What HVAC contractors should know about Revit 2020.1 from Autodesk

With Revit systems analysis, mechanical engineers can perform HVAC systems design and modeling directly in Revit.

Yesterday, Autodesk released Revit update 2020. 1, and it is loaded with new features and functionality for working with HVAC duct systems. For starters, mechanical engineers can perform HVAC systems design and modeling directly in Revit. And to make things easier, mechanical engineers can use the same Revit model for documentation, design and analysis, eliminating the need to create redundant analytical models.

“I find this mind blowing," says mechanical engineer and BIM manager at EXP, Pierre-Andre Trudel, who served as a beta tester for Revit's new functionality. "The idea of having the entire system intent defined without having a single piece of equipment inside the model — to me this just shifted what Revit is for mechanical designers. This is something really exceptional.”

According to Autodesk, this new functionality is part of a collaborative effort between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to make Revit more integrated with EnergyPlus.

Here are our five favorite features in the new in Revit 2020.1 from Autodesk:

1. HVAC system analysis

"Systems analysis provides a fast, simple, yet very flexible way to define all the main components and a set of relationships that comprise building and HVAC systems, without having to physically model any part of it. It is open and extensible, empowering users to conduct the analysis that meets their needs.

"For mechanical design engineers, systems analysis new features enable a design and analysis workflow fully integrated in BIM. Now you can use the same model for documentation and analysis, eliminating the need to build a redundant analytical model. Making a tight connection between analysis and downstream design and documentation results in faster processes and better outcomes."

2. BIM design sync tool

"BIM 360 Design Sync Activity Indicator is a new tool in the Revit ribbon that supports collaboration by notifying users working with Revit Cloud Models when another user is performing a sync with central operation on the same model. You can view the sync status for a cloud workshared model, including the username of the person synchronizing with the central model."

3. Row striping in schedule view

"Row striping in schedule view is a new option that makes viewing schedules easier by letting you color or shade alternating rows. This is especially helpful when you are working wide schedules."

4. Support for Trimble SketchUp

"Support for Trimble SketchUp 2019 file format link and import is new in Revit 2020.1 at your request."

4.5 Expose survey points and project base point for Linked Models

"(Users) wanted access to linked model data for better connected workflows. New in Revit 2020.1, when you are working with linked files, the Survey Point and Project Base Point of the linked file is visible in the host file. "

5. Path of travel tool helps you understand the building usage

"The Path of Travel feature just released in Revit 2020 lets users understand how people will navigate a building and determine the shortest route between points in order to optimize layout. New in Revit 2020.1 are additional enhancements that give you more control for higher level analysis.

"The “from room” and “to room” parameters for path of travel now report the rooms where the paths start and end. These parameters can also be scheduled and tagged.

"Adjust the start and end points of placed path of travel lines by simply dragging the nodes to their new desired position; the path of travel automatically updates when the points are adjusted. Understand which elements in route analysis are considered obstacles with new “reveal obstacles” mode in floor plans, highlighting obstacles in orange."

A webinar is available to for more information on Revit 2020.1's MEP analysis features. To sign up, visit Autodesk.com.

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Emell Derra Adolphus has more than a decade of writing and journalism experience. He is senior editor of ENR’s Top Lists and Survey Rankings at ENR magazine and frequently contributes stories on technology, climate resiliency, diversity, equity and inclusion.