MagiCAD is a powerful tool for designing engineering systems, widely used in Revit and AutoCAD environments. It is particularly popular among MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineers due to its versatility and support for BIM technologies. In this article, we will explore which heating systems can be designed using MagiCAD and what features make this software indispensable for professionals.
1. Radiator Heating
MagiCAD offers extensive capabilities for designing radiator heating systems. The software allows users to:- Select radiators from a comprehensive database that includes equipment from leading manufacturers such as Watt Heating, Purmo, or Kermi.
- Automatically calculate the thermal output of radiators based on room heat losses.
- Model connection schemes (single-pipe, two-pipe, bottom, or side connection).
- Perform hydraulic calculations to ensure optimal distribution of the heat transfer medium.
2. Underfloor Heating
One of MagiCAD’s strengths is its ability to design water-based underfloor heating systems. Key features include:- Automatic routing of heating loops based on machine learning, which is particularly useful for rooms with complex geometries.
- Calculation of pipe length, diameter, and thermal load for each loop.
- Generation of specifications and drawings that account for all system components (pipes, manifolds, pumps).
- Customization of parameters to ensure even heat distribution.
3. Heat Pumps
MagiCAD supports the design of modern heating systems based on heat pumps, including geothermal solutions. For example:- Support for equipment such as Thermia Mega heat pumps (with capacities ranging from 10 to 88 kW, and cascading up to 1400 kW).
- Calculations of thermal output and system energy efficiency.
- Integration with control systems to optimize pump operation.
- Modeling of complex systems combining heat pumps with other heat sources.
4. Fan Coils and Convection Systems
MagiCAD enables the design of systems using fan coils and convection heating devices. The software supports:- Selection of fan coils from manufacturers’ catalogs, taking into account their technical specifications.
- Modeling of combined heating and cooling systems.
- Automatic calculation of hydraulic and thermal parameters to ensure compatibility with other systems.
5. Heat Loss Calculations and BIM Integration
One of MagiCAD’s key features is its ability to perform precise heat loss calculations:- Consideration of thermal bridges and complex architectural elements.
- Automatic generation of reports with thermal load calculations.
- Integration with BIM objects from over 270 manufacturers, enabling the use of real equipment data.