Advanced simulation tools for energy-efficient MEP design

In this interaction, Sheetal Bhilkar of UBSC delves into the dynamic role of MEP systems and how technology is reshaping their design and function.

What are the key considerations while designing MEP systems for residential, commercial, and industrial structures?
Salient MEP considerations for residential structures include comfort and safety, energy efficiency, space optimisation, and noise control. Comfort encompasses ensuring optimal indoor air quality, temperature control, and reliable plumbing systems. This involves designing efficient HVAC systems and ensuring plumbing systems provide clean water and effective waste management. Energy efficiency considerations include implementing energy-efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, and smart home technologies. Optimising space means designing compact, efficient MEP systems to maximise living space, using techniques like centralised HVAC units and concealed plumbing. Noise control means minimising noise from mechanical systems through soundproofing and vibration isolation. Scalability, reliability, sustainability, and occupant comfort are key for commercial structures. Scalability refers to designing systems to accommodate future expansions, like modular HVAC units and scalable electrical systems. A reliable system ensures uninterrupted power supply and robust fire protection systems with advanced detection and suppression technologies. Sustainability refers to incorporating green building practices and energy management systems. Occupant comfort is achieved by providing consistent indoor climate control and adequate ventilation. Compliance with regulations, durability and maintenance, process integration, and energy management are key for industrial structures. Compliance encompasses adhering to industry-specific safety and environmental regulations. Durability would mean designing systems that can withstand harsh industrial environments. Process integration relates to ensuring MEP systems support industrial processes efficiently. Energy management includes implementing systems to monitor and reduce energy consumption, such as VFDs.

What are the challenges associated with retrofitting MEP systems in existing buildings, and what are your solutions to overcome them?
Common and key challenges include limited space for new installations, the inability of existing structures to support new systems necessitating structural reinforcements, disruption to occupants, and compatibility issues, which result in complexities while integrating new systems with old infrastructure.

Solutions include detailed planning, phased implementation, modular systems, and advanced technologies. Tools like 3D scanning and BIM help conduct thorough assessments and create detailed retrofit plans. Retrofits should be implemented in phases to minimise disruption. Modular MEP systems allow easy integration with existing infrastructure, allowing flexibility and scalability. Technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM) facilitate planning and executing retrofits efficiently.

How do you leverage technology to enhance your MEP services?
We use cutting-edge technologies at UBSC, including BIM, energy modelling software, IoT and smart systems, and advanced simulation tools. Using BIM, we create detailed 3D models of buildings, which enables precise planning and coordination of MEP systems. We use energy modelling software to simulate and optimise the energy performance of our designs, ensuring compliance and achieving sustainability goals. We integrate IoT devices and smart systems for real-time monitoring and control of MEP systems and employ advanced simulation tools to predict system performance and identify potential issues before implementation.

What strategies do you employ to optimise space utilisation and MEP system integration?
Key strategies include an integrated design approach, compact and efficient systems, flexible layouts, and prefabrication. At UBSC, we collaborate closely with architects and structural engineers to ensure seamless integration of MEP systems, using coordinated design reviews and clash detection tools. Other benchmarks include prioritising compact and efficient systems, flexible layouts, and using prefabricated MEP components.

For more details, visit: https://urjagroup.in/home