Career choice and the specifics of the profession
At first, I had no clear idea about the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) profession before choosing it. During my studies, I learned what the profession entails and the types of work one can do. Over time, through work experience, I came to understand the advantages and characteristics of the field and realized I had chosen the right profession.
The specialty focuses on creating solutions that ensure comfort in people’s living and working environments. For example, CO2 levels increase with human breathing, which can cause stuffiness. Therefore, simply relying on open windows for ventilation is insufficient, and a properly designed air distribution system is required to ensure uniform airflow throughout a room.
Areas where an HVAC engineer can work
HVAC engineers can work in installation, drafting, and operation maintenance of completed buildings, and also serve as engineers for clients.One reason young students do not often choose this profession is a lack of interest in science subjects during secondary school, which in turn limits their choice of engineering fields. I believe it is important to establish a strong foundation in science education early on. Additionally, well organized career guidance events could help students become more aware of this profession.
The project where I learned the most
The project I learned the most from was the Toyota project after I joined this company. It was my first project where construction drawings were created in Revit, and after the drawings were completed, the installation was done on site. Seeing the results of my own drawings in reality allowed me to identify errors, understand how to improve them, and learn what to pay attention to in future projects.
Essential skills for engineers
Working in construction is not a solo effort it’s a team activity. Therefore, one must be able to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with others. It is also important to compare elements critically, make well founded decisions, and be precise, meticulous, and responsible.
Are there situations where client requests are not feasible?
Yes, it happens. For example, in HVAC, depending on the solution, a technical floor or equipment room may need to be duplicated on each floor or consolidated into one. Often, budget considerations take priority, and certain features may be excluded. However, after COVID, clients realized the importance of proper ventilation, and this has become a higher priority.
How often do drawings change during installation?
Changes can occur due to missing details in the drawings. If detailed shop drawings are prepared properly, the installation can follow the design precisely. Using Revit helps generate accurate detailed drawings, reducing errors during installation.
Collaboration among MEP engineers
When using AutoCAD, it is difficult to see clashes between different systems. Any conflicts are usually resolved on-site by the installation engineers. The advantage of using Revit is that engineers can plan the levels of pipes and ducts collaboratively and generate clash-free drawings, minimizing issues during installation.
Each project requires discussions about shafts and technical rooms. Engineers coordinate to find the most feasible solutions within the standards. As an MEP manager, my role is to coordinate and organize the work of all engineering disciplines HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and communication/fire alarm systems.
Advice for young engineers
From student days, it is important to study standards and codes thoroughly, discuss them with teachers, and engage in debates with peers. Many standards in Mongolian are translated from Russian, so it is beneficial to compare the Mongolian versions with the original source.
Students should also take full advantage of internships to gain hands on experience. After graduation, working 2-3 years in installation, drafting, or operations maintenance will provide a solid foundation and confidence in the profession.