Engineering analysis that shaped real outcomes

Challenge

A 12 MW hyperscale data hall was experiencing hot-spot failures in high-density compute rows despite a conventional raised-floor cooling design. The operator needed to understand root causes and validate a containment retrofit before committing capital.

Approach

Full-hall CFD model built in ANSYS Fluent capturing tile perforation patterns, CRAC unit placement, and rack-level heat loads. Parametric sweeps tested four containment configurations and two tile layouts.

Outcome

Hot-cold aisle containment with revised tile distribution reduced peak rack inlet temperatures by 8 °C and cut projected PUE from 1.62 to 1.44 — saving an estimated 2.1 GWh per year at full load.

Challenge

A 72-storey mixed-use tower required performance-based fire engineering (PBFE) approval from the civil defence authority. Prescriptive code compliance was not achievable for the atrium geometry and interconnected floor plates.

Approach

FDS fire simulations modelled worst-case atrium fire scenarios. Pathfinder evacuation models assessed ASET/RSET margins across occupancy mixes. Pressurisation assessments confirmed stairwell integrity under simultaneous door-opening conditions.

Outcome

PBFE submission accepted by the authority. Smoke control system redesigned to eliminate two mechanical plant rooms, saving 340 m² of lettable area and reducing system capital cost by AED 2.1 M.

Challenge

A 14 km district cooling network serving 38 buildings was delivering insufficient flow to remote consumers during peak summer demand. The operator faced contractual penalties and needed a rapid diagnosis and remediation plan.

Approach

Full network hydraulic model built in EPANET and calibrated against SCADA flow and pressure data. Pipe sizing, pump staging, and control valve settings were optimised across 23 demand scenarios.

Outcome

Rebalancing strategy implemented without new infrastructure. Peak-demand shortfall eliminated. Pump energy consumption reduced by 18% through revised staging logic — saving approximately AED 1.4 M per year in electricity costs.

Challenge

A 200 MW combined-cycle power plant required regulatory dispersion modelling for NOₓ and CO₂ emissions from four gas turbine stacks. The site boundary was within 400 m of a residential zone, and the authority required worst-case ground-level concentration analysis.

Approach

Atmospheric dispersion modelling using AERMOD with site-specific meteorological data. CFD near-field plume analysis resolved stack interactions and building downwash effects not captured by Gaussian models.

Outcome

Ground-level concentrations confirmed below regulatory limits at all receptor locations. Modelling evidence accepted by the environmental authority, enabling project financial close.

Challenge

A large-scale SWRO desalination plant required pipe stress analysis for high-pressure brine and permeate lines operating at elevated temperatures. Existing support layouts were generating excessive nozzle loads on sensitive membrane housings.

Approach

CAESAR II pipe stress models built for 14 critical line classes. Thermal expansion, pressure surge, and seismic load cases assessed. Support locations and types optimised to reduce nozzle loads within vendor allowables.

Outcome

Nozzle loads on all membrane housings brought within allowables without replacing equipment. Support redesign avoided a six-week schedule delay and an estimated USD 800 K in equipment modification costs.

Challenge

A 4.2 ha mixed-use masterplan required outdoor thermal comfort assessment as a condition of planning approval. The developer needed to demonstrate UTCI compliance across public realm areas during peak summer conditions.

Approach

Microclimate CFD model incorporating solar radiation, wind, surface temperatures, and pedestrian-level airflow. UTCI calculated across 1,200 receptor points for summer solstice peak conditions. Shading, misting, and planting strategies evaluated parametrically.

Outcome

Revised shading strategy increased the proportion of public realm achieving UTCI 'strong heat stress' or better from 34% to 71%. Planning condition satisfied. Recommendations adopted in the detailed landscape design.

Challenge

A semi-outdoor golf club seating area required assessment of the proposed air-conditioning system under Riyadh’s high ambient temperatures and prevailing wind conditions, including the risk of hot-air entrainment through open edges.

Approach

A 3D CFD model assessed airflow and temperature distribution across multiple wind, orientation, partition, seating-level, and operating scenarios. The study evaluated occupant conditions at 1.0 m above finished floor level and refined floor-grille supply locations and velocities.

Outcome

The assessment identified a conditioned core seating zone while revealing local hot spots near wind-exposed openings. The analysis provided targeted guidance for air distribution, partitioning, and mitigation measures to retain cooled air and improve local comfort.

Challenge

The P2 to P4 parking levels of a multi-storey tower required validation of their proposed smoke-management strategy under a remote design-fire scenario, with safe evacuation and effective smoke extraction as key performance objectives.

Approach

A transient CFD model assessed smoke propagation, heat, carbon-monoxide concentration, visibility, and airflow from jet and exhaust fans over a 30-minute fire scenario. Jet-fan locations and fire-mode operation were evaluated against the applicable life-safety criteria.

Outcome

The analysis informed a six-jet-fan ventilation configuration and confirmed carbon-monoxide concentrations remained within the specified limit throughout the simulation. Temperature criteria were maintained beyond the immediate fire zone, providing evidence to support the smoke-management design.