Cundall CFD Capability Statement

Introduction

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a specialist form of simulation used to predict the solution to complex design issues. This methodology is particularly suited to assessing the performance of buildings and their impact on their surroundings. A key difference between CFD and other simulation tools is its ability to predict the energy flow and air movement in response to temperature and geometry at each point under consideration. This allows the performance of buildings to be assessed in terms of air flow around objects, air flow through buoyancy or distribution patterns within a space.

As a result, the CFD is a powerful tool that can be used in buildings’ design process in various ways, including:

Thermal Comfort analyses

Assessment of a risk of draft imposed by air movement induced by wind, thermal buoyancy or mechanical ventilation

Buoyancy/Wind induced natural ventilation

Efficiency of a ventilation, cooling and heating system

Pedestrian Wind Comfort and urban comfort assessments

Air Ventilation availability

Contaminants/moisture/heat dispersion from a building plant

Smoke and CO control ventilation systems

Data Centres - optimisation of a cooling and ventilation system efficiency

Moisture content in the air and moisture transport

Thermal Bridging (2D, 3D)

Façade analysis

Granulate transport for snow/hail/sand/dust and solid contaminants dispersion modelling

Fluid flow such as water in pipes or channels.

The selected general purpose CFD tools, such as ANSYS Fluent and Autodesk CFD have been used as they are industry standard software capable of performing assessments in a wide range of applications.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Capability Statement

CFD Tools

Thermal Comfort

Prediction of comfort in terms of air & radiant temperatures, air velocity, PMV, solar heat gain, etc.

Risk of draft

As a result of openings to outside, infiltration or large glazed areas. CFD quantifies the risk and the benefit of remedial actions, such as air curtains, trench heating or screens.

Natural Ventilation

Assessment of buoyancy and wind driven flows through buildings and resulting comfort levels in order to confirm the suitability of natural ventilation for the specific spaces.

External Wind Studies

IExternal wind studies iclude wind deflecting / funnelling / sheltering effects in an urban environment. A pedestrian comfort (Lawson Criteria), urban comfort or available wind assessment (AVA) can be undertaken.

Data Centres

A specialised analysis assesses cooling efficiency, air distribution uniformity hot spots and contaminants dispersions from the external cooling units.

Smoke venting / Moisture and Contaminants dispersion

Applicable to underground car parks, train stations, plant spaces and where locations of the building air intakes are sensitive to contamination.

Thermal Bridges and risk of condensation

3D analysis of the thermal envelope to assess the temperature / moisture distribution within the elements and options for mitigation..

Bespoke Analysis

A number of non-standard simulations have been carried out, for example, distribution of snow and its impact on the building intakes, water flow in the open water channels, etc.

Recent Projects

The Storm Coaster Lead Design Consultant

Client Emaar Entertainment

Location Dubai, UAE

Client

Deutsche Bank

Value

Confidential

Location London, UK

Completion Date

2022

Architect Cundall

Deutsche Bank – Trading Desk Optimization CFD assessment of trading floor design options

Cundall has long history of working together with Deutsche Bank on revitalisation of Deutsche bank office buildings across the UK. As part of its services, it has carried out an assessment of the most suitable fit -out of the modernised trading floor at Bishopsgate, in London.

The indoor rollercoaster is a unique entertainment attraction and the first of its kind. It has a 670m track and 50m high vertical launch with a track that is integrated directly into the building. Cundall was the Lead Design Consultant, designing and coordinating all building aspects across six different time zones. Close collaboration with the creative consultant (Thinkwell), the rollercoaster supplier (Intamin) and the main contractor (ALEC) was the key to making this structure a success.

The objective was to optimise the cooling and ventilation system to provide a comfortable for the traders. A model was generated that was representative of the trading floor with selected design options for trading desks, i ncorporation of PCs and screens with the desk as well as ventilation / air conditioning strategy.

CFD modelling

CFD modelling was utilised to assess performance of the Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) system and evaluate this strategy against maintenance costs. Cundall also undertook CFD analysis, modelling the building in 3D, simulating a fire inside the building.

The options considered included open desks and desks with an integrated fresh air supply to directly cool the PC equipment hidden within the desk. Moreover, air circulation arrangements included active chilled beams, high level supply diffusers or floor supply diffusers with extract at a high level.

The results have been focussed on optimising the indoor comfort level, maximizing ventilation efficiency and avo idance of hot spots within the space.

The CFD modelling influenced the desk design as well as the air conditioning system, which is able to handle large IT cooling loads and maintain high levels of indoor comfort level within the trading floor space.

Recent Projects

Dubai South Hangar

Building services, civil engineering, IT & Audio-visual and Fire & Life Safety

Deutsche Bank – Trading Desk Optimization CFD assessment of trading floor design options

The project is located in Dubai South, in the General Aviation Area, dedicated to Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul hangars (MROs) and Fixed Base Operations hangars (FBOs). It is directly connected to Al Maktoum International Airport (AAIA), through existing aprons and taxiways.

Client Amana Steel Buildings Contracting

Location Dubai, UAE Value

Confidential

Completion Date 2020

Architect BEST

Cundall has long history of working together with Deutsche Bank on revitalisation of Deutsche bank office buildings across the UK. As part of its services, it has carried out an assessment of the most suitable fit -out of the modernised trading floor at Bishopsgate, in London.

Cundall was responsible for the design of the electrical, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing and fire-fighting services for a fully air-conditioned paint hangar suitable for preparing and painting any aircraft up to the scale of an Airbus 380.

The objective was to optimise the cooling and ventilation system to provide a comfortable for the traders. A model was generated that was representative of the trading floor with selected design options for trading desks, i ncorporation of PCs and screens with the desk as well as ventilation / air conditioning strategy.

As this was a large building, the issue of energy efficiency was very important to the client. Cundall incorporated heat recovery measures for the air conditioning systems. In the selection of plant and equipment energy efficiency was a major factor. All rotating and motive equipment had high efficiency motors (IE3) and variable speed drives for part load scenarios.

The options considered included open desks and desks with an integrated fresh air supply to directly cool the PC equipment hidden within the desk. Moreover, air circulation arrangements included active chilled beams, high level supply diffusers or floor supply diffusers with extract at a high level.

The results have been focussed on optimising the indoor comfort level, maximizing ventilation efficiency and avo idance of hot spots within the space.

CFD modelling

Cundall was also responsible for the computational fluid dynamic models used to simulate and validate air flow and temperature within the hangar during operation phases.

The CFD modelling influenced the desk design as well as the air conditioning system, which is able to handle large IT cooling loads and maintain high levels of indoor comfort level within the trading floor space.

Cundall developed a model of the hangar and aircraft types to simulate the air movement across the aircraft surfaces during the painting process. The process of computational fluid dynamic analysis was used to assess the air movement within the hangar with respect to velocity and temperature. The air velocity at the surface of the aircraft needs to be within fixed parameters to ensure it does not affect the application of the paint to the aircraft surface.

The output of the CFD modelling allows the correct positioning of air diffusers and return air openings. In addition, CFD allowed Cundall to simulate various activities in the hangar that are critical to the painting process to ensure these activities met the performance criteria of the process.

Client Deutsche Bank Location London, UK

Recent Projects

Lusail Light Rail Transit (LRT)

Building services engineering, structural and fire engineering, architecture, acoustics, building automation, building transport systems and lighting design.

Deutsche Bank – Trading Desk Optimization CFD assessment of trading floor design options

Client Qatar Rail / QDVC

Location

Doha, Qatar

Client Deutsche Bank

Value

Confidential

Location London, UK

Completion Date

2020

Architect Lamela / Cundall

Cundall has long history of working together with Deutsche Bank on revitalisation of Deutsche bank office buildings across the UK. As part of its services, it has carried out an assessment of the most suitable fit -out of the modernised trading floor at Bishopsgate, in London.

The Lusail LRT system provides a sustainable, state-of-the-art transportation network, serving the nineteen districts of the new city of Lusail, connecting Lusail to the new Doha Metro System, providing modern transportation links to Doha, and beyond to Hamad International Airport. The LRT has 4 main operating lines with a total of 33 km.

The objective was to optimise the cooling and ventilation system to provide a comfortable for the traders. A model was generated that was representative of the trading floor with selected design options for trading desks, i ncorporation of PCs and screens with the desk as well as ventilation / air conditioning strategy.

Cundall was responsible for the buildings services, structural and architectural design development for ten underground stations including associated pumping stations, ventilations shafts and tunnels, two open cut stations, one at grade station and three pedestrian bridges. Total station area approx. 200,000m2. In addition, Cundall provided specialist services for the overall LRT network including System Assurance/ RAMS analysis, Fire and Life Safety including CFD, Fire Safety Integration, Acoustic, Building transport Systems and Static Sizing studies.

The options considered included open desks and desks with an integrated fresh air supply to directly cool the PC equipment hidden within the desk. Moreover, air circulation arrangements included active chilled beams, high level supply diffusers or floor supply diffusers with extract at a high level.

The results have been focussed on optimising the indoor comfort level, maximizing ventilation efficiency and avo idance of hot spots within the space.

The CFD modelling influenced the desk design as well as the air conditioning system, which is able to handle large IT cooling loads and maintain high levels

Recent Projects

Etihad Rail Lead Design Consultant

Client Vinci Construction – led JV

Location

Client Deutsche Bank

UAE Value

USD 230 million

Location London, UK

Completion Date

Ongoing

Architect Aedas / Cundall

Deutsche Bank – Trading Desk Optimization CFD assessment of trading floor design options

Cundall is the Lead Design Consultant on the USD 230 million O&M Facility for Etihad Rail in Abu Dhabi. Working with the VINCI Construction- led JV, Cundall is responsible for all elements of the design.

Cundall has long history of working together with Deutsche Bank on revitalisation of Deutsche bank office buildings across the UK. As part of its services, it has carried out an assessment of the most suitable fit -out of the modernised trading floor at Bishopsgate, in London.

The facility will be the largest and most important facility on the network, responsible for all warehousing, installations, operations and the maintenance of locomotives and wagons. The facility will also include an administration building to control the operations of the whole network.

The objective was to optimise the cooling and ventilation system to provide a comfortable for the traders. A model was generated that was representative of the trading floor with selected design options for trading desks, i ncorporation of PCs and screens with the desk as well as ventilation / air conditioning strategy.

As Lead Design Consultant, Cundall is responsible for the full gambit of multidisciplinary design services associated with the design of a railway depot facility including geotechnical, civil, trackworks, structural, architectural, MEP, fire engineering, systems assurance, requirements management, BIM and a number of other specialist design disciplines.

The options considered included open desks and desks with an integrated fresh air supply to directly cool the PC equipment hidden within the desk. Moreover, air circulation arrangements included active chilled beams, high level supply diffusers or floor supply diffusers with extract at a high level.

The results have been focussed on optimising the indoor comfort level, maximizing ventilation efficiency and avo idance of hot spots within the space.

The CFD modelling influenced the desk design as well as the air conditioning system, which is able to handle large IT cooling loads and maintain high levels

Recent Projects

Lusail SEEF Residential Development Lead Design Consultant

Client Deutsche Bank

Location London, UK

Deutsche Bank – Trading Desk Optimization CFD assessment of trading floor design options

SEEF is a proposed residential development within Lusail City, Qatar. The project consists of seven mid-rise apartment buildings across three plots, C1, C4 and C5, the buildings are connected though basement, ground and landscape podium levels.

Cundall has long history of working together with Deutsche Bank on revitalisation of Deutsche bank office buildings across the UK. As part of its services, it has carried out an assessment of the most suitable fit -out of the modernised trading floor at Bishopsgate, in London.

Cundall was employed to provide multi-disciplinary engineering services for concept, schematic and detailed design stages of the project and acted as the sustainability consultant for the design team to achieve 4-star GSAS certification.

The objective was to optimise the cooling and ventilation system to provide a comfortable for the traders. A model was generated that was representative of the trading floor with selected design options for trading desks, i ncorporation of PCs and screens with the desk as well as ventilation / air conditioning strategy.

Building services (MEP) design was delivered in line with the overall project design philosophy of utilising low energy sustainable systems to achieve the demands of a 4-star GSAS rating. Cundall’s MEP scope covered HVAC, chilled water, potable water, domestic hot & cold water, sprinkler system, fire water, small power, lighting, emergency lighting and fire alarm systems. Civil engineering works for the project included enabling works, coordination of utility layouts, foul water drainage design, storm water attenuation design and traffic circulation.

The options considered included open desks and desks with an integrated fresh air supply to directly cool the PC equipment hidden within the desk. Moreover, air circulation arrangements included active chilled beams, high level supply diffusers or floor supply diffusers with extract at a high level.

The results have been focussed on optimising the indoor comfort level, maximizing ventilation efficiency and avo idance of hot spots within the space.

The CFD modelling influenced the desk design as well as the air conditioning system, which is able to handle large IT cooling loads and maintain high levels of indoor comfort level within the trading floor space.

Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Capability Statement

Client Lusail Real Estate and Development Company Location Lusail City, Qatar Value Confidential Architect Kasian

Recent Projects

Asharq News Services Building Services engineering, Structural, Fire engineering, Acoustics, Information technology, Audio visual

Deutsche Bank – Trading Desk Optimization CFD assessment of trading floor design options

Client Saudi Research and Marketing Group

Client Deutsche Bank Location London, UK

Location Dubai, UAE Value

Confidential

Architect Clickspring Design

The design of an integrated multimedia financial news service production facility comprising of 5,300m2 space over 4 floors within Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC). The project incorporates a newsroom studio, production studio, green screen studio, and current affairs set together with their associated control rooms. Support functions to studios are provided by edit suites, theatre screening, graphics and NOC engineering.

Cundall has long history of working together with Deutsche Bank on revitalisation of Deutsche bank office buildings across the UK. As part of its services, it has carried out an assessment of the most suitable fit -out of the modernised trading floor at Bishopsgate, in London.

The objective was to optimise the cooling and ventilation system to provide a comfortable for the traders. A model was generated that was representative of the trading floor with selected design options for trading desks, i ncorporation of PCs and screens with the desk as well as ventilation / air conditioning strategy.

A section of the DIFC data centre has been provided to support up to 70 data cabinets with fibre cables transmitting in excess of 1500m up to the Asharq News Services demise. A supporting network operating centre has been provided adjacent to the data centre for support.

The options considered included open desks and desks with an integrated fresh air supply to directly cool the PC equipment hidden within the desk. Moreover, air circulation arrangements included active chilled beams, high level supply diffusers or floor supply diffusers with extract at a high level.

The results have been focussed on optimising the indoor comfort level, maximizing ventilation efficiency and avo idance of hot spots within the space.

The CFD modelling influenced the desk design as well as the air conditioning system, which is able to handle large IT cooling loads and maintain high levels of indoor comfort level within the trading floor space.

Recent Projects

Thermal Comfort

Deutsche Bank – Trading Desk Optimization CFD assessment of trading floor design options

Cundall has long history of working together with Deutsche Bank on revitalisation of Deutsche bank office buildings across the UK. As part of its services, it has carried out an assessment of the most suitable fit-out of the modernised trading floor at Bishopsgate, in London.

The objective was to optimise the cooling and ventilation system to provide a comfortable for the traders. A model was generated that was representative of the trading floor with selected design options for trading desks, incorporation of PCs and screens with the desk as well as ventilation / air conditioning strategy.

The options considered included open desks and desks with an integrated fresh air supply to directly cool the PC equipment hidden within the desk. Moreover, air circulation arrangements included active chilled beams, high level supply diffusers or floor supply diffusers with extract at a high level.

The results have been focussed on optimising the indoor comfort level, maximizing ventilation efficiency and avoidance of hot spots within the space. The CFD modelling influenced the desk design as well as the air conditioning system, which is able to handle large IT cooling loads and maintain high levels of indoor comfort level within the trading floor space.

Client Deutsche Bank Location London, UK

Thermal comfort

CEP, Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong CFD assessment of trading floor design options

The former airport grounds of this redevelopment is the site of a new children's hospital

Cundall's role included a wind availability study and urban comfort analysis, which required the creation of a detailed model of the hospital together with surroundings in a radius of minimum 600m away from the development. The model included city buildings, elevated roads, nearby hills and coast line.

8 wind directions were assessed and approximately 80 test points were defined to compare the wind conditions between proposed and reference building set up. The results and related modification to the design optimised and improved the pedestrian comfort and wind availability.

Client Location Hong Kong

One Hyde Park

Building services engineering, sustainable design and data communications

One Hyde Park is a world class, luxury residential development in the heart of Knightsbridge, designed by architects Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners, with Cundall as building services and environmental engineers. The development is just a few steps away from Harrods and comprises 80 luxury apartments across four apartment blocks.

Cundall has led the development of the environmental strategy for the apartments using 140m deep geothermal boreholes to part heat and to cool the building. From the outset, Cundall’s aim was to evolve an energy efficient design that also met with the requirements of Westminster Council and the Greater London Authority to reduce the annual carbon emissions by 10% using renewable energy.

CFD modelling was used for the following applications 

To optimise the selection of the air curtain by the main entrance and confirm the distribution of the fan coil units and perimeter trench heaters to ensure comfort by the entrances, around the reception desk and in the lobby. 

To assess the performance of the radiant cooling system in the bedrooms in terms of comfort and response time. This was to ensure comfort and prevent condensation occurring as a result of moist air coming in contact with the cool ceiling. 

Assessing the impact on the local mirco climate at ground level of the heat rejecting from the chillers in the basement. This was to ensure that the balconies did not overheat in peak summer.

The Wellcome Trust, Cornerstone Project Building services engineering

The Wellcome Trust appointed Cundall to provide low energy building services and environmental design for its new 28,000m2 flagship headquarters in central London. In terms of performance and energy consumption it uses considerably less energy than comparable office building. It achieved BREEAM “Excellent” rating. Using advanced simulation tools, Cundall was able to combine a number of innovative energy efficient design techniques.

CFD modelling

A specialised modelling has been employed during the design and fitting out of the building. The studies focussed on the design of the double skin façade, building atrium and building HVAC system. Also, the simulation was used to simulate the proposed fit-out of the galleries and analyse the temperature fluctuations during the normal and failure mode.

The façade analysis helped to optimise the design of the double skin façade, its dimensions and materials’ selection. As a result, the façade offers the optimum solar and thermal protection, which allows to disregard any perimeter cooling/heating.

The atrium of the building plays an important role in the building ventilation system operation as it serves as a return air path supplied on each floor and extracted at the top of the atrium. The CFD simulation helped to predict the stratification of the temperature and impact on the comfort level on each level. This resulted in separating the top floor offices from the atrium in order to avoid warm air entering the office space.

Finally, a CFD was applied to analyse the possible normal and failure mode scenarios in the gallery spaces. A transient simulation helped to establish a change in air humidity and temperature over the time during failure mode and confirm the changes are within the limits for the exhibited objects.

New Street Square Building services engineering

Cundall was appointed by Land Securities to provide building services engineering on this high profile redevelopment. New Street Square is built on a previous 1960’s office block site, chosen by Land Securities to revitalise the midtown region by converting it into a high quality mixed-use development designed to be sustainable and provide inherent flexibility. Sustainability was fundamental to the design of the development with the holistic concept of social, economic, and environmental sustainability guiding many of the key decisions. The development has achieved an BREEAM “Excellent” rating.

CFD modelling

Cundall has made a number of CFD studies to confirm the selection of the façade and mechanical system. The simulation helped to tune the design and confirm that the final design complies with the design criteria. The optimisation included the analysis of the façade to reduce the risk of draft, high radiant temperatures and good thermal protection and solar control.

Furthermore, the internal HVAC system has been modelled including ventilation grilles, fan coil units and controls in order to ensure the temperature is uniform across the space and air velocities within the comfort level.

Risk of Draft

Corn Exchange

Thermal comfort

As part of the redevelopment of the existing listed Corn Exchange, measures focussed on ensuring the thermal comfort level within the open mall, which is planned to serve as a seating and trading area.

CFD simulation of the summer and winter operational mode allowed to assess the impact of solar gains, infiltration and draft from the glazed dome, entrances at the ground floor as well as HVAC provisions such as supply/extract louvers or underfloor heating and radiant panels.

The analysis helped to optimise the design modifications to the Corn Exchange building while minimising the potential discomfort during extreme summer and winter conditions.

Ulster Hospital, phase B

Building services engineering and data communications

Ulster Hospital is one of the major Acute Hospitals serving the Belfast area. The building stock subject to a refurbishment and new build program to make suitable for the future health care provision in Northern Ireland.

Cundall were appointed as mechanical and electrical engineers for phase B of the redevelopment of the site producing outline business case, full business case, exemplar design / public sector comparator. Cundall also produced the output specification forming part of the ITN documentation for a prospective PFI project.

The outline brief for phase B of the redevelopment was the linking together of the buildings constructed under phase A as well as providing emergency, radiology, AHP, outpatients, assessment wards, HDU/ITU wards, pharmacy, kitchen / dining, mortuary, in patient wards (20), paediatrics and laundry. Five day theatres are provided in the facility and these have been designed to full theatre standards to be used in the event of failure of the adjacent Critical care Unit theatres.

CFD Modelling

The CFD study helped to assess the selection and optimise the design of local air distribution and heating/cooling system. The CFD study focussed on the comfort level (temperature and air velocity) directly above the bed as a result of applied ventilation strategy.

A number of options has been assessed and included chilled beams and various sizes/location/duties of the ventilation grilles. All details of the ventilation system and room geometry have been accounted for including the internal gains, patient bed, lighting, windows and ventilation system locations, sizes and duties.

The results showed both analysed air distribution systems in various types of rooms to comply with the comfort criteria.

Location

Shrewsbury, UK

Value

£80m

Completion Date 2015

Architect Chapman Taylor

New Riverside Shopping Centre - Shrewsbury

Structural and civil engineering, building services design, BREEAM and sustainability consultancy

The historic town centre of Shrewsbury suffers from having three disconnected shopping centres in close proximity, each serving people in isolation and at differing levels. The town has therefore lost much of its focus for the local community and shoppers. The new development is to join and link two existing and separate malls, creating a combined centre.

This £80 million redevelopment will provide a new 30,480m2 department store and 50 new shops. Restaurants in individual building are located alongside the 'open' streets, covered by a feature glass 'umbrella' roof. The development will sit above a 300-space car park and will link to the existing public footbridge crossing the River Severn.

Cundall has provided, as part of its services, pedestrian wind comfort assessment using Lawson Comfort Criteria. The building together with the internal semi open mall and glazed roof has been modelled to reflect the architectural specification. In addition, surrounding architectural features were included in the simulation domain. The results confirmed a good comfort level within majority of the pedestrian areas excluding the number of open restaurant terraces, for which solid external barriers were recommended to deflect the high velocity wind.

Client UKCPT with Shearer Property Group

Natural Ventilation

Notre Dame School Thermal comfort

The proposed school mainly consists of a large open multi-storey space which is naturally ventilated during majority of the year. For that reason, the analysis was carried out in order to confirm the thermal comfort level can be achieved during summer, winter and intermediate seasons. Comfort indicators included a 3D spread of the PMV, air change rate, air and radiant temperature as well as air velocity. In this way, the efficiency of fresh air supply and suitability of the space to accommodate a specific number of people could be confirmed together with the excellent thermal comfort level. Client Liverpool City Council Location Liverpool, UK Value: £12 m Completion Date: 2013 Architect: Sheppard Robson

Barcroft Primary School Building services engineering and BREEAM assessment

Barcroft School provides a new build combined school building to merge the two existing schools at Elm Street and Albion Street. The new £5m development combines KS1 and KS2 teaching facilities within a contemporary, modern design which embraces many sustainable design principles

Sustainability was a key driver for the school and Cundall’s in-house sustainability teams provided all sustainability advice, dynamic modelling and BREEAM assessments to achieve an Excellent rating. The energy efficiency has been achieved by applying natural ventilation, ground source heat pump and efficient lighting system.

CFD Modelling

The CFD analysis helped to provide an insight into the natural ventilation system operation within the school. It allowed to assess the operational strategy of the natural ventilation system and confirm the required sizing of the ventilation system elements, which included various types of openings to outside from the classrooms or public spaces and transfer grilles between the spaces.

1 Naoroji Street, London, UK

Building services engineering

The renovation of a former Victorian primary school into Buro Four’s new London Headquarters. Winner of the Projects up to 2,000m2 category at the BCO South East and London Regional Awards 2012.

Buro Four's move to 1 Naoroji Street fulfilled the company's requirement of a larger office space and provided a genuine opportunity to enhance their brand through improving their working practices. The new building introduced a better range of facilities, including: a fully glazed, full height atrium that overlooks the old playground, interchangeable workstations, and an informal meeting space and café.

Cundall used CFD modelling to ensure thermal comfort criteria are met in in the atrium area and adjoining spaces at different levels. Simulation allowed to confirm the design the of the façade and, shading system and natural ventilation provisions. Also, a separation between atrium and office space at highest floor has been proposed in order to prevent the hot air from the atrium to migrate further into the building.

Manchester Joint Hospital Lighting design

The original atria design focused on creating a bright airy space and satisfying BREEAM criteria daylight factors. Once the client moved into the space and the atria was used as a waiting clinic for the eye hospital, there was a need to better control the sunlight component of the sky.

In addition to the above, the severe thermal discomfort caused by the cold air draft from outside via entrances has been resolved using a CFD technique. For that reason, the complete atria together with the entrance lobby and originally installed automatic doors and air curtains have been modelled and their impact on restricting cold air inrush assessed.

The analysis helped to indicate the likely reason of the cold draft and assess the number of remedial measures in form of deflecting screens, time controlled automatic doors or additional air curtains at various locations.

New Children Hospital – Perth, Australia Sustainability technical advisor

Cundall, as part of their role as an environmental specialist, provided a façade analysis in order to define its impact on the indoor climate comfort. A bespoke calculation methodology as well as a CFD tool was used to assess the temperature and airflow distribution across the double skin façade for a summer hot day conditions. The objective was to achieve expected thermal performance of the façade and minimise the cost of the façade. The analysis helped to achieve the design criteria by optimising the design of the façade in terms of material selection (type of glazing, shading system) and sizing of the façade (depth, location of shading system, openings sizes etc)

Data Centres

Cobalt Data Centre 1

Civil, structural, building services, geotechnical, transportation, data communications, fire, sustainable design and BREEAM assessment

Cundall was commissioned to design a new data centre in Cobalt Business Park, which was constructed on a speculative basis with the shell completed in August 2010. The building accommodates four modular tailored data halls each with a power density of 1400W/m2 and meets a Tier III design. The arrangement of the halls is; two halls located on the ground floor and two on the first floor. Each hall is flanked on each side with a CRAC corridor.

To comply with the requirements of BREEAM Excellent, the environmental treatment of the landlord’s office space uses a mixed mode ventilation whereby the office is naturally ventilated in summer but mechanically ventilated in winter. space heating is provided via air source heat pumps and electricity supplemented via photovoltaic.

CFD modelling

The CFD simulations were used for two separate purposes, one to ensure the cooling arrived at the servers and that hot spots were not present, and the other was prevent short circuiting of the external plant and heat rejection. Full architectural and mechanical specification was used to set up the simulation model and number of scenarios have been analysed in order to optimise the operation of the chillers plant and reduce hot air recirculation within chillers compound.

Project Indigo

Building services, civil, structural engineering, acoustics, building automation, critical system, fire engineering and External Consultants – NWA, SLR and TTP

The project comprises the design and construction of a new build high-rise data centre located in the Docklands, London. The data centre will house six technical floors, 1,120m² each with a power density of circa 2,000W/m².

The site forms part of the former East India docks that was in-filled in the1960s and been undeveloped since then. Significant challenges in land contamination, a potential for unexploded ordnance and the presence of the Blackwell Road tunnel made the development both difficult and complex.

Building vertically (10-storeys) maximises the site and accords with London Plan planning requirements. Telehouse’s aspiration was a low energy design which has been met by the proposed cooling solution.

A number of CFD tasks were carried out for the project: 

CFD helped to optimise the external gantry design and minimise the risk of warm and moist discharge air recirculation from IAC units back to their intakes. The analysis strongly affected the design of the building, sizing of the gantry and selection of the external enclosure of the gantry together with discharge louvers. 

Chillers roof plant room was simulated and as a result, a top and side enclosures were optimised to ensure optimum efficiency of the chillers. 

The internal system analysis helped to optimise the components of the cooling air circulation system and ensure a uniform temperature is achieved throughout the cold aisle.

Project Merlin

Building services, civil, structural, geotechnical, fire engineering, sustainable design, acoustics and vertical transportation

Digital Realty plans to build a new single storey data centre located in Crawley, Surrey for Rackspace. The master-plan for the site is a mirrored data centre facility (two data centre buildings) each comprising four 3MW halls.

The highly energy efficient data centre will be the first in the UK to make use of 'indirect outside air' cooling technology on this scale. The indirect air coolers will be mounted on the roof of the building, thus exposing the units to the external ambient environment to cool the data hall space. The cooling system will significantly reduce the operational energy costs and help achieve a low PUE. The energy required to operate the data centre will be reduced by 80 per cent.

The scheme has been appraised for sustainability using BREEAM for Data Centres and is on target for a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating.

The CFD simulation was performed for both internal and external system design:

CFD model of the data hall helped to confirm if the internal layout of the IT and applied ventilation/cooling system satisfy the control and energy criteria.

The analysis of the external plantroom allowed to verify whether the sizeing and location of the generators/AHUs, PDUs and IACs allows for minimizing the recirculation of the discharge gases into other units.

Facebook Luleå 2

Building services and structural engineering, building automation and fire engineering

Facebook Luleå 2 is the second mega data centre at the company’s existing campus in Luleå Sweden. The design of data centre continued their commitment to innovation and efficiency by deploying their new “Rapid Deployment Data Centre” (RDDC) designs, which were showcased at the Open Compute Summit in January 2014.

The RDDC involves the use of pre-made modular sections that are assembled on-site, reducing the duration and local impact of building work. Just as the great Swedish company Ikea revolutionised how furniture is designed and built, Facebook hope that Luleå 2 will become a model for the next generation of data centres.

Cundall was also the design leaders for Phase 2 in the award winning Luleå 1 project, which was named ‘Innovation In The Mega-Data Centre’ at the Datacentre Dynamics EMEA 2013 Awards.

Cundall has performed a number of CFD tasks, as follows:

CFD analysis of the data hall, which confirmed high efficiency of cooling distribution to all IT cabinets

Analysis of the snow drag and sedimentation on the ventilation intakes during the typical and sever snowfall

AHU mixing chamber optimisation in order to ensure uniform air properties across AHU and data hall at a minimum system airflow resistance.

TN2 Data Centre

Building services, civil, structural and fire engineering, acoustics and building automation

This project comprises the design and construction of a new build high-rise data centre located in the Docklands, London. The data centre will house six technical floors, 1,120m² each with a power density of circa 2,000W/m².

The site forms part of the former East India Docks that was in-filled in the1960s and has been undeveloped since. Significant challenges in land contamination, a potential for unexploded ordnance and the presence of the Blackwall Tunnel made the development challenging

Building vertically (10-storeys) maximises the site and accords with London Plan requirements. Telehouse’s requirement was a low energy design which was met by the proposed cooling solution.

The following CFD tasks were carried out for the project:

• CFD helped to optimise the external gantry design and minimise the risk of warm and moist discharge air recirculation from IAC units back to their intakes. The analysis strongly affected the design of the building, sizing of the gantry and selection of the external enclosure of the gantry together with discharge louvers.

• Following the simulation, top and side enclosures were optimised to ensure optimum efficiency of the chillers.

• The internal system analysis helped to optimise the components of the cooling air circulation system and ensure a consistent temperature is achieved throughout the cold aisle.

External Wind Studies

Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Phase 3 LEED, BEAM Plus and Sustainable Design

The Hong Kong Science Park phase 3 (HKSP3) development is one of the first commercial developments in Hong Kong to be designed and developed with ‘carbon zero’ as a fundamental long term target.

This new addition to Hong Kong Science Park will encompass a total site area of 6.24 hectares. R&D offices will account for about 85% with laboratories and ancillary supporting services in the development mix with innovative and technology-driven infrastructure and support services for start-ups, technical engineering support and partnerships between industry and universities and applied research institutes.

Completion Date Staged from 2011-2016 (Provisionally BEAM Plus Platinum Award)

Cundall has been appointed as HK BEAM, LEED and sustainability consultant for Phase 3 of this project, which consists of 7 R&D offices, a laboratory and an energy centre. This development is not only targeting BEAM plus platinum but also targeting to be Hong Kong’s first LEED Platinum building. Cundall is set to deliver building with an ultra-low heat gain resulting in a substantial reduction of energy (-65%) and water usage (-45%), while acting as a role model in promoting and implementing sustainable construction and development in Hong Kong.

A CFD analysis formed part of the design process in order to confirm the availability of wind at the street level. This was to confirm the compliance with the local planning requirements and BEAM certification criteria. A number of modifications have been proposed and assessed. As a result, the pedestrian comfort has been improved on the street and podia level.

Client Hong Kong Science and Technology Park

Architect Simon Kwan & Associates

Sai Wan Terrace, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong HK BEAM Assessment, AVA, Sustainable Design

The SWT project is a high end luxurious residential development located in the Island East district, in Hong Kong. The site is located on a plot of land approximately 2,650m2 in size with a proposed domestic GFA of 14,116 m2 The project targets a sustainability standard that goes beyond the best rating in the industry in Hong Kong - BEAM Platinum. This development is set to demonstrate sustainability leadership in Hong Kong’s residential sector.

Cundall was commissioned by the Swire Properties Limited to provide HK BEAM, general sustainability advice and to conduct an Air Ventilation Assessment (AVA) according to the “Technical Guide for Air Ventilation Assessment for Developments in Hong Kong” to evaluate the wind environment impact of different massing design of the proposed Sai Wan Terrace development using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling.

DaZhongLi Mixed Development, Shanghai

Sustainable design

This 310,000m² GFA mixed development consist of a Large Retail Mall, 2 Office Towers and 3 Hotels. This signature project is designed to transform the neighbourhood and create a new business, shopping and entertainment hub in Shanghai. The development targets LEED Gold rating and is expected to be completed in 2014. Cundall was appointed by Swire Properties to provide sustainability consultancy to this mixed development. A high performance façade design was proposed, with an integrated central plant utilising waste heat recovery. A site-wide water collection and recycling strategy was also developed to significantly exceed LEED requirements.

CFD expertise was utilised to explore the application of natural ventilation in a luxury shopping mall. Prior to a CFD study, Cundall thoroughly studied the local weather data to identify opportunities for natural ventilation. Cundall then used a 3D CFD to investigate the effectiveness of natural ventilation, mixed mode ventilation and assess pedestrian comfort during winter/summer operation. The findings of the study allowed to develop and optimise a natural ventilation strategy for the building in order to ensure the comfort temperatures, reduce the risk of draft and supply sufficient amount of fresh air.

Victoria Shopping Centre

Building services, civil engineering, acoustics, and EIA

The scheme will comprise some 600,000ft2 extension to the existing centre and will achieve carbon emission reductions of 26% compared to similar schemes by the use of a condenser water loop for retailers connected to dry coolers and the Nottingham District heating system.

The mall spaces will have a low energy environmental control strategy delivered by a mixed mode ventilation system employing displacement and/or natural ventilation depending upon the season.

In order to ensure the extension does not affect adversely the surroundings, a pedestrian wind comfort analysis has been carried out using the computational fluid dynamics technique (CFD) to confirm an excellent pedestrian comfort level is expected.

WSD Regional Office AVA and heat island effect Study

Every new development of particular size or height located in the Honk Kong area needs to be assessed for its impact on the local wind availability at the pedestrian level. The goal is to increase the access of fresh air at the pedestrian level for their improved comfort and wellbeing.

For that reason, the new local office of WSD organisation had to be assessed using the CFD technique. A 3D model of the existing and new proposed development has been created together with direct surroundings such as highway bridges, buildings or stadiums. The external domain extends approximately to 1.5 x 1.5km and is 400m high.

The simulation allowed to assess the impact of the newly proposed development on the available wind at the pedestrian level but also, to assess the solar gain and related surface and air temperatures around the development.

Natural Ventilation Studies

Sun Chui, Choi Wan, Hoi Fu, Yau Oi

Natural ventilation and external wind studies

DaZhongLi Development, Shanghai Sustainable design

This 310,000m² GFA mixed development consist of a Large Retail Mall, 2 Office Towers and 3 Hotels. This signature project is designed to transform the neighbourhood and create a new business, shopping and entertainment hub in Shanghai. The development targets a LEED Gold rating and is expected to be completed in 2014. Cundall was appointed by Swire Properties to provide sustainability consultancy to this mixed development. A high performance façade design was proposed, with an integrated central plant utilising waste heat recovery. A site-wide water collection and recycling strategy was also developed to significantly exceed LEED requirements.

Location Shanghai, China

CFD expertise was used to explore the application of natural ventilation in a luxury shopping mall. Prior to the CFD study, Cundall thoroughly assessed the local weather data to identify opportunities for natural ventilation. Cundall then used 3D CFD to investigate the effectiveness of natural ventilation, mixed mode ventilation and assess pedestrian comfort during winter / summer operation. The findings of the study allowed for the development and optimisation of a natural ventilation strategy for the building in order to ensure the comfort temperatures, reduce the risk of draft and supply a sufficient amount of fresh air.

Client Swire Properties

Architect Wong and Ouyang

Smoke Ventilation – Contaminants dispersion

Moorgate Station Redevelopment

Smoke and CO2 ventilation study

Redevelopment of the Moorgate station included an upgrade of the existing station, extending it further to include a new City Link station underneath the tube station as well as redevelopment of the building above the ground.

The proposed amendments to the station and buildings above affected the ventilation shafts location for fresh air and smoke ventilation. Therefore, the CFD assessment has been carried out in order to verify the ventilation efficiency of the proposed design and compare it with the existing ventilation provisions.

Client Lend Lease Location London, UK

The simulation model included the underground platforms, train, station lobby, entrances, staircases, ventilation shafts and surrounding buildings. All of the above elements were necessary to be implemented into the model as they affected the wind and buoyancy driven ventilation through the station platforms.

A static simulation for general ventilation assessment and it included the expected source of energy and CO2 as during the peak hours. For smoke ventilation assessment, dynamic has been performed. The interior of train carriage has been used to locate the source of fire with the energy and smoke released in the function of time, as per industry standards calculations.

The results indicated the need to further optimise the design and apply mechanical exhaust ventilation together with impulse/jet fans in order to achieve the compliance with the smoke ventilation efficiency benchmarks.

Contaminants dispersion

io Data Centre

CFD assessment of discharge air recirculation

This proposed Data Centre located in the industrial district of Slough has its plantroom located close to the neighbouring building, which creates a high risk of discharge air recirculation back into the air intakes. CFD modelling was applied to optimise the rejection louvers and minimise the risk of discharge air recirculation.

The 3D model of the building and surroundings was constructed 300-400m away from the building was constructed to replicate the wind conditions around the building. Fine details of the discharge and intake louvers were modelled together with roof details, fence, etc. The initial assessment indicated significant recirculation, so additional remedial measures were assessed to optimise the system operation leading to the shape and dimensions of the discharge louvers creating minimum recirculation and pressure drop.

Location Slough, United Kingdom

10 Delhi Road, Sydney Car Park CO ventilation assessment

10 Delhi Road is a large residential development with a 3-storey high underground car park. Each level may accommodate 280-290 cars together with a certain number of cycle racks and storage areas.

Such a big car parking space needs to have an adequate ventilation system able to control the CO level within the space in accordance with the Australian standard AS 1682.2:2012. The assessment of the ventilation system compliance with the relevant standards has been carried out with the use of the CFD technique.

The analysis proved the need to apply the impulse fans throughout the space. Also it allowed to assess a number of options for the selection and location of the fans together with confirming the air exhaust volume rates.

The London Clinic Cancer Centre Building services and data communications

The London Clinic, one of London’s oldest and largest independent hospitals, awarded Cundall the building services and sustainable design engineering commissions for its new Cancer Centre and the feasibility for a major refurbishment of the existing clinic.

The £80m new Specialist Cancer Centre was opened by the Queen in March 2010. It is designed to provide state of the art care for cancer sufferers, with 47 individual bedrooms and 22 day care pods. In addition, a grade II listed building has also been refurbished to provide consulting rooms. Three of the hospital’s eight floors have been built underground to accommodate a new radiotherapy equipment.

CFD modelling

The aim of the CFD analysis was to assess and rule out the risk of recirculation of the boiler and generators flues into the fresh air intake. The analysis included a typical and worst case wind scenario. The results included the PPM of the selected contaminants at the fresh air intake vents to confirm that the level of contamination has increased marginally comparing to the background air contamination and that the relevant contamination standards has been satisfied.

Austin Station Residential CFD Heat Rejection Study

Austin Station Residential Development is a prime residential development jointly developed by the MTR Corporation and a joint-venture between New World Development Company Limited and Wheelock Properties Limited. A GFA of 641,000 square feet located on the top of an MTR station and next to the future terminus for the High Speed Rail to the Mainland (target opening in 2015). It also guards the main entrance to the West Kowloon Cultural District under development.

Cundall has been appointed to utilise computational fluid dynamic modelling for heat rejection analysis of the 36 storey high atrium between the build block for the project site C and D. The purpose was to optimise locations and performance of residential VRF outdoor units to operate within the design parameters. As a result, positioning of the units have been optimised and a number of deflectors has been proposed to minimise the recirculation of hot discharge air back into the outdoor units. Clear reporting and design advice was provided for the client and project team.

Thermal Bridging

Selly Oak School Condensation risk

As part of the redevelopment of the existing Selly Oak School building, the façade and windows were to be replaced. Their selection had to minimise the risk of condensation and comply with the relevant British standards.

The main concern related to the connection of the windows with the parapet wall and therefore a 3D condensation risk assessment has been carried out using the CFD technique.

The analysis helped to minimise the cold bridging and condensation risk and confirmed the selected elements comply with the building standards.

Cundall was appointed as environmental specialists with the task to assess the risk of condensation on a refurbished building fabric. For that reason, Cundall has developed a bespoke calculation tool able to summarise the risk of condensation for a large number of 1-D elements in accordance with relevant UK building standards.

In addition, for a number of 2-D and 3-D elements, a CFD tool has been used to assess the distribution of the temperature and resulting risk of the surface and interstitial condensation. Simulations allowed to optimise the composition of the walls in order to achieve their best performance.

Tate Britain Gallery, London, UK

Bespoke Simulations

Rio 2016 Olympic Games: Whitewater Canoeing Venue

Civil, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic engineering

This project involves the development of a whitewater centre for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The project involves an artificial lake, pumping stations, boat conveyors and 2 whitewater channels. A detailed concept design with drawings for all of the above components, along with the electrical and water treatment infrastructure, have been prepared.

In collaboration with Whitewater Parks International Cundall provided civil, mechanical, electrical and hydraulic engineering design for the concept of the venue. Cundall’s ongoing role includes the detailed design of the Whitewater channels and hydraulics.

A CFD analysis has been undertaken by Cundall to optimise the design of the lake and pumping station. For that reason, the lake and pumping station bay has been modelled for various configurations and operational modes in order to select the design allowing for most laminar waterflow on the approach to the pumps.