Building Systems (MEP) Flashcards
6 cards from real Architecture practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Building Systems (MEP) flashcards as text
What is an 'energy recovery ventilator' (ERV) used for in a building?
Answer: To transfer heat and moisture between exhaust air and incoming fresh air to reduce conditioning energy
An ERV uses a heat exchanger core to transfer both heat and moisture from exhaust air to incoming outdoor air, reducing the energy needed to condition fresh air.
What does 'wet pipe' mean in the context of a fire sprinkler system?
Answer: The supply pipe is always filled with water under pressure, ready to discharge immediately when a head activates
Wet pipe systems keep pressurized water in all supply pipes at all times, so when a sprinkler head fuses, water discharges immediately without delay.
What is 'foot-candle' as used in lighting design?
Answer: A unit of illuminance equal to one lumen per square foot on a surface
A foot-candle (fc) measures illuminance—the amount of luminous flux (light) falling on one square foot of surface—and is the US customary unit for lighting level specification.
What is a 'displacement ventilation' system in HVAC design?
Answer: A system that introduces conditioned air at low level and low velocity, displacing warmer air upward to return
Displacement ventilation supplies cool, fresh air near the floor at low velocity; as it warms from occupants and equipment, it rises and is exhausted at the ceiling, improving air quality and energy efficiency.
What is a 'photovoltaic' (PV) system in building design?
Answer: A system that converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor cells
Photovoltaic systems convert solar radiation directly into DC electricity through the photovoltaic effect in semiconductor panels, which is then inverted to AC for building use.
What does 'rough-in' mean in the context of plumbing and electrical work?
Answer: The installation of pipes, conduit, and wiring within walls and floors before wall finishes are applied
Rough-in work involves installing the hidden portions of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems within the building structure before finishes conceal them.