar thermal collector?
To absorb heat radiation from the Sun
Which of the following statements is true about flat-plate collectors compared to evacuated-tube collectors?
Flat-plate collectors are less efficient but cheaper.
What is the primary purpose of insulation in a flat-plate solar thermal collector?
To prevent heat from escaping
: In an evacuated-tube collector, what is the role of the heat tube containing methanol?
To transfer heat to the heat-transfer fluid
What happens to the methanol vapor in the heat tubes of an evacuated-tube collector when it is heated?
It condenses and flows down the tubes.
In which type of cylinder does the lower coil represent the solar heating circuit?
Twin-coil cylinder
What distinguishes a direct system from an indirect system in solar thermal hot-water systems?
In a direct system, the hot water for taps circulates through the solar collector.
What serves as the auxiliary heat source when there is insufficient solar energy available for hot water?
Electric immersion heaters
What is the ideal orientation for solar collectors to maximize efficiency?
Due south
What percentage of sunlight blockage can significantly reduce a solar collector’s efficiency?
35%
Which Part of the Building Regulations in the UK deals with energy efficiency and fuel conservation?
Part L
What type of solar thermal collector is generally considered more efficient but also more expensive?
Evacuated-tube collector
Which component of a solar thermal system is responsible for circulating the heat-transfer fluid in the solar hot-water circuit?
Circulating pump
In a twin-coil cylinder, which coil represents the auxiliary heating circuit?
Upper coil
What is the ideal angle for solar collectors in the UK to maximize their efficiency?
35 degrees
What is the primary purpose of a differential temperature controller (DTC) in a solar thermal system?
To control the temperature difference between the collector and hot-water storage
What type of water is typically used as the heat-transfer fluid in solar thermal systems?
Water mixed with antifreeze (glycol)
In a direct system, what circulates through the solar collector and is drawn off at the taps?
The same water used for taps
Which regulatory document outlines the wiring regulations for solar thermal systems?
BS 7671: 2018 (2022) The IET Wiring Regulations
What is one of the advantages of solar thermal hot-water systems?
Reduced CO2 emissions
What is the primary purpose of a heat pump?
To extract and transfer heat energy
At what temperature does heat energy cease to exist in a system?
-273°C
What is the primary role of the compressor in a heat pump?
To compress the refrigerant and raise its temperature
How does heat move according to the basic rule of heat transfer?
From warmer spaces to colder spaces
What is the efficiency of a heat pump typically measured with?
Coefficient of Performance (COP)
Which type of heat pump is more efficient in milder weather conditions?
Air-source heat pump (ASHP)
What is the purpose of a buffer tank in a heat pump system?
To allow continuous operation and store excess heat
What is the primary advantage of using under-floor heating with a ground-source heat pump (GSHP)?
Higher heat output
Which component of a heat pump system can provide cooling during the summer by reversing the refrigeration process?
Compressor
What is the primary source of heat energy that heat pumps extract and transfer?
Air or ground
What role does the refrigerant play in a heat pump system?
Absorbing and releasing heat
What does COP stand for in the context of heat pump efficiency?
Coefficient of Performance
In what situation does a heat pump work most efficiently?
In mild weather
What is the primary function of a buffer tank in a heat pump system?
To maintain continuous operation
Which type of heat pump is suitable for both heating and cooling applications?
Air-source heat pump (ASHP)
What is the primary advantage of using low-temperature radiators with a ground-source heat pump (GSHP)?
Reduced maintenance costs
Which component of a heat pump system is responsible for extracting heat from the ground?
Heat-collection loops and a pump
In a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) system, how are the heat-collection loops typically installed?
In horizontal trenches
What temperature does the heat output from a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) typically reach?
40°C
What is the primary source of heat energy that air-source heat pumps extract and release?
Low-temperature air
What are the key components of an air-source heat pump (ASHP)?
A heat exchanger, a compressor, and an expansion valve
How does an air-source heat pump (ASHP) work in relation to a refrigerator?
ASHP releases heat to the outside like a refrigerator
What type of heating system is ideally suited to be coupled with an air-source heat pump (ASHP)?
Under-floor heating or warm-air heating
In what type of premises are air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) an ideal solution?
New-build properties with high insulation levels and under-floor heating
Under what conditions is planning permission typically required for the installation of an air-source heat pump (ASHP)?
Only for listed buildings or buildings in conservation areas
What is the primary disadvantage of air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) compared to ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs)?
Lower efficiency in mild weather
Why do air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) generate noise?
Due to the fans
What does COP stand for in the context of air-source heat pump efficiency?
Coefficient of Performance
What is the primary advantage of air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) compared to ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs)?
Lower installation costs
Which of the following is NOT a key component of an air-source heat pump (ASHP)?
Buffer tank
What is the primary disadvantage of air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) during the winter?
Reduced efficiency
Which type of heat emitters (heating devices) is most suitable for use with an air-source heat pump (ASHP)?
Under-floor heating
Why is an ASHP more efficient in mild weather compared to cold weather?
The heat source is colder in mild weather
In which type of building are air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) typically NOT recommended?
Buildings in conservation areas
What is the purpose of the expansion valve in an air-source heat pump (ASHP)?
To lower the refrigerant’s pressure and temperature
What does the acronym MCS stand for in the context of ASHP planning standards?
Microgeneration Certification Scheme
What type of heating system is NOT suitable for coupling with an air-source heat pump (ASHP)?
Gas-fired boiler
Which of the following is a disadvantage of air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) compared to ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs)?
Incompatibility with existing heating systems
What is the purpose of a defrost cycle in an air-source heat pump (ASHP)?
To keep the evaporator from freezing
What is the primary advantage of air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) over traditional gas or oil boilers in terms of environmental impact?
Reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
What is the major difference between biomass and fossil fuels?
Biomass is carbon-neutral, while fossil fuels are not.
Why is biomass considered a renewable energy technology?
It can be replenished as long as demand does not exceed replacement time.
What is a disadvantage of biomass compared to fossil fuels regarding heat output?
Biomass requires a greater quantity to achieve the same heat output.
Which of the following is NOT a class of biomass raw material that can be turned into biomass fuels?
Natural gas
What is the primary factor affecting the calorific value of woody biomass?
The moisture content of the wood
How do woody biomass boilers transfer heat to the central heating system?
Through a heat exchanger
In what circumstances would planning permission be required for the installation of a biomass boiler?
Only if the installation involves external work
What is an “exempt appliance” in the context of biomass heating?
An appliance designed to burn specific fuels without emitting smoke