The Carmel Design-Build 6.0 refers to a suite of software programs that perform HVAC design-build analysis including load calculations, duct sizing, and cost estimating. The following describes a typical HVAC design-build workflow:

Take the job blueprints and perform HVAC cooling and heating load calculations. Layout the ductwork and size it based upon the load calculations and air volumes for each room and system. Perform a take-off of the ductwork layout and get a list of all parts, materials, and equipment to be used. Create a cost estimate based upon the mechanical take-off. Create a typed proposal based upon the estimate.

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The following software programs from Carmel are part of the Design-Build 6.0 software and accomplish the above tasks:

• Loadsoft 6.0 (performs commercial HVAC load calculations)
• Residential 5.0 (performs residential HVAC load calculations)
• Duct Size 6.0 (performs HVAC duct design)
• Estimate 6.0 (performs HVAC new construction cost estimating and proposal generation)
• Design-Build 6.0 Status Module (this keeps track of the status of a design-build project)
  

• Construction types for 200+ walls, roofs, floors, and windows. (Loadsoft 6.0 and Residential 5.0)
• 200+ ASHRAE fittings with pictures and pressure loss values (Duct Size 6.0)
• Typical duct material, liner, and insulation types (Duct Size 6.0)
• 50,000+ HVAC parts database from major manufacturers (Estimate 6.0)
• and more...

Workflow
The Design-Build 6.0 software works in the following way:

• The user creates an HVAC load calculation project in Loadsoft 6.0 (for commercial loads) or Residential 5.0 (for residential loads). After the building has been modelled and the total cooling and heating loads calculated, the equipment can be selected.
• Next, the user creates a new duct sizing project in Duct Size 6.0. All information from the Loadsoft 6.0 or Residential 5.0 project can be imported into the new duct size project, including weather, address, and air flow values for each room. As the user creates duct end nodes with diffusers, the room that the diffuser is located in can be selected based upon the rooms created in the Loadsoft or Residential project. Therefore, the room air flow values that were calculated will automatically be assigned to the duct end nodes.
• After the duct project is completed, and the material list calculated, the user can create an estimate in Estimate 6.0. This program allows the user to create HVAC new construction cost estimates. When the user creates a new estimate, they can choose to import the information from a Duct Size 6.0 project (which also includes information from the corresponding Loadsoft 6.0 or Residential 5.0 project). This will automatically import the address and material/equipment information from the Loadsoft/Residential and Duct Size projects. If pricing and labor hours have been assigned to the equipment and material, these values will be reflected in the new estimate. After the estimate has been completed, a custom Microsoft Word or Excel proposal can be created based upon the estimate.
• The status of the design-build project is kept track through the Design-Build tracking module. It allows the user to view the Loadsoft/Residential and Duct Size projects that were imported into the Estimate, and the time stamps of when information was last calculated and imported. In addition, it allows the user to run the individual programs from this module and automatically open the corresponding project.

In summary, the Design-Build 6.0 software suite takes the user from HVAC load calculations to duct sizing to estimating, and creates a final proposal.

Databases
The following databases are included with Design-Build 6.0:

• Construction types for 200+ walls, roofs, floors, and windows. (Loadsoft 6.0 and Residential 5.0)
• Partial database of HVAC plant equipment such as rooftop units and boilers.
• Partial database of miscellaneous HVAC equipment such as VAV boxes and diffusers. (Duct Size 6.0)
• 200+ ASHRAE fittings with pictures and pressure loss values (Duct Size 6.0)
• Typical duct material, liner, and insulation types (Duct Size 6.0)
• 50,000+ HVAC parts database from major manufacturers (Estimate 6.0)
• Heavy metals database
• . . . and more

All of the above data is customizable and the user can add their own equipment, material, and parts.

For more information please visit Carmel Design-Build