I am looking for the best package ( opinion) that works inside MEP that would solve a vareity of HVAC sizing problems, integrate manufacturer data on HVAC and integrate lighting parameters ( fixtures type , window specs for energy loss/gain, etc.) , that would also contribute to the analysis.
Thanks in Advance
Mongoose,
I am not personally aware of any 3rd party load analysis programs that sit "inside" AutoCAD MEP. However, AutoCAD MEP does export to the GbXML file format which can be imported into any number of 3rd party analysis packages.
That said. If you really want to leverage a 3D Model to do analysis, then consider Revit MEP. Revit MEP was designed for BIM, which stands for Building Information Modeling. "Information" means analysing the 3D Model to leverage data already in the model. There are already several analyses that you can do "Inside" Revit MEP for HVAC loads, lighting analysis, etc. Revit MEP accounts for the wall U-values, lighting loads, people and space loads, etc. It does NOT size equipment.
You still need to export to GbXML and use a 3rd party program like Trane Trace or Carrier HAP. If the final intent is just to size equipment, then either AutoCAD MEP or Revit MEP with their export to GbXML will suffice.
Hope this helps,
Joshua
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<Crickets>
Anyone else in here have suggestions??? Regulars: BobB, KeithB, MartinS, MikeH, DeanS,...Bueller, Bueller? LOL
It's too close to Thanksgiving to not be a little giddy!
Happy Thanksgiving All
Joshua