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HVAC in FreeCAD.

  1. F by F_Rosa on 22 Aug 2024, edited 11 Sep 2024 # +8 votes

    I updated the air conditioning duct files of the FC Library. They are now fully parametric, adjusted by a configuration window.

    The files are accompanied by an updatable spreadsheet, and a drawing sheet for final editing according to the application in the final project.

    The usage process is very simple. Download library files (https://github.com/Francisco-Rosa/FreeCAD-library/tree/master/HVAC/Ducts), activate the FreeCAD library (using the macro or the BIM workbench) and follow the instructions contained in the files (the video also shows this process).

  2. P by paullee on 22 Aug 2024 # +1 votes

    F_Rosa's works are always impressive !

    Soliciting comment / comment e.g. from MEP engineer and advanced code to see if these could be developed into standard BIM objects in FreeCAD. (

    https://forum.freecad.org/viewtopic.php?t=19025 )

    Even further to make it IFC-native ? Not idea how BBIM (/IFC) works on MEP objects, maybe some collaboration possible ? :) )

  3. S by steverugi on 22 Aug 2024, edited 22 Aug 2024 # +7 votes

    hi @paullee :

    F_Rosa's works are always impressive !

    yes

    Even further to make it IFC-native ? Not idea how BBIM (/IFC) works on MEP objects, maybe some collaboration possible ? :) )

    I recently started delving into IFC's MEP and its implementation in Bonsai, venturing into it is not an easy task since documentation is seemingly scarce to say the least and the pages starting from IfcDistributionElement in my ignorant perspective use some arcane jargon, but I,for quantity takeoff purposes, made some important baby steps nevertheless, better than crossword puzzles for my aging brain. :D

    Attached is a work in progress I am preparing for my colleagues on the IFC classes, likely to be useful in a station building (I work in the railway design/supervision industry)

    I'd be happy to collaborate if this discussion lead to some further development, especially the system/circuit part I am currently struggling with, cheers

    PS my practical knowledge only covers electrical and plumbing building systems, not ductwork, but from the IFC's pov it shouldn't be an issue I think

  4. F by F_Rosa on 22 Aug 2024 # +1 votes
  5. P by paullee on 23 Aug 2024 #

    @steverugi said:

    Attached is a work in progress I am preparing for my colleagues on the IFC classes, likely to be useful in a station building (I work in the railway design/supervision industry)

    I have a look, that's extensive :D

    Any pointer as to how MEP geometry is currently created in BBIM?

  6. S by steverugi on 24 Aug 2024 # +8 votes

    hi @paullee :

    I have a look, that's extensive :D

    I can update it in due course, it's going to be quite a long journey I think, here an example of PredefinedType options for

    • CableCarrier

    • Duct

    • Cable

    • Pipe

    all with their "segment" or "fitting" option

    Any pointer as to how MEP geometry is currently created in BBIM?

    in the T menu we have a few options to create

    unfortunately create and edit ducks is not available, just ducts :D

    click on the 'waffle' on the top menu to open the Type Manager

    pick up, for instance, a pipe segment 'IfcCableCarrierSegmentPipe' to create a conduit in an electrical system

    after creating the type you want to go to Geometry and Materials > Profiles to set its diameter

    to add such a conduit click on + Add CONDUITSEGMENT choosing the type you created

    by doing so an extruded element is created (press Tab to show the path)

    with the two IfcDistributionPort at the end available

    to see them go to the Services and Systems > Ports panel

    to 'connect' two elements provided with ports select two and click on the 'plug' in the Ports panel

    atm there is no parametric way to create junction boxes, outlets (sockets) , switches and the rest so you need to create a mesh element and assign relevant type to it, there is something more useful for ductwork, for plumbing piping I use 'Pipe Joints' and manually add ports to them

    I think this topic deserves a more detailed explanation (I just recently started exploring MEP in Bonsai) but maybe it's enough to start

    Please let me know if this was of some help, cheers

  7. F by F_Rosa on 24 Aug 2024 # +3 votes

    Thank you, Steverugi. Your explanation of the application of BIM objects in Blender is very interesting, educational, and useful, without a doubt. There are more similarities than differences with FreeCAD in this aspect. The form may seem different, but the concepts and principles applied are practically the same.

    When applying ducts to a previously dimensioned network, I use the axes of that network as a basis. In this way, and with regard to cable carrier projects, for example, it is not very difficult to imagine using the same reasoning: by designing the path of these in the building (using axes) and inserting their parts using the FreeCAD library.

  8. P by paullee on 26 Aug 2024, edited 26 Aug 2024 # +1 votes
  9. S by steverugi on 11 Sep 2024 # +1 votes

    Hi @paullee :

    Any pointer how IfcOpenShell create the Geometry and the BIM object, e.g. with the CONDUITSEGMENT / IfcDistributionPort example above? Thanks :D

    did you check these modules ifcopenshell.api.system and ifcopenshell.util.system at

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