MISSION CRITICAL
design and primary tool we work with , while the supply of electricity , water , soil and waste etc . are secondary and user driven ,” he adds .
So , what innovations does Newtecnic favour to achieve optimum results ? “ For large spaces we ’ re big fans of VAV ( variable air volume ) but the industry still prefers variations on the CAV ( constant air volume ) system ,” says Watts . “ We believe varying the air volume in a building is technically more efficient . It ’ s currently more expensive , but we encourage clients to use a superior approach and find ways of making it cost effective . The capital cost , and in use costs , tend to win but we urge clients to work with manufacturers to make the more technically advanced systems competitive for design and installation .”
Newtecnic collaborates with the building physics software house Console to improve its CFE capability and deployment . Watts notes HVAC equipment is relatively generic , and it ’ s the building physics and energy consumption he is keen to focus on . The company is planning to work more closely with HVAC manufacturers during the tender stage to gain greater cost insights while aiming to create more bespoke solutions with 3D models .
“ For us the primary output of MEP design , apart from thermal analysis , is 3D models that show how the whole design fits together ,” maintains Watts . “ We ’ re doing this as a primary design resolution tool in order to reduce duct runs to a minimum as we prefer to get air flowing through a building rather than squirt air locally . The large air
40 June 2018