Chiller Plant Replacement by MiMEP & BIM (REF:C-0043)
E&M InnoPortal Trial Project Ref. No.:

Overview

The Tai Lung Veterinary Laboratory plays a crucial role in conducting a wide range of animal and veterinary public health-related tests as well as ensuring food safety. To support the equipment in the facility, continuous chiller operation and round-the-clock air conditioning provision are essential.

However, it faced challenges, particularly the lack of space. The conventional chiller replacement method needs much space and will prolong the work schedule given the limited space on the roof.

To overcome the challenges, an innovative approach that adopts advanced technologies, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) ,  Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) Technology, and Augmented Reality (AR) have been used from the planning phase to project completion. Additionally, BIM Asset Management has also been used for future maintenance purposes. 

By adopting this approach, the disruption of the chilled water supply in the air-conditioning system is kept to a minimum and the construction time has also been greatly reduced.

Problem Addressed

The Lab requires round-the-clock air-conditioning services and operates in a very packed environment. Its chiller replacement must be carefully planned to ensure minimum disruption to the facility's operations.
Innovation

With the MiMEP approach used in this project, multi-trade building service components are integrated into a single volumetric assembly of prefabricated modules off-site in a workshop, then transported to the site for connection of modules to complete installations. Hence, the on-site works are largely reduced.

During the site planning stage, 3D scanning with drone is conducted to capture the on-site environment and identify the constraints.

To ensure that the modules are feasible for installation within the time frame, the BIM model is converted into a 4D animation with time-related information to visualize how work is done in each stage. This greatly benefits the overall work planning and safety, as well as maximises on-site efficiency.

Moreover, the combination of BIM and AR technologies is used to overlay the established BIM model onto the real-world environment to anticipate the constraints that might arise during construction and maintenance, as well as identify the solutions to potential challenges.

In the post-project stage, the BIM model is connected with the asset management system so that the digitalised project information can be retrieved through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to fully realise smart operation and maintenance system with digitalisation features.
Key Benefits
  • Reduces construction time by more than 50% compared to the conventional approach
  • Reduces the need for manpower
  • Minimises disruption to operations
  • Reduces materials and construction wastage
  • Increases productivity
  • Enhances quality control
  • Improves construction safety
  • Enhances site management
  • Improves environmental sustainability by lowering construction waste, carbon emissions, noise pollution and water pollution on the construction site
Patent and Award
  1. Honorable Mention - Autodesk Hong Kong BIM Awards 2022
  2. Champion, Open Section - IET Young Professionals Exhibition & Competition 2022
Project Reference

Chiller Plant Replacement at Tai Lung Veterinary Laboratory
Other Reference

Video Introduction : https://youtu.be/OiEUJ3U_nBc