Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Even though the ducts are associated with a system, managing space air
quantities has to be done externally. Entering all the information needed
to accurately represent the mechanical systems in a building may seem
like a daunting task at first, but the benefits of having all the information
in one place and directly in front of the user can lead to more accurate
designs. Instead of the user flipping between a building-load program and a
duct-sizing chart (or wheel) and trying to keep track of which terminal box
isservingwhichspace,systemscanhandleallofthatfortheuser.Byfeeding
Revit MEP 2015 the load information, calculated internally or externally,
and creating an air system for a space, the user can quickly determine the
cubic feet per minute (CFM) required at each air terminal with a schedule
or a custom space tag. The airflow will then be assigned to the terminal box,
and the space that it is serving can appear in a schedule. One program can
handle all of these tasks, which the user would have to do anyway.
Using connected systems can also improve performance for Revit. Even if
systems are not being specifically set up, Revit is using systems behind the
scenes to keep track of all the information in the model. You can enable
or disable calculations per system type (Supply, Return, Exhaust, and so
on), thus increasing the performance of the Revit model. To do this, select
the Piping system from the Project Browser, right-click, and select Type
Properties. All elements get assigned to their default system classification(s)
(but not system types) based on the type of connector: supply air, return air,
hydronic supply, and so on.
System Browser
The System Browser, shown in
Figure 9.1
,
summarizes all the systems
currently in the model. If that were all that it did, it would be a useful design
tool. You could keep track of all the air and water in the building and see
your system totals at a glance. But the System Browser in Revit MEP 2015
takes thisidea astepfurther; itisalivelink tothecomponents inthesystem
as well as their parameters. You have full control to modify the airflows,
equipment types, and diffuser selection, all from a single window.
