BIM FOR MEP ENGINEERING

BIM FOR MEP ENGINEERING

Benefits of BIM for MEP

Building Information Modeling (BIM) helps MEP firms improve accuracy, reduce and resolve clashes, and optimize building systems design. MEP BIM software helps project teams improve collaboration, share data, and speed project delivery from design to construction.

How is BIM used for MEP?

BIM is an intelligent, 3D model-based process that helps MEP professionals design, detail, and document building systems more efficiently. Working in a BIM process gives project teams more insight into designs and constructability, reducing risk and improving outcomes.

 The right tools for the right job

When Hoare Lea teams start projects, they know they will use Revit for design because it lets them follow a process based on Building Information Modeling (BIM). But some projects require more tools than just Revit. Using the Autodesk AEC Collection means that industry-essential software along with specialized tools are always available—whatever a project’s requirements.

“We use multiple tools in our design process, and no two projects are exactly the same,” says Ben Roberts, head of digital innovation at Hoare Lea. “The AEC Collection makes many of the tools we use every day—and occasionally—available. It’s handy to have everything in one place.”

All parameters in one model makes coordination easier

Using Revit software to model the building systems for the Conservatoire, the Hoare Lea team began work after receiving the initial concepts from Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the architecture firm on the project. They threaded the systems through the corridors, making changes as needed to accommodate the evolving architectural and structural designs. Automations that the firm developed in Revit sized the pipes and ducts automatically. 

Using BIM 360 software, the team coordinated the project in the cloud and, as the project moved into the construction phase, they were able to stay on top of progress while minimizing time-consuming site visits.

“Having all the parameters—engineering and acoustical—within the model made it fast and easy to interpret and review,” Gill says. “Without Revit and a model-based process, it would have taken much longer to design and coordinate everything. Instead, we would have just done typical sections and spent more time coordinating during construction.”

source: https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/bim/hub/hoare-lea-designs-with-bim

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വൈദ്യുത ഉപകരണങ്ങൾ നിയന്ത്രിക്കുന്നതിൽ സ്വിച്ച് ഗിയറിനുള്ള പ്രാധാന്യം

 SWITCH GEAR 

Switch gear is an apparatus which is used for switching, controlling and protecting electrical circuits  and equipment. The requirement of electric power has increased a lot, so in order to get a continuous power supply. Power system must be protected from large faults and provide protection to machinery and devices. For the continuity of the power supply machinery such as generators and motors are switched on and off many times and the means provide to achieve this is called switch gear.

In general, switch gear is the term including the entire range of switching devices and their combination with associated control, measuring, protecting, and regulating equipment.

What are the functions of switch gear

•    Carrying the normal load current
•     Making or breaking the normal load current
•     Clearing the fault current

Components of switch gear

·         Circuit breaker

·         Current transformer and potential transformer

·         Protective relays

·         Measuring instruments

·         Switches

·         fuses

·         Surge arrestors

·         Isolators

 Miniature circuit breaker

What is the consideration which must be done while using switch gear in the power system?

·         Location of the equipment if it is indoor or outdoor

·         System parameters such as system earthing, frequency, insulation level, ambient conditions,

·         Erection of switch gear – mechanical and electrical interconnections, placing the equipment on foundation, assembly of loose supplied parts, connections of controls and power circuits

·         Switch gear commissioning – Testing must be done to ensure if the installation meets the requirements.

What are the essential features of switch gear?

·         Reliability – switch gear is used in a power system to improve the reliability when a fault occurs in system switch gear must isolate the faulty section from the remainder circuit

·         Absolutely certain discrimination – if fault occurs in a power system then switch gear must be able to discriminate between the faulty section and healthy section.

·         Quick operation – if any fault occurs in a power system then switch gear must be able to act quickly so that no damage is done to the equipment

·         Provision for manual control – switch gear must have manual control in case of any electrical or electronic control fail

·         Provision for instruments – provisions for the instruments is needed this may be in the form of ammeter, voltmeter…

Types and classification of switch gear

Classification of switch gear can be done by;

·         The current rating

·         Interrupting rating

·         Voltage class-   

               Low voltage (less than 1000 volts)

          Medium voltage (1000 – 35000 volts)  

          High voltage (more than 35000 volts)

·     Insulating medium – air, gas, oil, vacuum

·    Construction type – indoor, outdoor, industrial, metal-enclosed, metal-clad…

·    Type of current – AC, DC

·     By application – transmission system, distribution

·     Operating method – manually, motor or solenoid/stored energy

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SWITCH GEARS

Switch gear has a lot of equipment which is related to switching and interrupting current under normal and abnormal conditions. It includes equipment's such as fuses, relay, circuit breakers, and other equipment

HIGH VOLTAGE SWITCH GEAR

Air-insulated switch gear

Air circuit breakers are used for high voltage system it is mostly used in high voltage sub-station for voltage range up to 800Kv, these circuit breakers are used where space restriction and environment circumstances are not severe. Electrical and mechanical components of AIS installation are assembled on site. AIS which is used for industrial operation is not safe to touch and it will be affected by the environment and climatic change.

Gas-insulated switch gear

Its design is really compact and it would really be an advantage for installation it is used in a substation where the voltage range up to 550Kv. It is installed in the middle of the load center of an urban or industrial area. This type of switch gear is insensitive to contamination and it provides safety from electric shocks

Highly integrated switch gear

HIS switch gear has the advantages of air-insulated installation and the technology of gas-insulated switch gear it is used in voltage range up to 550Kv. This type of switch gear are suited for new substations in a limited space and in places where environmental conditions are extreme and it can also be used in places where the maintenance cost is high

LOW VOLTAGE SWITCH GEAR

Contractors

Contractors are load breaking devices with a limited short circuit breaking and making capacity and they are used for high switching rates, it can be divided into two types they are air-insulated and vacuum contractor.

Circuit breakers

They make and break all currents within the scope of their rating, from small inductive

capacities load currents to full short circuit current and this is done under all fault conditions in the power supply system such as earth faults, phase opposition… it can be used to control the input from the transformer.

Molded case and miniature circuit breaker

These circuit breakers are light weight compact circuit breakers for mounting onto or behind the panels, they are designed for hand operation but it also has a built-in protective tripping arrangements

Fuses

Fuses are used with low voltage switch gear as a backup for distribution contractors or for various control and instrumentation circuits. They are composed of fuse base and fuse-link with the fuse base an isolated distance can be established and with the fuse link one single breaking of short circuit current can be done

ഒരു ഹോം സോളാർ എനർജി സിസ്റ്റം ആസൂത്രണം ചെയ്യുന്നതെങ്ങനെ???

PLANNING A HOME SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM

There are a number of steps to follow when planning to power your home with solar energy. After choosing which option is best for you to use solar (see step 3), follow the steps afterward that apply to you. Your solar energy installer and local utility company can provide more information on the exact steps you will need to take to power your home with solar energy.

• Investigate your home's energy efficiency
• Assess your solar potential and any limitations
• Assess your options for going solar
• Estimate your solar electricity needs
• Obtain bids and site assessments from contractors
• Understand available financing and incentives
• Work with your installer and utility to install the system and set up agreements

1. Investigate Your Home's Energy Efficiency

Before starting the process of powering your home with solar energy, homeowners should investigate their energy use and consider potential efficiency upgrades. Homeowners should be well aware of their total electricity usage, and consider low-cost and easy-to-implement efficiency measures before choosing solar. 

Explore the following resources to reduce your electricity use:

• Home energy audits: A home energy audit can help you understand where your home is losing energy and what steps to take to improve the efficiency of your home.
• Appliances and electronics: Use your appliances and electronics more efficiently, or consider investing in highly efficient products.
• Lighting: Switch to energy efficient lighting, such as LED light bulbs.
• Heating and cooling: If you use electricity to heat and cool your home, your heating and cooling needs will significantly affect the amount of solar energy you need. Weatherizing your home and heating and cooling efficiently will reduce the amount of electricity you need to produce with solar.
  

2.Assess Your Solar Potential

Before deciding on the best way to use solar electricity at home, assess the potential solar energy that can be produced at your address. Because PV technologies use both direct and scattered sunlight to create electricity, the solar resource across the United States is ample for home solar electric systems.

However, the amount of power generated by a solar energy system at a particular site depends on how much of the sun's energy reaches it, and the size of the system itself. 

Several mapping services and tools are available to help you determine your home’s solar energy potential. Some of the services also offer information on the estimated system size, potential costs and savings, and local contractors.

These tools are an excellent starting point and can help you determine whether your home is suitable for solar, and if not, the best path forward for still benefiting from solar. While these tools are helpful, they don't account for all of the variables that need to be considered for your particular system. For that, you will need to work directly with a solar installer who can provide an accurate assessment of your solar potential as well as detailed recommendations, estimates, and equipment expertise.

Consider the following:

• Nearby shade trees. Contractors will also help evaluate shading, but also consider your own or your neighbour’s trees that are still growing and could shade your system in the future.
• The age of your roof and how long until it will need to be replaced. If you expect to need a new roof within the next few years, you may want to consider making that improvement before installing solar.
• Neighbourhood or homeowner association (HOA) restrictions or approval requirements. Some states now have "solar rights provisions" limiting the ability of HOAs to restrict solar installations or limit solar access. These provisions vary state to state, and by municipality; check into your own HOA covenants and state laws.

3.Assess Your Options for Using Solar

Purchasing and installing a system that you fully own and maintain is no longer the only option if you want to go solar. Even if you rent your home or don't want to purchase a rooftop system, there are many programs will enable you to still benefit from solar electricity.

Below are some of the options available for using solar energy at home; check with local installers and your utility for programs available in your area.

• Purchasing a Solar Energy System
• Community or Shared Solar
• Solar Leases
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
• Solarise Program

4.Estimate Your Solar Electricity Needs

To help your contractor to provide recommendations for your system’s type and size, gather information about your home and electricity use.

Review electricity bills to determine annual electricity needs. Your usage will be shown in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Review each month of the year; you may use more electricity in some months than others (e.g., if you run the air conditioner in the summer). Some utilities offer tools that can help with this review.

Consider any planned changes. If you will be purchasing an electric vehicle or are planning a home addition, your electricity needs may increase. If you are continuing to make significant changes to improve your home's energy efficiency, you may need less electricity than you used in the past.

5.Obtain Bids and Site Assessments from Solar Installers

When researching installers, be sure to find qualified and insured professionals with the proper certification—the solar industry standard certification is from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. You can also ask friends and family members who have recently gone solar for references and check online resources for reviews. Before you make any commitments, ask for proof of licensure before working with an installer.

There are also online tools that can help you easily find and compare solar installers. Obtain at least three bids for the PV system installation and make sure the bids are based on the same characteristics and metrics to enable comparison shopping.

When interviewing installers, consider asking the following questions:

Is your company familiar with local permitting and interconnection processes? Often obtaining building permits and receiving permission to interconnect can be long and tedious processes.  Ensure that the installer is familiar with these local processes will ensure that your system is installed and connected in a prompt manner.

Can the company provide references from other customers in your area? Talk to other customers in the area to learn about any challenges they faced and how the company helped resolve them.

Is the company properly licensed or certified? PV systems should be installed by an appropriately licensed installer. This usually means that either the installer or a subcontractor has an electrical contractor's license. Your state electrical board can tell you whether a contractor has a valid electrician's license. Local building departments might also require that the installer have a general contractor's license. Call the city or county where you live for additional information on licensing. Additionally, solarise programs may require you to work with a specific installer to receive the discounted system price.

What is the warranty for this system like? Who ensures the operation and maintenance of the system?  Most solar equipment is backed by an industry standard warranty (often 20 years for solar panels and 10 years for inverters). Ensuring that system is backed by a strong warranty is often an indication that installer is using quality equipment.  Similarly, the homeowner should establish whose responsibility it is to properly maintain and repair the system.  Most lease and PPA arrangements will require the installer to provide system maintenance, and many installers offer competitive O&M plans for host owned systems.

Does the company have any pending or active judgments or liens against it? As with any project that requires a contractor, due diligence is recommended. Your state electrical board can tell you about any judgments or complaints against a state-licensed electrician. Consumers should call the city and county where they live for information on how to evaluate contractors. The Better Business Bureau is another source of information.

Bids should clearly state the maximum generating capacity of the system—measured in Watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). Also request an estimate of the amount of energy that the system will produce on an annual or monthly basis (measured in kilowatt-hours). This figure is most useful for comparison with your existing utility bills.

Bids also should include the total cost of getting the PV system up and running, including hardware, installation, connection to the grid, permitting, sales tax, and warranty. A cost/watt and estimated cost/kWh are the most useful metrics for comparing prices across different installers, as installers may use different equipment or offer quotes for systems of different sizes.

6.Understand Available Financing and Incentives

Small solar energy systems are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit through 2019. The tax credit decreases to 26% in 2020, then to 22% in 2021, and expires December 31, 2021.

If you opt for a solar lease or power-purchase agreement, remember that you will not be eligible for this tax benefit, since you will not own the solar energy system.

You can search for additional state, local, or utility incentives on the Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency (DSIRE).

In addition to incentives, be sure to explore all of the available solar financing options. Every situation is different, and what is best for your property depends on a wide range of factors. The Clean Energy States Alliance guide helps homeowners understand their options, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each. Also visit the Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar for more financing options.

7.Work with Your Installer and Utility

If you decide to install a solar energy system, your installer should be able to help you complete the necessary permitting and steps.

Your installer will determine the appropriate size for your system. The size will be based on your electricity needs (determined in step 4) as well as the following:

• The site's solar resource or available sunlight
• The system's orientation and tilt
• The system's efficiency at converting sunlight to electricity
• Other electricity sources, like a utility, a wind turbine, or a fossil fuel generator.

Your installer will also ensure that all equipment is installed correctly and oriented and tilted in such a way to maximize the daily and seasonal solar energy received and produced by your system.

Be sure you understand how billing and net metering will work, as well as any additional utility fees you will need to pay.

AutoCAD for Engineers

Master AutoCAD — the magic potion for new age engineers

The desired skill set of modern-day engineers is evolving with time. As technological advancements are influencing every industry, students aka future employees are expected to be versatile, agile, skilled, and tech-savvy. Employers are looking for engineers who can inculcate modern-day technology such as workflow automation, AI, continuous integration, gesture recognition, robotics, and a lot more in the workplace.

Selecting the right university, enrolling in the desired stream, and studying for 4 years is no more enough for engineers. Now, they not only have to focus on the fit, form, and function of a design, but they are also expected to solve new-age technology related user problems. When it comes to getting acquainted with in-demand skills, it is essential to use advanced learning options. Online training is one such advanced, affordable, and accessible learning solution which helps in learning new skills. Online training on AutoCAD is one of the most professional alternatives that focus on skill development and bridging the gap of unemployability for mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers.

Training inclusions

AutoCAD is a 2-D and 3-D computer-aided drafting solution that assists in the production of blueprints and plans. It is used in various fields including architecture, construction, and manufacturing. An AutoCAD training provides you with a knowledge of interface, drawing aids, and basic objects. You understand how to draw lines, points, circles, and arcs which are the base of good design. Gradually, you learn how complex objects and shapes are designed, objects are edited, and layers function. The training then takes you through blocks and annotations where you learn to create isometric planes and drawings. A final encounter with plotting and 3D allows you to create 3D models using Basic 3D solid modelling.

Now, let’s find out how AutoCAD can help engineers enrolled in different streams, to improve their skill-set and become employable in this digital era.

Mechanical stream –

Application of mechanical engineering is evident in various industries. Individuals enrolled in the same have to plan and design mechanical objects such as engines, motor components, or even whole devices like microwaves, refrigerators, robots, and so on. Online AutoCAD training helps mechanical engineers to work on typical hardware and plan, test, and analyse their preliminary designs. It makes spotting flaws easier before the actual production is done which ultimately saves a lot of time and resources.

From product designing and troubleshooting to quality assurance and quality control, the auto ‘Computer-Aided Design’ course makes a mechanical engineer’s job simpler. Through graphical simulations, you can understand how a fully constructed machine will function in different environments. As online training comes with a lot of exercises, quizzes, and tests, you get a detailed knowledge of various aspects. After enrolling into one such training, as a beginner, you can learn the skill and after completion of training, work on an industrial project that allows you to work on mechanical fabrication and isometric drawings which polish your practical understanding.

Civil/Architectural/Interior design stream –

Every structure that you see around including schools, roads, hospitals, bridges, and so on has civil engineers’ efforts and sweat into it. While earlier, all the designs, plans, and drawings used to be presented on paper, today AutoCAD has added simplicity, automation, and preciseness to it. Online AutoCAD training allows civil engineers to learn and use the software for scaling, drafting, and fine-tuning the designs or drawings. Maps for streets, roads, bridges, railways, etc. are also planned and prepared through the same.

After completing the training, engineers can not only design seamless structures and maps, but they can also estimate the labor, materials, resources, and expenses that would be required for the construction of planned infrastructure. Learning AutoCAD is a must for those engineers who aim to work in various ventures such as water supplies, waste management, construction, wastewater control, traffic management, and so on. Online training not only feature audio-visual learning but also lets you get a hands-on experience of designing multiple plans, elevations, sections, and layout drawings through the industrial project included in the training.

Electrical and Electronics stream 

Electrical engineers generally prepare the layouts of wiring electrical systems. Electronic engineers plan and prepare wiring diagrams that are used in the making, installation, and repairing of electronic gadgets. The field of electronics is exceptionally wide which not only requires you to be good at designing but also demands mathematical, dimensional, and material-specific understanding. Through online AutoCAD training, an electrical engineer can master the art of drawing and can communicate the designs to assembling technicians, manufacturers, as well as the clients. The software also comes with advanced commands for drawing wires and assigning attributes to the same.

AutoCAD proficiency makes you a professional in understanding and using the right electrical components and symbols available in the software’s built-in library. After detailed learning and practice of AutoCAD, electrical engineers can come up with transmission grid schematics, drawing substation schematics, ladder diagrams, wiring diagram schematics, and a lot more. Online trainings feature various tests, assessments, and an industrial project where even a beginner can learn how to design electrical schematic, single line, circuit diagrams, and a lot more within a span of 6 weeks.

Conclusion

While universities do include AutoCAD in their engineering syllabus, you can never strengthen your command on the same unless you practice through interactive options. Getting enrolled in an online AutoCAD training will allow you to stand out from your peers, open up better career options, and will help you in enhancing your skill-set to narrow down the knowledge gap. Considered highly accessible and affordable, the best part about online AutoCAD training is that you don’t even have to be an engineering student to learn the same. If you are still in school and willing to explore career opportunities, enrolling in AutoCAD online training would be the best skill-based, practical learning solution for you. For those who are already in their colleges, the training will allow you to learn new skills and polish the existing ones through interactive and affordable options.

 Source: Internshala Trainings, a training platform (trainings.internshala.com)

( https://www.apnnews.com/master-autocad-the-magic-potion-for-new-age-engineers/ )

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