CFD Analysis – A Cost Saving Measure for Building Owners
Proper air distribution in Protective Environments is essential for maintaining a contaminant free environment in healthcare facilities. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently updated their guidelines to include specific recommendations about engineering features of a Protective Environment. These features include infiltration and ventilation control, directional airflow, and pressure control. Air contaminants can be introduced into a Protective Environment from the outside via infiltration and ventilation, and can also be generated from inside the patient’s room.
Traditional methods of designing HVAC systems normally rely on an engineer’s experience, calculations and “rule of thumb” techniques as well as some empirical relationships. The limitation to this is that each building is unique in terms of its geometry, use, heat gains, personnel, location, etc. and therefore favorable experiences on one project cannot necessarily be applied to another. There is also the tendency to add margins into the design to compensate for these approximations. Ultimately, margins can be added on to margins with the result being a system over designed for the purpose it was originally intended.
Airflow modeling or CFD Analysis allows for the study of airflow direction, temperature, and pressure along with the optimization of air delivery. In short, CFD Analysis provides the following advantages:
Design Accuracy – To scientifically predict airflow patterns, temperature and contaminant spread as opposed to relying on an individual’s experiences and “rule of thumb” design guides.
Design Efficiency – To quickly and efficiently reveal areas of opportunity for improved performance. Airflow patterns in a room can be visualized at the conceptual stage and modifications to the conceptual design can be made; ultimately saving time by implementing the optimization changes before the design progresses to subsequent phases.
Cost Effectiveness – To be able to model Protective Environments so that the most economical solutions can be pursued with a high degree of confidence. The most economical solution may be the solution with the lowest first cost, the lowest operating cost, or a combination of these.
Healthcare facilities that have not been updated to meet the CDC guidelines should seriously consider having a CFD Analysis performed. We can consult on your specific needs and tailor a solution for you.
About the Author
DFW CGI as a full service Consulting Group, specializes in electrical design services like arc flash analysis, energy modelling, LEED engineering, commercial energy audits, Revit MEP and much more.
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