Getting Started with HVAC - Intergraph Smart 3D - Help

Intergraph Smart 3D HVAC

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Intergraph Smart 3D
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Smart 3D Version
11 (2016)

The HVAC task creates a three-dimensional representation, or model, of a distributed system so that you can create a fully rendered 3-D model of various duct systems. You use a combination of parts and features, objects that define the geometry and design intent of a run, to model the duct runs that comprise the duct system. In the software hierarchy, a feature is a child to a run and a parent to a part. Features are not displayed in the Workspace Explorer because of their ability to own several parts. In addition to duct modeling commands, the HVAC task provides a command for creating spools. Start this task by clicking Tasks > HVAC.

The following illustration shows the relationships between the pieces of a duct system.

Duct Systems

A duct system is a way of organizing duct runs within the system hierarchy and controlling the specifications that can be used within that system. If a duct system exists in your model, you can route duct runs and arrange the duct runs as children in the system hierarchy.

Duct Runs

A duct run is a collector of features and parts, and is typically a child of a duct system. It also provides the Catalog specification from which you can choose the parts. Duct run is a duct path with the same specification, material, and values of maximum recommended velocity and pressure loss.

Duct Features

A duct feature is a modeled portion of a duct run consisting of one or more parts. Examples include a turn or a branch. Duct modeling features add functional capabilities to your duct run. You create them during the routing process by inserting splits and components to meet design needs or constraints. By placing such objects during the routing process, the software presents a more accurate model of the final design, without needless, extensive editing of the duct system. The duct features are not listed in Workspace Explorer.

During routing, you select the needed command and the software immediately suspends routing while determining the properties and placement of the feature. When the feature is finished, the software returns to the routing process. You can also insert features after the route is completed. After you draw a duct run, you can mouse hover on various features and a tooltip shows the feature type. If you select the feature, a horizontal ribbon specific to that feature type displays. Because the ribbons are specific to a feature type, the available options change.

You can use the fields on the ribbon to modify the features or you can click Properties on the horizontal ribbon to open the corresponding properties dialog box. You can also click Edit > Properties from the menu bar or select Properties from the context menu. To open the context menu, right-click on the feature.

Leg

A leg is a group of route features routed in the same direction.

Duct Part

A duct part is a physical component that comprises a feature and is generally selected by the software. The following illustration shows some examples of duct parts that represent a portion of a duct system. The highlighted portion of the figure shows a section of the Workspace Explorer containing the hierarchy of duct parts.

Cross Section

The path feature of the duct is linked to a cross-section that is used to define the shape of the duct. These cross-sections provide an outline of the shape of the duct, while the feature provides the geometry path.

Component

In-line and surface-mounted parts such as heaters, gauges, and access panels to your HVAC system. When you select a nozzle or component end, the software sets the cross section of the duct to match the cross section and orientation of the nozzle or component. Two modes of operation are available when you insert a component, standalone and routing.

  • Standalone Mode - Places a component independently without using other commands. This mode starts when you insert a component in a straight feature or at an end feature of a completed duct run.

  • Routing Mode - Works in conjunction with the Route Duct command. After you have started the Route Duct command, you start the Insert In-line Component command and place the component at the active point. The Route Duct command remains active.

Connection

A connection is an object that connects two parts, for example, a flange and a duct part. The following illustration shows the details of a nozzle connection:

(A) - Flange (connection)
(B) - Minimum straight length
(C) - Welding gap

Boundary

A boundary is a port of the terminal object in a select set. Boundaries can exist at line change, run change, branch point, and split.

Equipment

Equipment may have one or more HVAC nozzles through which the connections to the duct systems are made. Using the Equipment task, HVAC equipment like fans, chillers, and air handling units can be modeled directly in the model or can be placed from the Catalog if they are available in your project.

HVAC Nozzle

An HVAC nozzle is the connect point between duct parts and equipment. The nozzle contains definitions of the connection like flow direction, duct cross-section, and size.

The vertical toolbar on the left side of the window contains tools that you use to route the HVAC system. The Select tool allows you to quit all active commands and select an object that you want to review or modify. After you place a section of ducting, you then can modify the run with several commands, for example,

  • Inserting split features or splitting one line into multiple runs.

  • Modifying the size of the existing run by inserting a transition feature.

  • Adding components to represent a complex composition of the run. For example, in-line components and surface-mounted components.