I had a hard time modeling the return duct system. Is rule of thumb way of modeling it in a way that the system automatically detects that the duct system is for a return duct system? As you can see below, some of my ducts are a mixture of blue and pink (I am sure this is an issue, as I assume that the supply should be in blue while the return should be in pink?).
Level 1 ceiling mech plan
Level 0 Ceiling mech plan
Screenshots in cloud
This was quite challenging for me even after watching the module kick off video - I will need to watch all videos before attempting to create a HVAC system for my own bulding.
Overall I was able to avoid covering the atrium and openings but a challenge I faced was with my height proportioning was way off and I only realized when I viewed my mechanical model in 3D on revit. I found that some of the ducts were merged with the architectural floors, but the work needed to change this was too much for me to start over. It’s definitely a lesson learnt for my model - I needed to play close attention to the spacing between levels so that I could lower the ducts accordingly - I ended up lowering them by a distance that wasn’t enough and therefore caused a lot of clashes between the mechanical , structural and architectural model. I might have also picked structural memebers that were too thick which makes it hard to balance between avoiding clashes with the HVAC system while also meeting the spatial design requirements.
Height for diffusers were 9’ and 10’ for supply and return respectively which in hindsight must have been too high. I should have made them 7’ 6” and 8 respectively, given the 12’ distance between levels and a structural system in place.
Because of these reasons, I don’t think I met the spatial design requirements and I will be taking lessons learned from this practice exercise to my own HVAC design for my building. I would recommend installing a ceiling for aesthetics.
To lower heating loads, I would recommend insulating the duct system so as to reduce heat losses.To lower cooling loads, I would recommend more insulation for the building envelope and maybe using low-e glazing for the windows. I would also recommed the use of controls to help with operating the system when there is no occupancy - hence avoiding energy wastage.