Need CFD Software for HVAC

[jbsemtner]

I have seen this question posted before, but I'm going to post it again. I am trying to research a CFD software for our architecture and engineering firm. I want it to be simple to use, yet provide adequate results. Here are 5 sample problems.
1. Chemical laboratory: Optimize exhaust quantity and locations to ensure room safety given certain chemical release rates and locations.
2. Paint Hanger: Ensure proper flow patterns around aircraft to maintain capture velocity for overspray.
3. Data Center: Analyze hot and cold aisle temperatures to optimize flow requirements and reduce energy use.
4. Incinerator: Model the downdraft of an existing incinerator's stack, to ensure proper dilution prior to any air intakes.
5. Custom Diffuser: Model a custom linear slot diffuser to ensure constant flowrate across the diffuser.

We are currently modeling in REVIT and would like the CFD software to import SAT or gbXML files from there.

My short list: AirPak, Flowvent, CFDesign, Comsol, Star CCM+

I would appreciate any and all feedback!

 

[walz]

Make your whatever you take... it does give you pretty images

 

[KiwiMace]

You might struggle to get a single user friendly package to do all of that.

We do data centers, and we have pretty much settled on Future Facilities 6SigmaDC - a data center specific cfd package. Extremely user friendly and good results fast. Tileflow is another DC specific package. I think 6sigma also has general MEP but I have no experience of these.

The general MEP division of the firm uses Airpak by Fluent. I have looked at this, but never built or run anything. It looks ancient in comparison but is probably more versatile.

 

[marcoh]

We use a package call Phoenics which can do all of the above. It does take a while to learn and would not call the most user friendly bit of software in the world, but extremely capable once you learn how to use it!

http://www.cham.co.uk/