Fig. 1 shows an energy audit diagram for a secondary school in southern Spain. Solar panels are fitted on the roof, but air-conditioning units use large amo...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows an energy audit diagram for a secondary school in southern Spain. Solar panels are fitted on the roof, but air-conditioning units use large amounts of electricity during hot afternoons. The school has shaded courtyards, openable windows and a small battery. Its students are preparing recommendations for the city council, which wants public buildings to cut carbon emissions without making classrooms uncomfortable. Electricity can be imported from the national grid when solar production is low. The school is also considering replacing old lights with LEDs.
(a) Identify the renewable energy technology shown on the roof. [1]
(b) Describe one reason why electricity demand rises on hot afternoons. [1]
(c) Explain two ways shaded courtyards can reduce energy consumption. [2]
(d) Evaluate whether a battery is the best single solution to the school's energy problem. [3]
Answer Details
(a) The renewable technology on the roof is solar photovoltaic panels, often called solar panels. [1]
(b) On hot afternoons, air-conditioning is used more and cooling systems work harder, increasing electricity demand. [1]
(c) Shaded courtyards reduce direct solar heating of the building. Indoor spaces then stay cooler, so less electricity is needed for air-conditioning or fans. [2]
(d) A battery is useful because it stores surplus solar electricity for use later, including when solar output falls. However, it is not necessarily the best single solution: batteries are costly and have limited capacity. Reducing demand through shade and replacing old lights with LEDs can also cut electricity use. A combined approach is therefore more effective than relying only on storage. [3]
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