Psychrometrics
What condition is the least useful and interesting for characterizing on a psychrometric chart?
Winter Space Heating
What is the process of water vapor changing to a liquid?
Condensation
Why does the Eastern US and Canada have more rainfall and higher relative humidity compared to the West?
Proximity to water bodies
PHIUS uses CFM50 to specify air leakage for PHIUS buildings. What does this unit refer to?
Airflow (cubic feet per minute) at a pressure difference of 50 Pascals
What type of building component stops rainwater from wetting the structural sheathing of a wood-frame building?
Water-Resistive Barrier
What value is measured in grains per pound?
Humidity Ratio
What is the process of water moving upward through the soil?
Capillary Action
Where would you go to find the correct climate design data for a PHIUS 2018 building project?
PHIUS Climate Data Map
What are the units of measurement for Gt?
Heating Degree Hours
What are most ground moisture barriers made of?
Polyethylene
What is represented by the end of the arrow extending from the state point?
Dewpoint
What force drives water vapor through a material?
Difference in absolute humidity
Why does the Western US and Canada get more solar radiation that the East Coast of the US and Canada?
Less Clouds
What are the two main reasons why airtightness is so important for Passive House Buildings?
Durability and Energy Savings
Where do you start the installation of waterproofing materials in order to lap them in the correct way?
At the bottom of the assembly
What are the two dry bulb temperature limits for the comfort zone on the psychrometric chart?
68 & 77
How would you describe the meaning of desorption?
Water vapor leaving the surface of a material
Where would you expect to find the highest relative humidity and the highest precipitation rate of the following locations?
a) The Oregon Coast
b) The Northern Plains
c) The Midwest
The Oregon Coast
What two factors characterize climate in the equations for peak load and annual demand?
Heating Degree Hours and Temperature Difference (delta t)
What type of moisture barrier is required by code on the outside of a basement foundation?
Waterproofing
What is the approximate enthalpy change in Btus/lb between state point 1 and 2?
14
What is sensible heat?
Heat gained or lost with an increase or decrease in temperature
What is the most important factor in determining wind velocity and direction?
Air and Water Temperature Differences
How do you find Delta T from the design outdoor temperature?
Subtract design temperature from 68 degrees.
What is the name of the space between the WRB and the cladding?
A Rain Screen