Substantial market growth is on the cards for allied MEP service

To develop specific design skills, one must undergo the reputed MEP training institute.

 

During interaction with Thermal Control Business Update, Dr. Amit Chaudhari, Associate Director, KPM Design Services Pvt. Ltd., said that the MEP sector is adopting more automation practices in the present scenario.

 

Market outlook for MEP growth in the HVAC industry 

The HVAC industry is a monolithic part of the MEP industry, and there is interdependency. As we can see from the current global warming scenarios, there is a sheer increase in HVAC systems worldwide. This shear requirement is not independent but requires the MEP industry to function around it. For example, the HVAC systems shall require power requirements to function along with plumbing systems like pumping, distribution, etc., to compliment the HVAC system. HVAC systems other than air conditioning equipment/ machinery require the significant role of piping/plumbing and electrical systems. Hence, there is substantial market growth for allied MEP services related to the HVAC industry.

With the increase in commercial and residential complexes, what innovative changes are expected for MEP? 

As huge-scale development is happening in the commercial and residential complexes, the MEP services also require innovation. And the innovation is happening in the following areas.

 

Drawings: Nowadays, 2D is getting obsolete, and 3D (Revit – BIM) is gearing up. Although this has outgrown in many western and middle east countries, in India, there still exists a great chance to evolve. However, this always needs the Indianisation of the few modules.

 

Design: In earlier days, Excel was crucial in designing MEP services. However, due to hugescale developments, the software is used to improve the design accuracy, time, etc. The design software like DIALux, Edrawmax, M4 plant, Autosprink, Canute FHC, HAP, Cypetherm, etc.

 

Also, the drafting software, like AutoCAD, zwcad, Revit, etc., are used by MEP engineers.

 

Construction: The construction is getting modular in whichever way possible, e.g., drywall construction which makes the installation of MEP services qualitatively and speedy, PODs – the POD toilets are gearing its acceptance, etc

 

Role and responsibilities evolving for engineers in the MEP segment 

Yes! Indeed, the roles and responsibilities are evolving for the MEP engineers. The Engineers in MEP segments are not merely limited to ‘key responsibilities.’ Still, they are looking at a broad canvas of construction that encompasses detailed quantification, construction, maintenance manual, spares, etc. User-friendliness is an important aspect. Other than that, all mainstream designs are included under the umbrella of MEP engineers. The interdisciplinary coordination among all services is gaining more value than individualistic design. Also, as new allied areas are getting introduced like waste treatment, water / wastewater treatment plants, solar, etc., the responsibilities are evolving on the MEP’s shoulders.

 

Automation practices are being followed in the MEP sector. 

The MEP sector is increasingly adopting automation practices, from switching on and off AC to the water tap. Nowadays, even plumbing accessories like geysers, valves, and fixtures are getting operated through automation services. In some areas, automation has completely replaced human interventions, e.g., the underground to overhead tank filling system, switching on and off the air conditioning service. Also, lights are automatically on based on day-lighting or human movements. Nowadays, Alexa-operated instruments, either tube lights, fans, or geysers, are also popularly available. In the future, augmented reality will be taking the MEP services to the next level. 

 

Skill training is a necessity for handling MEP activities.

 MEP is skilled work; hence even after getting formal engineering qualification, a certain level of special skill development training is a kind of necessity. And this is important because MEP services are nothing but the services the residents use daily. If the services do not function in the intended way, then the full intent of services gets void. To develop specific design skills, one must undergo the reputed MEP training institute. So, the Mechanical engineer can adopt HVAC, Plumbing, and fire services, the Electrical engineer needs to opt for electrical services, and the Civil engineer can adopt plumbing and fire fighting services. Then in due course of a professional design career, one has to learn the interdisciplinary coordination among the various services. Unless one has undergone the training, the services cannot be designed to their optimum requirement for the MEP activities.