In this master’s thesis we analysed the functionality of BIM and its characteristics. BIM is becoming a widely popular tool in the architecture and engineering world. It allows us to generate different information models in which we can include all the MEP and architecture plans.
We defined the electrical elements and their use with BIM for planning the electrical installation on a sailboat. The tool used for the planning of the electrical installation was Autodesk Revit. The first phase of planning consisted of specifying the electrical sources and loads. In the second phase we evaluated the parameters of the power sources and loads, so they would meet the demands of the sailboat. After the evaluation we calculated the proper size of the conductors and fuses. The calculations were based on the voltage drop and the thermal workload. In the last phase we checked, based on our evaluation, if the electrical sources, loads, conductors and fuses were properly dimensioned and protected. The last chapter consists of a short comparison between two frequently used programs, Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD.
We concluded that Revit still has room to improve, regarding the electrical part of the program. In Revit we are unable to use basic electrical components and DC power systems. Also, the inaccurate visualization of electrical connections and laid conductors can cause problems, when connecting power supplies to different loads. Because of these problems, the time for planning can greatly increase. These flaws can greatly increase the chance of mistakes, especially in buildings, which consist of complex electrical installations.
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