CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) 

The use of BIM has enabled us to adopt new technologies and further improve our MEP solutions for the benefit of our clients. One of these technologies is CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modelling, which plays an important role in engineering design.

Predicting operating performance

CFD technology enables engineers to predict operating performance, validate results and visualise flow and/or thermal phenomena that are difficult to capture in the real world. This is crucial for AEC applications because full-scale building prototypes are impractical and retrofitting existing designs is costly.

Using CFD simulation earlier in the design process allows potential performance issues to be corrected, avoiding costly revisions or retrofits.

Thermal comfort analysis

One of the CFD applications we provide is thermal comfort analysis across a wide range of projects, from single-family homes to complex sports halls. The usual aim is to assess HVAC system performance under two operating conditions: summer and winter.

This analysis helps ensure that the HVAC system is correctly designed and maximises occupant comfort while using as little energy as possible. In building design, a significant amount of energy is consumed by equipment that moves and conditions air.

Airflow and cooling requirements can be optimised by evaluating thermal stratification and airflow paths with CFD.

Fire and smoke movement analysis

CFD analysis of fire and smoke movement in car parks, atria and similar spaces is an essential design tool for predicting smoke movement and the performance of smoke-extraction systems.

The aim of this study is to design a smoke-extraction system that helps maintain tenable conditions in building corridors if a fire occurs in the lobby area. In addition to designing the smoke-extraction system, our work includes assessing fire scenarios and how a potential fire could affect the building structure.

Natural ventilation potential analysis

Natural ventilation potential is analysed for designed buildings, typically hotels where large atria consume significant amounts of energy and where appropriate natural-ventilation strategies can deliver substantial savings.

CFD analysis enables the system to be sized correctly, including the position of supply and exhaust openings (doors, windows and louvres), opening dimensions, the shape of the building or atrium, building orientation and other relevant factors.

A correctly sized system reduces the building’s energy use and operating costs while improving indoor thermal comfort under suitable outdoor conditions.

Temperature distribution in the occupied zone

CFD helps us understand temperature distribution throughout the occupied zone, maintain indoor comfort and operational efficiency, quantify and account for heat released by occupants, and reduce required air changes per hour. We reduce operating costs by optimising air-distribution efficiency, evaluating diffuser throw and airflow patterns, assessing the performance of customised HVAC installations and verifying the building’s natural-ventilation potential.