Simple software for modeling spiral HVAC ductwork?

[NapoleonDK]

Hello Forum!

 

I have a rudimentary background in drafting and AutoCAD mechanical 2004. As a junior CFD tech, I am involved in designing a small data center facility and I'm interested in building a conceptual 3D model with the following attributes:

 

The room is +\- 48x64 feet, with a 20ft ceiling

Contains 8 rows of 14 server cabinets measuring 28x48in, 84in tall.

 

The problem I'm running in to, is that my CFD software cannot model round ductwork. I've been asked to provide a conceptual model of a ducting solution that would pull hot discharge air from the top of the server cabinets, up through a properly sized round spiral-duct, (determined by CFD) and towards the center of the room where all ducts meet at a central plenum around 48x12x6feet, which ducts to several rooftop air handlers for return back down into the room.

 

What is the easiest software to learn (considering my basic skill set), and will provide me with the ability to model round ductwork in 3D? A quick-n-dirty free solution would at least get the point across!

 

Remember that I will need to model sweeping bends, changes in diameter, transitions, jogs, etc. I remember a friend showing me how to draw splines and used a tool to "draw" piping along those splines, but don't remember what the software was.

 

Thanks in advance for you help!

[emwhite]

My 3D is limited but I recall being able to use the Extrude command along a Path. I think a path could be a spline or polyline. I'm sure someone with more knowledge will chime in.

[tzframpton]

AutoCAD MEP would be your first choice from an Autodesk product. It has a full blown HVAC, Plumbing, Piping, and Electrical package all rolled into one. We also have an AutoCAD MEP forum on this board for all your Q's that will get answered by real world everyday users.

 

http://www.autodesk.com/autocadmep

 

*EDIT*

The HVAC package has most of your ANSI standard duct and fittings catalogs already built in. Plus they are highly customizable if ever a need. Square to rounds, offsets, transitions, eccentric and concentric, sweeping 90s, long and short radius elbows, all in square, round, and even oval. Now it's not as detailed as a "design to fabrication" software like Eastcoast Cam or CAD-Duct, but it's still very complete.

[NapoleonDK]

Thank you for the responses.

 

Because this is kind of a one-off situation, I really don't want to purchase an AutoCAD type of suite. Since all I really need to do is "draw a picture", I would really prefer some simple program that would give me what I need. I am willing to put 40-50 bucks towards this, but outside of that I'm not sure that I could justify the cost to my manager.

 

Perhaps I should restrict the scope of my question to simple freeware or trial software that I could use to draw this out?

[tzframpton]

My apologies, didn't realize you weren't in the market for the big kahuna. AutoCAD MEP runs at $6,000 MSRP.

 

Try this:

http://www.caelink.com/HVAC.htm

 

*EDIT*

Actually you did say 3D and I don't know of any HVAC program that does full blown 3D for $50. There are all types of customized routines scattered around the internet that if you find them all you could gather them as a set of tools for 3D HVAC needs. That would take some time though.

 

If you up your budget to $400-$500 then there are some other brands to have 3D HVAC packages included I do believe.

[Sittingbull]

i would suggest you experiment with 3D polylines to draw tha paths. Afterwards you can extrude circle on them.

 

Regards,

SB

[SLW210]

What CFD software are you using now? Will it just not model round duct or does no modelling at all? There are several threads on CADTutor discussing free and cheap AutoCAD-like software.

 

Look into Free Google Sketch-up or Autodesk 123D Beta if you just need a 3D of your design.

Edited July 27, 2011 by SLW210

[NapoleonDK]

I have access to a program called FloVENT by Mentor Graphics Mechanical Analysis Division. The software can really only create enclosures and cylinders, not sweeping bends or internal rounds. It's mostly for modeling conventional hot-aisle cold-aisle raised floor data centers, air handlers, and CRAC units, not so much for complex ductwork.

[qball]

Google Sketchup?

[NapoleonDK]

I downloaded SketchUp, but haven't really been able to figure it out. Seems too simple for what I'm trying to do. (Needs to be dimensionally accurate, to scale, etc)

 

I'm using Autodesk 123D and I think I'll be able to get my point across with this. Thanks everyone!

[RobDraw]

AutoCAD products are free to try for 30 days. Perfect for a "one-off situation". Should give you plenty of time.

[f700es]

I still think SU would do it but to each their own. I would advise the OP to watch the new user videos on SU when he has time. SU can model to a 1/16 of an inch if you need it to.

Best of luck and if you can please share what you come up with