BSS511S - BUILDING SERVICES - 2ND OPP - JULY 2024


BSS511S - BUILDING SERVICES - 2ND OPP - JULY 2024



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nAmlBIA unlVERSITY
OF SCIEnCE Ano TECHn OLOGY
FACULTYOF ENGINEERINGAND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND SPATIALSCIENCES
QUALIFICATION{S): BACHELOROF PROPERTYSTUDIES
DIPLOMA IN PROPERTYSTUDIES
QUALIFICATION(S)CODE: 08BOPS
06DIPS
NQF LEVEL: 5
COURSECODE: BSSSllS
COURSENAME: BUILDING SERVICES
EXAMSSESSION:JULY 2024
PAPER:
THEORY
DURATION: 3 HOURS
MARKS:
100
SECONDOPPORTUNITY/SUPPLEMENTARYEXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER
EXAMINER(S) MS ELINA TEODOL
MODERATOR: MR VERINJAERAKO KANGOTUE
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read the entire question paper before answering the Questions.
2. Please write clearly and legibly!
3. Please STARTEACHQUESTION ON A FRESHPAGE.
4. The question paper contains a total of 4 questions.
5. You must answer ALLQUESTIONS.
6. Make sure your Student Number is on the EXAMINATION BOOK(S).
PERMISSIBLEMATERIALS
1. Non-programmable Scientific Calculator
THIS QUESTION PAPERCONSISTSOF 7 PAGES(Including this front page)

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Building Services
B5S511S
Question 1
For each of the following statements indicate whether it is 'TRUE' or 'FALSE'. Each correct answer carries 1
mark.
(24)
a) Integrating smart thermostats into a building's HVAC system can significantly reduce energy
consumption by adapting temperature settings based on occupancy patterns.
b) In a fire safety system, water sprinklers are activated by detecting heat only, not smoke.
c) Using non-toxic, low-emitting materials in building construction has no impact on the indoor air
quality.
d) BMS cannot be used to manage water usage and efficiency in buildings.
e) In a daylight harvesting system, if artificial lights fail to adjust according to natural light levels, it likely
indicates sensor malfunction.
f) Solar energy can only be captured during daylight hours, making it less reliable than fossil fuels.
g) Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)systems are less energy efficient compared to traditional centralized
HVACsystems.
h) LEDlighting is less energy-efficient compared to incandescent lighting.
i) BREEAM certification focuses only on the building's design phase and not on its operational
performance.
j) Photovoltaic panels convert solar radiation directly into heat.
k) Smart thermostats can adjust the temperature based on real-time weather forecasts.
I) Biomass is considered a renewable energy source because it comes from organic materials that can
be continually replenished.
m) Daylight sensors are used to detect the presence of people in a room.
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Building Services
B555115
n) Low-flow water fixtures can significantly reduce water usage without impacting user experience.
o) Fire suppression systems include both active and passive fire protection methods.
p) Geothermal energy is only available in volcanic areas.
q) Double-glazed windows are designed to reduce heat loss better than single-glazed windows.
r) Rainwater harvesting is an effective strategy for energy conservation.
s) Building Management Systems (BMS) can only control HVAC and lighting systems within a building.
t) All types of renewable energy are also considered green energy.
u) Radiant heating systems provide heat by circulating hot water through pipes installed in the building
floor.
v) In most cases, retrofitting an old building with new building services systems is more cost-effective
than constructing a new building.
w) Incorporating natural light in buildings can help reduce dependence on artificial lighting, thereby
saving energy.
x) The primary function of HEPAfilters in HVACsystems is to control humidity levels.
[24]
Question 2
a) Define 'building services' and explain its importance in the construction and architectural design
industry.
(2)
b) Discuss how the principle of comfort is addressed in building services. Provide examples of systems
that are used to maintain comfort within buildings
(2)
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Building Services
B5S511S
c) Explain the role of efficiency in building services. How do modern systems utilize energy
management to enhance efficiency? Give specific examples.
(3)
d) Evaluate the importance of safety in building services. Discuss the critical components that ensure
safety and give an example of how they are implemented in building designs.
(3)
e) Given a scenario where a new office building needs to be designed to adapt easily to future
technological changes, how would you apply the principles of adaptability and maintainability in your
building services design?
(3)
f) Describe how building services can contribute to sustainability. Focus on the integration of systems
that support water conservation and energy efficiency.
(3)
[16)
Question 3
Case Study: Sustainable Building Services in Residential Properties
Overview:
This case study focuses on a newly developed residential complex in an urban area, known as "EcoHomes
Residential". The development aims to integrate advanced sustainable building services to enhance energy
efficiency, water conservation, and overall resident comfort. The design includes innovative approaches to
HVAC,lighting, water management, and smart home technologies.
Description of Building Services:
1. Energy Systems:
• The complex features rooftop solar panels capable of generating an estimated 300,000 kWh
per year.
• All apartments are equipped with energy-efficient appliances and smart meters that track and
manage electricity usage.
2. Water Management:
• Rainwater harvesting systems are installed to collect water for non-potable uses such as
landscaping and flushing toilets.
• All homes use water-efficient fixtures to minimize water wastage.
3. Lighting:
• The complex uses LEDlighting exclusively, supplemented by smart lighting controls that adjust
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Building Services
B5S511S
based on occupancy and ambient light levels.
4. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC):
• An advanced HVACsystem with geothermal heating and cooling reduces reliance on external
energy sources.
• Smart thermostats allow residents to control temperature settings remotely and optimize
energy use.
Use the Hypothetical Data provided below to perform all calculations:
Annual Solar Energy Generation: 300,000 kWh
Total Annual Energy Consumption: 250,000 kWh
Rainwater Collected Annually: 500,000 litres.
Water Saved Compared to a Standard Residential Building: 200,000 litres annually.
Energy Consumption for Lighting Before Smart Controls: 50,000 kWh/year
Energy Consumption for Lighting After Smart Controls: 30,000 kWh/year
a) Energy Efficiency Analysis
i) Calculate the net energy surplus for EcoHomes Residential based on the annual solar energy
generation and total energy consumption.
(5)
ii) Discussthe benefits of integrating solar panels and smart meters in residential complexes. (5)
b) Water Management Analysis
i) Calculate the percentage of water savings EcoHomes achieves compared to standard
residential buildings using the provided data.
(5)
ii) Evaluate the impact of rainwater harvesting and water-efficient fixtures on sustainable living in
urban areas.
(5)
c) Amart System Impact Analysis
i) Calculate the percentage reduction in lighting energy consumption due to smart controls. (5)
ii) Discuss how smart thermostats and HVAC systems can enhance energy efficiency and resident
comfort.
(5)
[30]
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Building Services
B555115
Question 4
Case Study: Green Ridge Apartment Complex
Overview:
The GreenRidge Apartment Complex represents a model for modern sustainable residential development.
It integrates various innovative building services aimed at achieving high levels of comfort, efficiency,
safety, and sustainability. The complex utilizes advanced HVAC systems, smart water management, LED
lighting with adaptive controls, comprehensive safety systems, and intelligent home technology.
Theoretical Framework:
1. HVAC System: Geothermal heat pumps controlled by a Building Management System (BMS).
2. Water Management: Includes rainwater harvesting and dual plumbing systems.
3. Lighting: LEDfixtures with smart sensors for daylight and occupancy.
4. Safety Systems: Integrated smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems.
5. Smart Home Technology: Includes smart thermostats and energy management systems accessible
via mobile apps.
Questions:
a) Define 'Building Management System' and explain how it contributes to energy efficiency in
residential complexes like GreenRidge.
(5)
b) Define 'geothermal heating and cooling systems' and describe their role in sustainable building
design.
(5)
c) Differentiate between traditional and LED lighting in terms of energy consumption and lifecycle
costs.
(5)
d) Discussthe benefits of integrating smart home technologies into modern residential developments.
(5)
e) Describe the concept of 'rainwater harvesting' and evaluate its impact on water conservation in
urban residential settings.
(5)
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B5S511S
f) Describe the safety features typical in modern residential complexes and evaluate how they enhance
occupant safety and regulatory compliance.
(5)
(30]
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