Revit MEP Analytical Model and Building Load Calculations

Questions abound about how Revit MEP can interface or replace existing load calculation software like Trane TRACE or Career HAP.  If your design engineers are unwilling to move to a new program, Revit MEP features a native “Analytical Model” capable of exporting a gbXML file for analysis.  The Analytical Model provides mechanical engineers with a wealth of easy to understand visual information.  This model is a graphical representation of the envelope configuration engineers have been constructing in their minds eye, while creating text based input files, for a generation.  The procedure is as follows:

1)   With a linked Revit Architecture file loaded, ensure that the “Room Bounding” check box is selected from the Type Properties of the linked file.  This guarantees that the linked file properly defines the bounds of each space.  This is critically important for a successful calculation

 

 

2)   Activate the space tool.  The “Analysis” tab is unique to Revit MEP and where the user can find the internal Heating and Cooling Load engine.

 

3)   The graphical difference between an unbounded space (Revit will not allow a space to be placed) and a bounded one, respectively:

 

4)   Once each space has been defined, spaces are grouped using the zone tool.  Standard engineering practice for quality zoning is unchanged.  Knowledge of occupancy, use, and system type are critical to occupancy comfort and efficient building operation.  With each space added to the appropriate zone the engineer can quickly review the assignments graphically or in tree format using the “System Browser”

 

 

5)   With spaces and zones defined the engineer can export to gbXML to use an external software analysis package or use the “Heating and Cooling Loads” function within Revit MEP.  I believe the latter is more direct.  Either way the analytical model is displayed for visual confirmation that spaces and zones are properly defined.  Analytical models in the Export gbXML window and Heating and Cooling Load window are show:

Revit MEP 2010 moves closer to the ultimate goal of interoperability between analysis packages.  Professional skill and artistry can never be replaced by technology, but mundane and redundant tasks like building a unique three dimensional model for each analysis package can be streamlined using Revit.

 

 

Comments

[james]

Very good detailed post! I spent hopurs figuring out how to create the space. I look everywhere I couldn't fallow thru what they were saying. Now, I understand it. I missed the part on how to uncheck the "Room bounding".

[Veredith Keller]

Thanks for your comment. The check box will get your everytime.

[andropause]

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[Veredith Keller]

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[Furnace Service Ann Arbor]

Nice.. better than Visio technical.