Blue Ridge Numerics launches CFdesign 2011 Winter Update with smoke and thermal tools

by Ann Withanee — January 7, 2011—Blue Ridge Numerics, Inc., a leader in upfront CFD software, has announced the CFdesign 2011 Winter Update is available for immediate download through the CFdesign customer portal. This latest update is part of the quarterly release schedule and includes many enhancements, including smoke visualization and thermal comfort indices, which enable MEP and architectural design firms to meet increased demand by owners and architects for high-performance, sustainable buildings. This update also includes the addition of an Autodesk Revit navigation mode, to more seamlessly integrate CFD with BIM.

CFdesign smoke simulations allow engineers to better understand how to optimize make-up air (MUA) systems, reduce equipment sizes, and meet building codes while improving on NFPA guidelines, which are especially stringent in atria and non-traditional spaces. In addition, building lifecycle costs can be dramatically reduced by using CFdesign to gain insight into sizing and installation of air handling systems and generators.

Thermal comfort indices can be studied with CFdesign and are used to help guarantee client satisfaction by combining all human factors within the built environment, including temperatures, clothing, activity levels, and air speeds. Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Percent Persons Dissatisfied (PPD) outputs are used to ensure that satisfaction within the built environment is maximized, leading to higher productivity, healthier occupants, and greener buildings.

CFdesign is released annually each fall followed by three scheduled quarterly updates.

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