Exception: Reduced I²R losses in cables can slightly lower kW — usually negligible. Define: Degree-Day method for estimating heating energy. Card 9 – Back A: Heating Energy (MMBtu) = (HDD × UA × 24 hr/day) / (System Efficiency × 10^6)
If NPV > 0 → accept project (earns more than hurdle rate). If NPV < 0 → reject.
Note: May produce multiple values for non-conventional cash flows. Which ASHRAE Standard defines energy baseline and modeling for commercial buildings? Card 12 – Back A: ASHRAE Standard 90.1 (Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential) — particularly Appendix G for Performance Rating Method.
The effective annual return from the project’s cash flows. Compare to company’s hurdle rate (e.g., 12%). If IRR > hurdle rate → accept. Exception: Reduced I²R losses in cables can slightly
Subtitle: CEM Test Practice Questions & Review for the Certified Energy Manager Exam
= (200 × 0.75 × 0.746) / 0.90 = (111.9) / 0.90 =
Note: For CEM exam, know how to compare NPV of two mutually exclusive projects. What is the primary purpose of a Measurement & Verification (M&V) Plan (IPMVP Option A or B)? Card 7 – Back A: To quantify actual energy savings from an ECM (Energy Conservation Measure) by comparing measured post-retrofit energy use to a baseline adjusted for relevant variables (weather, occupancy, production). If NPV < 0 → reject
Savings = $2,000,000 × 0.08 = $160,000 ROI = ($160,000 / $250,000) × 100 =
Note: Power factor (0.85) not needed for kW calculation — only for kVA. Term: Chilled Water Reset Card 4 – Back A: A control strategy that increases chilled water supply temperature as cooling load decreases (e.g., from 44°F to 50°F at part load).
Also relevant for CEM: ASHRAE/IESNA 100 (Existing Buildings), ASHRAE 62.1 (Ventilation). Practice Question: A plant has annual energy cost $2,000,000. A project saves 8% with a $250,000 cost. What is the ROI first year? Card 13 – Back A: ROI = (Annual Savings / Project Cost) × 100 Card 12 – Back A: ASHRAE Standard 90
Boxed set of 300+ double-sided flashcards, plus quick-reference tabs and online access code. System Introduction (Printed on inside cover of card box) Welcome to the most effective rapid-review system for the CEM Exam, administered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). This flashcard system is designed to condense the 5 key CEM exam bodies of knowledge— Energy Accounting & Economics, Energy Audits & Instrumentation, Electrical Systems, HVAC & Thermal Systems, and Building Envelope & Lighting —into high-yield, portable study cards.
Isolated retrofit, stipulated assumption for unmeasured factors. Option B: All parameters measured. Card 8 – Front True or False: Power factor correction capacitors reduce kW demand charges. Card 8 – Back A: False. Capacitors reduce kvar , thus lowering kVA (apparent power), which may reduce kVA demand charges , but not kW demand. kW is real power, unchanged by capacitors.
Each card features a question, key term, formula, or scenario on the front, and a detailed, exam-relevant answer on the back. Use these cards in 15-minute bursts to reinforce your weak areas and test your recall under exam conditions. Card 1 – Front Q: What is the formula for Simple Payback Period (SPP), and what is its primary limitation in energy project evaluation? Card 1 – Back A: SPP = Initial Investment / Annual Savings