Certified Energy Auditor Practice Exam

What is the purpose of duty cycling in energy management?

1. Continuous operation of equipment

2. Turning off equipment for predetermined periods

3. Increasing equipment load capacity

4. Reducing equipment maintenance costs

The correct answer is: Turning off equipment for predetermined periods

Duty cycling in energy management refers to the practice of alternating the operation and non-operation of equipment to optimize energy usage and efficiency. By turning off equipment for predetermined periods, organizations can reduce overall energy consumption during times of lower demand while still ensuring that systems are available when needed. This strategy is especially beneficial in managing energy costs in environments where equipment use can vary throughout the day. Continuous operation of equipment often leads to unnecessary energy usage and could result in higher costs and wear on the equipment. Increasing equipment load capacity typically involves improvements or modifications to enable more work or output, but does not address energy management directly. Reducing maintenance costs can be a factor in duty cycling, but the primary goal is to manage energy utilization efficiently, thus making the practice effective in cost savings related to energy consumption.