AZ L-97 Geothermal Systems Contractor Exam
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant
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1. What is the primary function of a geothermal heat pump?
a. To generate electricity from underground steam
b. To transfer heat between a building and the ground
c. To convert groundwater directly into electricity
d. To produce heat through combustion of natural gas
Rationale: A geothermal heat pump transfers thermal energy between a
building and the earth. During heating, it extracts heat from the ground
and moves it indoors. During cooling, it removes heat from the building
and rejects it into the ground. The system uses electrical energy to
operate the compressor and circulation pumps.
,2. Which property of the earth makes it useful as a heat source and
heat sink?
a. Its temperature changes rapidly throughout the day
b. Its soil always remains below freezing
c. Its temperature below the surface is relatively stable compared
with outdoor air
d. Its ability to produce unlimited electrical energy
Rationale: Below the surface, soil and rock temperatures fluctuate less
than outdoor air temperatures. This relatively stable temperature
provides a favorable environment for transferring heat. The actual
temperature depends on location, depth, geology, groundwater, and
seasonal conditions.
3. Which component is responsible for circulating refrigerant through
a geothermal heat pump?
a. Expansion tank
b. Ground-loop circulation pump
c. Refrigerant compressor
d. Air filter
,Rationale: The compressor circulates refrigerant through the
refrigeration circuit by drawing in low-pressure vapor and compressing
it to a higher pressure and temperature. The ground-loop circulation
pump moves water or an approved antifreeze solution through the
earth loop; it does not circulate refrigerant.
4. What is the purpose of the ground heat exchanger?
a. To regulate indoor humidity directly
b. To transfer thermal energy between the circulating fluid and the
ground
c. To increase the electrical voltage supplied to the compressor
d. To remove dust from the indoor air
Rationale: The ground heat exchanger consists of piping installed in the
ground or submerged in a suitable water body. Fluid circulating through
this piping exchanges heat with the surrounding earth or water. Its
performance depends on pipe configuration, ground properties,
installation quality, and flow rate.
5. Which geothermal system uses buried piping arranged in vertical
boreholes?
a. Horizontal closed-loop system
, b. Vertical closed-loop system
c. Open-loop surface-air system
d. Direct-expansion rooftop system
Rationale: A vertical closed-loop system uses piping installed in drilled
boreholes. This arrangement is useful where available land area is
limited or where site conditions favor vertical drilling. Borehole depth,
spacing, geology, and thermal properties must be evaluated during
design.
6. What is a principal advantage of a horizontal ground-loop system?
a. It can avoid the need for deep vertical boreholes when sufficient
land is available
b. It requires no excavation
c. It operates without circulating fluid
d. It always provides higher efficiency than vertical systems
Rationale: Horizontal systems typically use trenches or excavations to
install ground-loop piping at a suitable depth. They can be economical
where adequate land and favorable soil conditions are available. Their
performance depends on proper design, burial depth, soil moisture,
spacing, and installation.
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of a geothermal heat pump?
a. To generate electricity from underground steam
b. To transfer heat between a building and the ground
c. To convert groundwater directly into electricity
d. To produce heat through combustion of natural gas
Rationale: A geothermal heat pump transfers thermal energy between a
building and the earth. During heating, it extracts heat from the ground
and moves it indoors. During cooling, it removes heat from the building
and rejects it into the ground. The system uses electrical energy to
operate the compressor and circulation pumps.
,2. Which property of the earth makes it useful as a heat source and
heat sink?
a. Its temperature changes rapidly throughout the day
b. Its soil always remains below freezing
c. Its temperature below the surface is relatively stable compared
with outdoor air
d. Its ability to produce unlimited electrical energy
Rationale: Below the surface, soil and rock temperatures fluctuate less
than outdoor air temperatures. This relatively stable temperature
provides a favorable environment for transferring heat. The actual
temperature depends on location, depth, geology, groundwater, and
seasonal conditions.
3. Which component is responsible for circulating refrigerant through
a geothermal heat pump?
a. Expansion tank
b. Ground-loop circulation pump
c. Refrigerant compressor
d. Air filter
,Rationale: The compressor circulates refrigerant through the
refrigeration circuit by drawing in low-pressure vapor and compressing
it to a higher pressure and temperature. The ground-loop circulation
pump moves water or an approved antifreeze solution through the
earth loop; it does not circulate refrigerant.
4. What is the purpose of the ground heat exchanger?
a. To regulate indoor humidity directly
b. To transfer thermal energy between the circulating fluid and the
ground
c. To increase the electrical voltage supplied to the compressor
d. To remove dust from the indoor air
Rationale: The ground heat exchanger consists of piping installed in the
ground or submerged in a suitable water body. Fluid circulating through
this piping exchanges heat with the surrounding earth or water. Its
performance depends on pipe configuration, ground properties,
installation quality, and flow rate.
5. Which geothermal system uses buried piping arranged in vertical
boreholes?
a. Horizontal closed-loop system
, b. Vertical closed-loop system
c. Open-loop surface-air system
d. Direct-expansion rooftop system
Rationale: A vertical closed-loop system uses piping installed in drilled
boreholes. This arrangement is useful where available land area is
limited or where site conditions favor vertical drilling. Borehole depth,
spacing, geology, and thermal properties must be evaluated during
design.
6. What is a principal advantage of a horizontal ground-loop system?
a. It can avoid the need for deep vertical boreholes when sufficient
land is available
b. It requires no excavation
c. It operates without circulating fluid
d. It always provides higher efficiency than vertical systems
Rationale: Horizontal systems typically use trenches or excavations to
install ground-loop piping at a suitable depth. They can be economical
where adequate land and favorable soil conditions are available. Their
performance depends on proper design, burial depth, soil moisture,
spacing, and installation.
