ABBE LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN AIR CONDITIONING ENERGY ASSESSMENT

ABBE LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE IN AIR CONDITIONING ENERGY

ASSESSMENT (QCF)

SAMPLE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS The purpose of this document is to provide examples of typical questions and how they are presented under the main topics covered in the examination. Please note that these questions have come from past examination papers and may reflect legislation and/or

specification that have since been updated; the main purpose is to give an indication of the level and focus of what to expect.

Answers are not provided for these questions.

We hope that by reviewing this sample you enter the exam room with more confidence as

to what to expect. Good luck!

Examination duration: 55 minutes

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SAMPLE EXAMINATION PAPER 1 Category: The legislative framework (3 questions) Question 1

Which ONE of the following is NOT on the checking for leakage timetable within the F-Gas Regulations?

A At least every twelve months for applications containing 3kg or more of F-gases (except for equipment which is hermetically sealed and contains less than 6kg of F-gases)

B At least every six months for applications with equipment which is hermetically sealed, which is labelled as such and contains less than 6kg of F-gases

C At least every six months for applications containing 30kg or more of F-gases

D At least every three months for applications containing 300kg or more of F-gases

Question 2

When do air conditioning systems with rated outputs over 12kW need to have their first inspection?

A By 4 January 2011

B By 4 January 2009

C By 1 January 2009

D By 1 January 2011

Question 3

What is the part load Energy Efficiency Ratio (ERR) as defined in the Non Domestic Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Compliance Guide (NDHVACCG)?

A It is the ratio of energy removed from air within the conditioned space divided by the effective energy input to the unit

B It is the ratio of the cooling energy delivered into the cooling system divided by the energy input to the cooling plant

C Both A and B

D None of the above

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Category: Preparing for the energy assessment of air conditioning systems (3 questions)

Question 4

According to CIBSE TM44, the availability of records of maintenance operations carried out prior to the inspection should be considered as:

A Essential – it is difficult for the inspection to proceed without the information

B Desirable – it makes planning the inspection easier and reduces

the assessor’s workload during the inspection

C Optional – information that is useful to know but does not impact on the conduct of the inspection

D Unimportant – the inspection is not intended to assess the

maintenance state of the plant, only its performance

Question 5

Failure to obtain pre-inspection information that CIBSE TM44 considers „Essential‟ would:

A Extend the time needed for the on-site inspection

B Cause the energy assessor to postpone the on-site inspection until the information could be obtained

C Prevent the energy assessor from proceeding with the inspection

as they would be unable to assess their competence for the task

D Have no effect as gathering ‘Essential’ information is an integral part of all inspections

Question 6

The main purpose of a pre-inspection meeting with the client is to:

A Discuss the format and content of the Building Log Book

B Agree a price for the inspection report

C Agree a clear and comprehensive scope of works for the inspection

D Explain how the installed refrigeration plant affects the building's Asset Rating

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Category: Air conditioning technology – simple/packaged systems (15 questions) Question 7

On the vapour compression cycle hardware diagram shown below, process 2 to 3 is:

A Superheat in the suction line at constant enthalpy

B Superheat in the liquid line at constant pressure

C An increase in enthalpy in the liquid line at constant pressure

D Superheat in the suction line at constant pressure

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Question 9

Which ONE of the following refrigerants is the least flammable?

A R717 (ammonia)

B R600a (Isobutane)

C R290 (propane)

D R744 (Carbon dioxide)

Question 8

On the pressure-enthalpy diagram shown, the process taking place between 6 and 7 is:

A De-superheat on condenser entry

B Sub-cooling in liquid line

C Temperature drop through expansion valve

D Condensation in condenser

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Question 10

For fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon refrigerants, which of the following type of tubes is commonly used for constructing plate-and-fin type coils?

A Aluminium tubes

B Copper tubes

C Steel tubes

D None of the above

Question 11

A typical direct expansion (DX) finned coil will typically have a number of parallel circuits designed to:

A Maximise heat transfer

B Ensure oil is filtered sufficiently

C Maximise pressure drop

D None of the above

Question 12

A liquid receiver is NOT used with which type of systems?

A Systems with thermostatic expansion device

B Systems with electronic expansion device

C Systems with float expansion device

D Systems with capillary tube expansion device

Question 13 All copper pipes used in the installation of VRF systems should be cut using which ONE of the following?

A Hacksaws

B Sharp pipe slice

C Carbide slitting wheel

D Hydraulic snips

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Question 14

The diagram represents which ONE of the following types of VRF System?

A Cooling only system

B Heating or cooling system

C Simultaneous heating and cooling system in cooling mode

D Simultaneous heating and cooling system in heating mode

Question 15

Temperature lift increases if:

A The evaporating temperature is raised and the condensing temperature is lowered

B Both evaporating and condensing temperatures are lowered

C The evaporating temperature is lowered and condensing temperature is raised

D Both evaporating and condensing temperatures are raised

Question 16

The refrigerant-side heat transfer coefficient usually increases with:

A A decrease in saturated suction temperature

B A decrease in oil concentration

C A decrease in the cooling load

D An increase in the suction superheat

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Question 17

Where the cooling output of an electrically driven packaged system is not stated, then it may be calculated from:

A The electrical input power and the coefficient of performance (COP), or the energy efficiency ratio, if both are known

B The refrigerant type and its charge within the system

C The pre and post compressor temperature and pressures, if all are known

D None of the above

Question 18

What would be the cooling load using the mean heat gain, given: office area = 190m2; number of occupants = 38; heat gain = 41-77W/m2; occupant density = 1 person/5 m2?

A 5.27kW

B 9.5kW

C 11.21kW

D 38kW

Question 19

If a condenser fan is working inefficiently this may cause what?

A A zone to become too cold

B Low head pressure

C Fluctuating room temperatures

D An environment to become too hot

Question 20

Occupant complaints of intermittent over cooling in the early afternoon are reported from some rooms served by a zone of terminal units controlled by a single temperature sensor and a group controller. What would be the most likely suspected fault?

A Low refrigerant charge in the system

B Set point for temperature control is incorrect

C Terminal units serve south and west facing rooms

D Terminal units serve east and south facing rooms

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Question 21

Low oil pressure is often caused by?

A Worn compressor bearings

B Liquid refrigerant in the oil

C Blocked oil strainer and/or filter

D All of the above

Category: Inspect simple/packaged air conditioning systems

(4 questions) Question 22

With reference to the F-Gas Regulations, which of the following records must be kept on each system with more than 3 kg of HFC refrigerant?

A Any quantities of refrigerant added

B The quantity and type of F-gas refrigerants installed in each system

C The quantity of refrigerant recovered during servicing, maintenance

and final disposal

D All of the above

Question 23

You suspect that the refrigerant charge in an air conditioning system is low and look for signs of leakage to evidence your suspicions. You would trace the pipework through the outdoor unit looking for evidence of which substance on the outside surface of the pipework?

A Oil

B Water

C Refrigerant

D Frost

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Question 24 According to CIBSE TM31, which of the following sets of

information is expected to be recorded in the building log book?

A An abridged copy of the inspector’s report from the air conditioning inspection

B The preparatory details and report from any inspection carried out to provide the building energy performance certificate

C Health and safety records

D All of the above

Question 25

Which ONE of these factors would you NOT record during your inspection of a building to enable you to estimate the cooling requirements?

A The number of occupants

B The type of activities carried out by the occupants

C The age and gender of the occupants

D The type of equipment used by the occupants

Category: Report on the energy performance of air conditioning systems (5 questions)

Question 26

The standard Department of Communities and Local Government air conditioning inspection report template breaks down key recommendations into four sections. What is the break down of these sections?

A System efficiency, capacity and cooling loads; Improvement

options; Alternative solutions; Other recommendations

B System efficiency, capacity and cooling loads; Maintenance options; Alternative solutions; Other recommendations

C System efficiency, capacity and cooling loads; Maintenance options; Improvement solutions; Other recommendations

D System efficiency, capacity and cooling loads; Improvement

options; Alternative solutions; Maintenance recommendations

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Question 27

Which ONE of the following does NOT have to appear in the air conditioning report and inspection record?

A The inspector’s name

B The equipment owner's organisation

C The responsible person’s name

D The maintenance organisation

Question 28

What does the acronym UPRN stand for?

A Unique property referral number

B Unique property reference number

C Unique property report number

D Unique property register number

Question 29

The Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme is operated by which of the following:

A DEFRA

B H M Revenue & Customs

C Carbon Trust

D All of the above

Question 30

There is no available information about the cooling capacity of an installed system within a building, and your client is considering a replacement as it contains R22 refrigerant. Under these circumstances what should the key recommendation be?

A Specify a like-for-like replacement of the existing equipment

B Review the cooling needs carefully prior to specifying a replacement, to ensure that it is appropriately sized for the requirements

C Specify a replacement is required on the basis of your cooling

assessment within the report

D Specify that a smaller more efficient system should suffice

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SAMPLE EXAMINATION PAPER 2

Category: The legislative framework (3 questions) Question 1

Compounds phased out through the Montreal Protocol significantly deplete the ozone layer in which part of the atmosphere?

A Mesosphere

B Troposphere

C Thermosphere

D Stratosphere

Question 2

How is the air conditioning system owner reminded of a re-inspection?

A They will get a reminder from the Local Authority building controls

B They will get a reminder from Trading Standards

C It is the responsibility of the person controlling technical functioning of the system to remember to get an inspection

D None of the above

Question 3

In accordance with BS EN 15240:2007, mandatory inspection of air conditioning plant is recommended every:

A 1 year

B 2 years

C 3 years

D 5 years

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Category: Preparing for the energy assessment of air conditioning systems (3 questions)

Question 4

Prior to conducting an air conditioning inspection, candidates:

A Must attempt to collect as much information as possible from the building owner or manager

B Must obtain the building log book from the building owner or

manager

C Must conduct internet research on similar buildings to obtain representative data on likely air conditioning plant installations

D Need not carry out any prior research since all available

information can be gathered during the inspection

Question 5

Which of the following does CIBSE TM44 regard as a “Desirable” piece of pre-inspection information for simple packaged systems?

A Health and Safety issues likely to be encountered on site

B Records of any complaints relating to the indoor comfort conditions

C Description of the method of control of temperature

D Records of maintenance operations carried out including

filter changing and coil cleaning Question 6

Obtaining sufficient information about the air conditioning plant installed in a building will:

A Reduce the time and cost of the inspection

B Enable the assessor to establish if the building is within their level of competence

C Enable the assessor to draw up a draft scope of works

D All of the above

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Category: Air conditioning technology – simple/packaged systems (15 questions) Question 7

Which of these refrigerants does NOT contain chlorine?

A R12

B R13

C R134a

D R141b

Question 8

Which ONE of the following provides a means of assessing the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle, taking into account the energy consumed by auxiliary equipment?

A Total equivalent warming impact (TEWI)

B Co-efficient of performance (COP)

C Co-efficient of system performance (COSP)

D Seasonal co-efficient of system performance (SCOSP)

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Question 9

On the pressure-enthalpy diagram shown, the process taking place between 1 and 2 is:

A Work done by compressor

B Refrigeration effect through evaporator

C Superheat in suction line

D Sub-cooling in liquid line

Question 10

What are the three most commonly used condensers?

A Fan cooled, air cooled, evaporative cooled

B Evaporative cooled, water cooled, air cooled

C Air cooled, water cooled, fan cooled

D Water cooled, evaporative cooled, fan cooled

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Question 11

What type of compressor is this?

A Screw compressor

B Semi-hermetic compressor

C Hermetic compressor

D Scroll compressor

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Question 12

What is the name of the component shown in the diagram?

A Thermostatic compensating valve

B Automatic drain

C Thermostatic expansion device

D None of the above

Question 13 A decrease in the temperature lift will:

A Decrease the compressor efficiency

B Cut the running cost of the system

C Lower the evaporating temperature

D None of the above

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Question 14

Which ONE of the following is a disadvantage of the passive stack ventilation system?

A Uncontrolled systems waste energy due to continuous operation

B Regular maintenance is required

C Some recirculation is possible, due to the close proximity of supply and extract grilles

D Occupants perceive the systems to have high running costs

Question 15

Temperature lift increases if:

A The evaporating temperature is raised and the condensing temperature is lowered

B Both evaporating and condensing temperatures are lowered

C The evaporating temperature is lowered and condensing temperature is raised

D Both evaporating and condensing temperatures are raised

Question 16

A general term used to describe a heat exchanger transferring heat between a liquid and a vapour in a refrigeration system is:

A Evaporative condenser

B Finned coil

C Direct expansion device

D Liquid reservoir

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Question 17

According to CLG, 12kW air conditioning capacity installed in retail sales units with average levels of display lighting will service areas of approximately:

A 50 m2

B 150 m2

C 250 m2

D 500m2

Question 18

According to the Building Services Research & Information Association‟s (BSRIA), “rule of thumb”, what is the typical annual electricity consumption for net lettable area for air conditioned civic offices?

A 84 kWh/m2

B 97 kWh/m2

C 170 kWh/m2

D 178 kWh/m2

Question 19

During your inspection, you notice that the compressor “hums” but does not start. What advice might you provide the client in your report?

A Check that the isolator has not tripped

B Check the loading on the compressor

C Check the system pressure

D All of the above

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Question 20

Occupant complaints of intermittent over cooling in the early afternoon are reported from some rooms served by a zone of terminal units controlled by a single temperature sensor and a group controller. What would be the most likely suspected fault?

A Low refrigerant charge in the system

B Set point for temperature control is incorrect

C Terminal units serve south and west facing rooms

D Terminal units serve east and south facing rooms

Question 21

What would you expect to find happening downstream of a refrigerant liquid line which had been trodden on and partially flattened?

A The pipework surface becoming warm and sweating

B The pipework surface becoming cold and frosted

C A drumming noise from refrigerant vibration

D A liquid running noise due to increased refrigerant velocity

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Category: Inspect simple/packaged air conditioning systems (4 questions)

Question 22

With reference to the F-Gas Regulations, which of the following records must be kept on each system with more than 3 kg of HFC refrigerant?

A Any quantities of refrigerant added

B The quantity and type of F-gas refrigerants installed in each system

C The quantity of refrigerant recovered during servicing,

maintenance and final disposal

D All of the above

Question 23

Whilst carrying out a CIBSE TM44 Inspection, which ONE of these documents might be used as a source of reference and information about the building?

A CIBSE TM 18

B CIBSE TM 31

C CIBSE TM 24

D CIBSE TM 19

Question 24 In which of these circumstances should an inspector NOT

sample the outdoor units of an air conditioning installation?

A When the installation consists of a series of packaged air conditioning systems

B When the installation consists of a series of variable refrigerant flow air conditioning systems

C When the installation consists of a series of multi-split air conditioning systems

D When the installation consists of more than 20 similar outdoor units

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Question 25

The diagram shown is a cutaway of a unitary packaged type system, showing the major components. Which of the following is component Y?

A Evaporator

B Compressor

C Condenser

D None of the above

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Category: Report on the energy performance of air conditioning systems (5 questions)

Question 26

According to CIBSE Guide TM44, the primary purpose of the Air Conditioning Inspection report is to:

A Record the manufacturer, model and serial numbers of

the main components so the building owner/manager has all the key information recorded in one place

B Record all possible information on the installed air

conditioning equipment, together with information about the property in which it is fitted

C Give building owners/managers information about their buildings and plant, and to identify opportunities to save energy and cut operating costs

D Act as a back up to a building’s Energy Performance

Certificate by giving additional credibility to the Asset Rating and supporting information to the SBEM recommendations

Question 27

To prepare a report on an air conditioning installation and complete the Communities and Local Government reporting templates which of these pieces of information would NOT be required?

A An estimation of the cooling load applicable to the building’s use and construction

B An estimation of the annual energy consumption applicable

to the building’s use and construction

C An estimation of the quality of maintenance undertaken on the air conditioning installations

D An estimation of the output capacity of the air conditioning

installation

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Question 28

Which of the following items of information must be included in a report of the packaged air conditioning cooling systems?

A Physical descriptions of the systems inspected, including the type of system

B Comments on the adequacy of installed controls and

control settings and any suggestions made for improvement

C Comments on the adequacy of equipment maintenance and any suggestions made for improvement

D All of the above

Question 29

During the inspection on site the assessor notes a health and safety issue that does not affect the air conditioning system‟s performance or prevent the inspection, however it applies to the building engineering services installations at the premises. Which ONE of the following should the assessor do?

A Raise this in the Inspection Checklist

B Raise this in the Inspection Report

C Raise this in the letter to the client accompanying the report

D Not raise this at all as it falls outside the scope of the inspection

Question 30

The Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme is operated by which of the following:

A DEFRA

B H M Revenue & Customs

C Carbon Trust

D All of the above