MEP systems are the main infrastructural elements of construction and engineering work. As the leading construction trends adopt the latest technologies and modern standards, the future of architecture and construction will be more advanced and automated. Smart technologies have changed old methods, which has impacted MEP systems. Advanced equipment and HVAC installation are in practice. Sustainability is being executed for an effective vision of modern MEP planning and design. This blog post will discuss the different aspects of MEP engineering and smart building technology.
Automation has transformed the scenario within the construction industry. It has sped up the process of working phases. There is no more need for manual interventions and more sources. In fact, automation is saving time, human labor, and extra expenses. The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and HVAC systems must be of high quality with an energy-efficient structure. The best-quality equipment is mandatory to achieve the best performance. MEP engineers plan high-quality MEP equipment with modern features that need no manual adjustment. Automation can boost the functionality of building systems. It can regulate these systems with renewable technologies and energy-efficient measures. The building automation system BAS is related to the lighting system and HVAC systems. The automation reduces energy consumption and saves on repair expenses. Here are some technologies that are convincing enough to adopt automation in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work.
Prefabrication and Modularization
Prefabrication and modularization are the latest techniques that allow off-site MEP component manufacturing for cost and quality control. Prefabricated MEP components allow for completing several repetitive assembly-related tasks in a workshop under quality and safety controls instead of on-site. For example, in a new project, consider the installation of ducting, conduit for electrical and connection cables, and pipes for steam, chilled water, and various gases. The conventional method of accomplishing this on-site could, at the very least, entail various trades gathering and storing a large number of supplies, making many trips up and down lifts at the exact locations to install hangers and racks, measuring, retrieving, and field fabricating.
MEP modularization increases value and decreases waste, but it does so by optimizing special applications, whereas prefabrications minimize repetitive tasks. The usual objective of modularization is to assemble, connect, test, and adjust intricate mechanical, electrical, and digital systems into a workable product with few connecting points. Consider a collection of manufacturing and control equipment for pharmaceuticals that occasionally needs to be moved. By enabling permanent installation and connectivity of the equipment on one or more trailer-able platforms.
Energy Management System
Energy-efficient resources and energy-efficient HVAC systems promote the optimization of energy consumption. The development of digital technologies is changing the functioning of buildings and infrastructure. Controlling different aspects of a building’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), electrical, lighting, shading, access control, security systems, and other building systems is the responsibility of computerized building automation systems (BAS), building management systems (BMS), and building energy management systems (BEMS). Better comfort, energy and operational efficiency, stability, sustainability, and less money spent on maintenance are the goals of digital building systems.
An energy management system that uses artificial intelligence to manage new energy conditions with minimal human interaction is referred to as a “smart energy management system” (SEMS). Such networks blend self-supervised learning (SSL) machine learning models for energy generation and consumption forecasts, which allows for better optimization of energy facilities. Furthermore, the models typically include data on energy pricing and utilize mathematical optimization techniques, most notably linear programming, to optimize a system’s energy costs.
Automatic lighting controls
In commercial buildings, lighting fixtures can account for more than 20% of energy usage, as numerous tasks necessitate sufficient lighting throughout the day. Lighting systems can use especially much energy if inefficient lights are utilized; metal halide, halogen, and incandescent bulbs are a few types of inefficient lamps. According to the new applications, different lighting systems have different optimal controls. In some regions, occupancy controls react to human presence. They use sensors that can identify people using ultrasound, infrared light, or a combination of the two. Daylight controls react to solar radiation in the natural world.
Simple photocells only turn on lights when they are exposed to no more light. Still, more refined systems progressively adjust the brightness or lowering of the lights to match the amount of daylight that is available. LED lights work in harmony with automatic controls because they can withstand constant dimming and switching. Conversely, frequent switching of older lamp types results in a significant reduction in their lifespan. Dimmers are utilized when brightness modulation is needed; otherwise, the most basic lighting controls only offer ON/OFF functionality. Certain LED systems even enable light color customization.
HVAC systems consume more than 50% of the energy used in many buildings, and automation can result in significant cost savings. Consulting engineers frequently advise variable frequency drives, or VFDs, for air handlers, cooling towers, compressors, and hydronic pumps. Smart thermostats are an affordable choice for smaller installations, and automatic blowdown controls can enhance the efficiency of gas-fired boilers.
Heating and cooling systems are usually operated at maximum capacity when only a portion of the output is required, and they are frequently adjusted manually. This can lead to excessive heating and cooling of indoor environments, which can cause discomfort for residents and perhaps lead to health problems. It can also waste energy. Controls are frequently integrated into modern boilers, heat pumps, and chillers, negating the need for additional equipment in these situations.
Another interesting concept is demand-controlled ventilation (DCV), which adjusts the speed of the air handler fan based on interior space occupancy. In buildings with variable usage, DCV can result in significant cost savings. A variable refrigerant flow system, or VRF system, is a specific type of HVAC installation that may provide both heating and cooling by controlling the flow of refrigerant in line with the load. Because VRF systems employ refrigerant lines rather than big hydraulic tubes or air vents, they are more space-efficient and efficient than other systems.
Integrated MEP Design
Smart building automation must be integrated into MEP design. This includes determining and installing sensors, regulators, and automation platforms that align with the project’s pursuits.
Efficient System
MEP engineers must size HVAC and lighting systems to match the building’s actual needs. Smart building automation can fine-tune these systems in real-time to avoid oversizing.
Optimized Energy Sources
Smart building automation can augment the design of buildings by integrating renewable energy sources such as solar panels and geothermal systems. These systems can control the use of renewable energy.
Smart Building Technology
Smart building technology is the latest trend in construction that supports sustainability. It supports the MEP system and HVAC systems through automatic control and monitoring. Integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) controls real-time environmental parameters. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can predict equipment performance levels and issues and suggest ways to optimize energy usage. Digital Twin technology provides virtual replicas to optimize MEP systems before installation and implementation. It helps in engineering and planning.
The Latest Trends in Smart Building Automation
Following are some of top trends in smart building automation mentioned :
- Integration with IoT
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- Energy monitoring and benchmarking
- Predictive Maintenance
- Improved Work Quality
- Sustainability
Bottom Line
The future of MEP design and planning is associated with the latest technologies and energy-efficient sources. Advanced tools and software are needed to operate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation works and optimize their performance. The latest research-based solutions should be followed in MEP design and structure. Wafaiyah is a leading construction company in Saudi Arabia that offers the best MEP services with unique expertise and experience. Our MEP projects in Saudi Arabia prove our company’s excellent performance. We have skilled workers and MEP technicians to manage residential or commercial building work. We have the best MEP engineers and architects for sustainable, modern planning and development. Reach out to learn more about our professional MEP services for installation and maintenance work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the future of automation in MEP work?
Automation will set new standards for different mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation systems. The latest software will improve modeling and planning. Sustainable development and design are the most trending efforts executed by engineers and architects.
How do I find the best MEP contractor in Saudi Arabia?
Wafaiyah is the best MEP contracting company in Saudi Arabia, offering the best MEP services. Visit the website to learn more about the construction services.
Name some of the latest technologies in MEP work.
- Artificial intelligence tools
- Building Information Modeling
- Automation
- Digital Twins
What are digital twins?
Architects use this highly useful technology to develop and create virtual replicas. Sensors and monitoring systems support data processing for improved control.