HVAC installations 3D

[myself]

Hello everybody,the reason of this thread is the fact that i was asked to create a complete 3Dmodel of a HVAC installation, the program I will be using is AutoCAD MEP. i've done some 3D before, but never of the complete project, I’ve worked onsome details and then use them to explain some parts of the project.

So, I wouldlike to hear from people of had already done similar things, and thereforecould possibly help me with some tips to accomplish this huge mission I have infront of me.

Thank you very much guys….

[ReMark]

Could you provide us with more detail about the project so we can get an idea of its scope?

[myself]

Well, i’m basically designing an installation with Air Handling Units, Chillers, Boilers,Pipes, Ducts, valves, etc. It’s a basic installation for offices building. So, all I need to do is the 3D model of HVAC installation to send to architect for him to place it inside his model, in a perfect world this two would combine perfectly.

I thought the architect would be using REVIT, once it is the most famous program thateverybody have been talking, but it seems like this one prefers to work with AutoCAD Architectural or something similar, they just told me that a dwg file would befine.

Perfect now would be to have 3D model of a HVAC installation so that I could get some ideasout of it….

[ReMark]

Office building...OK. How many floors are we talking?

Where will the mechanical room(s) be located?

All in 3D. How much experience do you have with AutoCAD MEP? Can you at least find your way around in it?

[SLW210]

Most of the Manufacturers should have 3D files available, or at least 2D, online or sometimes an email or phone call will get you some files.

Look through Showcase forum for some renders.

[StykFacE]

Here are some tips for using AutoCAD MEP:

1. When you open AutoCAD MEP, click the "Quick New" icon first. This template has all the HVAC and Piping systems already loaded so you don't have to build each system. If you type STYLEMANAGER at the command line, expand the HVAC Objects > Duct System Definitions button, you'll notice about 20 HVAC Ducting systems already in place. Same for Piping Objects.
2. For your equipment, you won't find much online. I would just use the submittal for the dimensional data for each piece of equipment, and build it in 3D using normal AutoCAD solids. Then, use the MVPARTCONVERT command to quickly and easily convert it to a MultiView Part in AutoCAD MEP.
3. For piping equipment, you can find lots of stuff on Bell & Gossett's website here. Download the STP files, then drag/drop them into the drawing space. They will automatically convert to 3D solids. This is good for pumps, heat exchangers, expansion tanks, etc.
4. When you send your files to the architect, since they are using Revit, do not send a DWG. It's best to export to IFC. You access this by going to the Application Button > Export > IFC. DWG files are horrible in Revit, use IFC instead.
5. The rest is just simply knowing how to use the AutoCAD MEP duct and piping objects to route your ducts and pipes. My suggestion is to use multiple modelspace viewports to really see what you're doing and how it's routing in 3D space.

Hope this helps.


PS: Maybe this thread should be moved to the AutoCAD MEP forum?

[myself]

thank you very much for your help guys... very helpful, believe me.

One question, when i am working on Revit, it'spretty simple to work on different levels since Revit has that structure, while working on Autocad MEP, things don’t work exactly like that, and i found it a bit confusing after some time, when you have elements on different levels.

How do you manage with this problem, do you have any tips that could help me.

I willwrite here my doubts while working on the model…

[StykFacE]

You can utilize Levels if you use the Project Navigator, but that's a beast of a system to learn. It's not easy to just "jump right in" so proceed with caution.

In Revit, everything is based on Levels so it's a ton easier since that's how Revit was designed.

[SLW210]

Here are some tips for using AutoCAD MEP:

1. When you open AutoCAD MEP, click the "Quick New" icon first. This template has all the HVAC and Piping systems already loaded so you don't have to build each system. If you type STYLEMANAGER at the command line, expand the HVAC Objects > Duct System Definitions button, you'll notice about 20 HVAC Ducting systems already in place. Same for Piping Objects.
2. For your equipment, you won't find much on line. I would just use the submittal for the dimensional data for each piece of equipment, and build it in 3D using normal AutoCAD solids. Then, use the MVPARTCONVERT command to quickly and easily convert it to a MultiView Part in AutoCAD MEP.
3. For piping equipment, you can find lots of stuff on Bell & Gossett's website here. Download the STP files, then drag/drop them into the drawing space. They will automatically convert to 3D solids. This is good for pumps, heat exchangers, expansion tanks, etc.
4. When you send your files to the architect, since they are using Revit, do not send a DWG. It's best to export to IFC. You access this by going to the Application Button > Export > IFC. DWG files are horrible in Revit, use IFC instead.
5. The rest is just simply knowing how to use the AutoCAD MEP duct and piping objects to route your ducts and pipes. My suggestion is to use multiple modelspace viewports to really see what you're doing and how it's routing in 3D space.

Hope this helps.


PS: Maybe this thread should be moved to the AutoCAD MEP forum?

but it seems like this one prefers to work with AutoCAD Architectural or something similar, they just told me that a dwg file would be fine.

Where did you get the Architect was using Revit?


I realize you know more About AutoCAD MEP than me, but, if the Architect wants .dwg he should probably send a .dwg. You say nothing available on line then give a link to on line site.

Have you actually tried calling a manufacturer and not received a response? I get 3D and 2D files from most manufacturers.

Thread moved to AutoCAD MEP.

[StykFacE]

ohhhhh, I mis-read his second post, sorry!! Scratch that... if he's using AutoCAD Architecture, then just send the native DWG file. They'll be able to import perfectly. Good catch SLW.