v1_mp3724-l Acad Mep Hvac - Dbutts_new and Improved

7/27/2019 v1_mp3724-l Acad Mep Hvac - Dbutts_new and Improved

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HVAC in AutoCAD MEP: New and Improved

David Butts Gannett Fleming

MP3724-L

In the Building Information Modeling (BIM) world, there are still many users who have AutoCAD MEP but

aren't ready to make the move to Autodesk Revit for a variety of reasons. This hands-on lab focuses

on the HVAC side of AutoCAD MEP, and will include a review of new features for duct layout, sizing duct

systems, creating quick parametric parts, and leveraging the spaces and zones for analytical models.

This lab will help you get more out of your AutoCAD MEP modeland take even more steps toward the

BIM environment!

Learning Objectives

At the end of this class, you will be able to:

Leverage spaces and zones for gbXML export, working with external applications such as TraneTrace

Describe new layout features, such as reducing elbows and transitions

Describe duct sizing methods, engineering units, and best practices

Create content as parametric multi-view parts

About the Speaker

David is an energetic, highly motivated BIM specialist with Gannett Fleming, a large engineering and

architectural firm based in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. His Autodesk product expertise extends to Revit

MEP, AutoCAD MEP, Revit Architecture, AutoCAD Architecture, Navisworks, Green Building Studio,

Plant 3D and more. David's responsibilities include managing the implementation of BIM for the

engineering aspects of the firm, providing training, customization, and programming for the Autodesk

MEP product lines. He also works as BIM manager for several projects (including water and wastewater

treatment, transit, and pharmaceutical), and has also worked as a project manager for Autodesk-related

specialty projects. Prior to joining Gannett Fleming, David worked in the Autodesk reseller channel as a

training manager and applications engineer for the Autodesk building design and construction product

line. He is based in the firm's Raleigh, North Carolina office and has been speaking at AU for many years.

Email: [email protected]


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Introduction

AutoCAD MEP is the long-running AutoCAD-based engineering design and drafting solution for

mechanical, electrical and plumbing projects. Based on AutoCAD Architecture 2012, this object-orientedsoftware can dramatically improve coordination while helping to improve the construction document

process. In this lab, were going to focus on the HVAC features. Well cover some tools that have been in

the program for a while and well also look at new and improved tools to help you create a more

accurate model.

So lets get started and get the most from your AutoCAD MEP!

Leveraging Spaces and Zones

When youre using AutoCAD MEP, It pays to define spaces and zones, These objects do more than just

help place room name tags on the drawings. Spaces are analytical areas, storing information about the

size, volume, space type, conditions and more. They can be defined by a polyline, or bound by walls.

When AutoCAD Architecture objects for walls, doors and windows are used, the space automatically

recognizes and links to these objects so if they are changed, added or removed, the space will track

them.

Spaces are attached to Zones, which track the total amount of area and volume of the group, and adds

analytical data that can be used to determine the heating and cooling loads in the building. Zones can

also be attached to other zones, and can be graphically represented on plans.

Lets take a look at how we can add spaces to a model, associate them with a zone, and then edit their

data.

1. In the class dataset folder, open the AU 2011 MEP Base.dwg file.

2. Start by adding spaces to the model from the Hometab, select the Spacetool:


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3. Check the properties palette make sure the Create Typeoption is set to generate.

4. Check additional settings for the space height, type, and more:


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5. Read the command line use the General alloption to automatically place spaces in all enclosed

areas of the model:

6. Note spaces will not be created in enclosed areas if a space is already defined. Press Enterto

complete the command.

7. Once the spaces are placed, select one of the spaces. Review the properties lets name this

particular space Lobby:


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8. Change to the Extended Datatab on the properties palette. Scroll down to the property sets area.

Set the space type to Lobby, and the condition type to Heated and Cooled:

9. Go back to the Designtab select the Space Zone Manager:

10. Since the lobby was selected, it properties show up automatically in the dialog. The right panel

shows general information, contents, calculation types and modifier styles:


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HVAC in AutoCAD MEP: New an

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11. At the bottom of the dialog,

spaces, and to show space

12. Expand the lobby. Scroll th

currently grayed out becau

space will be updated:

Improved

check the boxes to show all zones and

surfaces:

ough and note all of the openings in the walls thei

e the space is associative. If the door, window or w

r properties are

ll is changed, the


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13. Select OK to exit the space

14. While the lobby is still selec

the drawing.

15. Select OKto exit the space

16. From the Analyzetab, sele

Improved

/zone manager. Use the view cube to change to a 3

ted, go back to the space zone manager. Note how

zone manager. Use the view cube to return to the

t the Zonetool:

D point of view:

its highlighted in

opview.


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17. Place a zone outside of the building as shown:

18. Pick the zone a plus signgrip will appear. Pick it, then pick the spaces as shown below:

19. Next, go to the properties dialog while the zone is still selected. Under Properties, name the zone

1st

North.


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20. Review the dimensional properties of the zone:

21. You can also add and remove spaces as needed for the zone. The zone is a required object

you cant perform an energy analysis without at least one zone in the model.

22. Take a few minutes, and edit the properties of the spaces. Set the space type offices around the

perimeter (note you can select more than one space at a time, and edit the properties as

needed). Save your model before you start the next section/

Once zones are defined, you export to a gbXML, which can be imported into analysis applications such

as Trane Trace, IES Virtual Environment and Ecotect Analysis.

If youve gotten behind, open the AU 2011 MEP Base Export gbXML.dwg file to continue.

23. To export the space and zone data, go to the Analyzetab select the Export gbXML tool:


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24. This dialog lets you:

Define where you

select Zones to ex

Set the building typ

Start and monitor t

And show where er

The icons on the right s

one occur.

Improved

ant the exported gbXML file to be located;

ort;

e and zip code;

e progress of the export;

rors may have occurred if an error occurs, a mess

ide allow you to highlight the selected object, and fi

age will appear:

the error, should


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After the export is complete, you can now open the file with notepad, review the output, and import into

your analysis application. By using spaces and zones, you save a tremendous amount of input time over

traditional methods.

Duct Layout New and Improved

AutoCAD MEP 2012 includes lots of improvements to make duct layout easier and more fun. In this class,

were going to work on these tasks, since theyre either a new tool or in a new location, to make it easier

to:

- Creating a vertical riser- Creating a sloped duct- Define Routing solutions- Add Offset Transitions

Well start with the drawing, AU 2011 MEP Base Duct Layout.

1. Zoom to the north side of the building:

2. Start by drawing a duct from the VAV pick it, and then use the grip to add the duct. Add the

main as shown:

3. To connect the duct to the main, pick an air terminal use the plus sign grip to start the duct. On

the properties palette, change the elevation to 11 6. Under the advancedsection, check the

branch fitting make sure its set to use a Takeofffor the connection this is a new location for

this feature:


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4. Pick the main duct look for the duct connector snap, and make the connection to the main

choose Acceptwhen prompted.

5. Notice how the takeoff is added the fitting types are controlled by the duct routing preference.


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Heres another point Autopreference setting. To seetool:

Duct preferences include selevation changesfeature,you simply have to type in t

The second is a new featurthe duct routing preferencenon-reducing elbow, and pl

Improved

CAD MEP added a vertical riser on its own, basedow this works, go to the Manage tab, and pick the

ttings to make adding duct easier. The first one wehich has been in the program for a while. By havin

he new elevation, and the vertical riser is added.

e, the Elbow layoutoptions. You get two options herto use a reducing elbow first, if the size changes.

aces a reducer directly on the fitting to make the siz

n a Ductuct preferences

re looking at is thethis checked,

e the first forceshe second adds aadjustment:


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When creating a vertical riser, there are a couple of rules:

There has to be enough elevation change for the fittings to fit, so consider using different

elbow types, such as mitered instead of long radius; You have to have the automatic create riser turned ON under duct preferences.

Lets look at how this works.

1. Start by picking the VAV box in the north corridor. Select the plus sign grip to start adding a duct:

2. Immediately go to properties check the duct preferencesfirst under routing options:


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3. Make sure the automatic riseroption is checked. Select OKto close the dialog.

4. Draw a short section of duct based on the elevation of the VAV box, the duct should be at 12

3. From the properties dialog, set the elevation to 10 the vertical drop will appear once youpress enter:

5. Go ahead and pick a second point this duct will be centered at 9-9, since that the amount of

room thats available. Regardless of what elevation you picked its got to have enough room to

place the fittings, so it forces the lower elevation.

6. Next, go back to duct preferences and turn offthe automatic riser. To add a sloped duct, start a

new duct run with the plus sign grip from the last duct segment.

7. On the properties palette, change the elevation to 11.

8. Notice the riser doesnt appear, so pick a second point a sloped duct will be added up to this

elevation, so give yourself a little room you may get a warning about custom layouts, so pick

Yesto continue:


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12. Pick the low duct, and then pick the plus sign grip draw a duct to the end of the higher duct:

13. Use the duct end connectorto snap to the end of the higher duct.

14. Youll get a number of routing solutions type in N and press enter to cycle through the options.

When you get the 45s, type in A for accept, and press enter:

Again as long as you have room to make the fittings, it will create the run.

Lets see how the elbow layout options work.

1. Change back to a plan view, and select the last duct segment pick the plus sign grip to start

drawing another duct:


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2. On the propertiespalette, g

elbowis set:

3. Select OKto exit the prefer

4. Pull your mouse straight do

Round Duct Reducing Elbo

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o to preferences make sure the layout option for u

ences dialog. Stay on properties, and go change th

wn to place the elbow youll get the Choose a Par

w:

sing a reducing

diameter to 12:

dialog. Select the


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5. Select OK and the reducing elbow is placed. This works with all shapes and sizes of duct in

AutoCAD MEP 2012.

Another way to connect duct that isnt aligned is to use the new offset transitionfeature. This places asingle fitting that can also transition between different sizes and shapes.

1. For the offset transition, return to the top view. Zoom to the west corridor, and locate the two

disconnected ducts:

2. From the Hometab, select the duct fittingflyout pick the duct transition utility:

3. Pick the two ends of the duct the program will add the transition, based on the duct routing

preference settings:


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Note: if you dont get a transition, go to the Managetab under the style manager, select HVAC

Duct Routing Preferences:

4. Select Standard then check the fitting settings on preferences. Make sure you have a fitting

selecting for any part that lists offset. Youll need to do this if you started the drawing in an earlier

release, or didnt have this set for your template.


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These are just a few of the ways to create custom layouts so you need to practice!

And if you make a mistake, dont forget one of my other favorite commands UNDO!

Duct Sizing Methods

A new feature for this release of AutoCAD MEP relates a drawings duct engineering units. The Drawing

Setup dialog, which normally controls items such as layering standards, units, scale and object display,

includes a tab for HVAC.

You can access this tool by using the application menu pick drawing utilities, and then drawing setup.

Pick the HVAC tab.

1. There are three items you can now control.

The first is air flow units. From here, you have several options

Cubic feet per second

Cubic feet per minute

Gallons us per second

Gallons us per minute

And Gallons us per hour

These are a measurement of air flowing through a duct system.

2. Friction units measure in two forms

Inches of water per 100 feet

Inches of mercury per 100 feet


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These options are part of a loss factor calculation, for friction loss in a duct.

3. Velocity units set three options:

Feet per second

Feet per minute

Miles per hour

This sets the units of measurement for airflow in the duct.

Each of these settings help the user that is leveraging the duct sizing tools to control the calculation

method. The settings should be made in your MEP template, that is used to create your constructs or

base plans, but can be adjusted as needed once the drawing is created. When a project is being

completed in metric, then default metric values would be listed as the options.

A few extra tips for sizing duct

1. Make sure that all ducts are connected use the solution tipssetting located on the viewtab.

Make sure this is turned on:

When a duct isnt properly connected, youll see the tip:


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Duct cant be properly size

2. Make sure that all end of lin

then right click. Pick the M

dialog:

If flow is set to 0, then the d

room.

Improved

with open connections, so solve these before sizin

e components have airflowset for air terminals, s

Part Modifytool on the pop-up menu, and select th

uct cant be sized. Change this value to the correct

duct.

lect one, and

flowtab on the

low rate for the


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3. Another tip is to check the flow direction go back to the viewtab, and turn on the Show Flow

feature:

The flow arrows will appear on the duct to change the flow direction, pick the duct. Right click

and pick the reverse segmenttool:

This will correct the flow direction.


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4. Finally, you can export the

design tool. To do this, go t

5. From the dialog, set the loc

VAV box in the north corridstart.

6. The dialog monitors the pro

as the gbXML export featur

After using the external application

system will be adjusted as sized.

Improved

uct systems out to external applications, such as T

o the Analyzetab. Pick the export ductXML tool:

ationof the exported XML file. Next, use select obje

r. Once its selected, you can set the system type,

gress, and you can view the event log for errors t

e.

o size the duct, you can re-import the settings, and

anes Variduct

ct, and pick the

nd then press

e same behavior

the duct in the


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Creating Parametric Multi

For our last section, the Parametric

improvements and more parts. Makcumbersome and sometimes, you

tool, which leverages the power of

take a look at how this works, and

1. Start the utility from the Ho

.

The Wizard creates and sto

to your own custom catalog

default first, and then move

Improved

view Parts

Part Wizardhas been in a few releases it continu

ing parts in AutoCAD MEP with the Content Builderjust need to make a quick fitting or part. AutoCAD

arameters and part templates to help you create a

ake a new air terminal.

etab pick Tools, and then pick the Parametric P

res the parts in your default catalogs, so you can m

s, or leave them in the default locations but Ill ma

them so I dont have to worry about updates.

s to get

can beEP includes this

part fast. Lets

rt Wizard:

ve them around

ke mine in the


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2. From the dialog, start by checking the part domain you can create duct, multi-view partand pipe

components:

3. Select Duct from here, you can add transitions, crosses, elbows, takeoffs and tees.

4. Select Pipe from here, you can add connectors, couplings, crosses, transitions, elbows, tees

and wyes.


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5. Select Multi-view parts from here you can add air terminals, air handling units, VAV boxes,

pumps, valves, fans, boilers, chillers, tanks, water heaters, cooling towers, and heat pumps.


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6. Select the Air Terminal fo

7. Type in Round Neck Air T

the part.

8. For the D1 duct connector9. For the HHeight values, ad

10. For the L and Wvalues, ad

Since these are parameter

the sizes and versions for y

11. Select OK and the add m

Improved

r the part template, select the Round Neck template

rminal for the name and description. These are re

alues, add 6, 8, 10 and 12.d 6 and 8.

24 for each.

, you only have to enter the data once the wizard

ou.

ulti-view partdialog will open:

.

uired to create

will create all of


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12. The part is added to your m

defined!

And thats all there is to it so if yo

them and add them to that catalog

Conclusion

AutoCAD MEP 2012 is even more

Being based on AutoCAD means th

advantage of the sweet features an

For a side note, you can learn more

CADLearning site. I was lucky eno

150 beginner, intermediate and adv

www.cadlearning.com today.

Have a great AU 2011 David B.

Improved

ulti-view part catalog already and 8 different diffus

want to create simple parts, use the parametric pa

so you can use them in any drawing or project.

owerful than before, and can keep up with any othe

at you dont have to move to Revit until youre read

get more out of your models!

about AutoCAD MEP 2012 by visiting 4D Technol

ugh to be selected to author this years edition, and

anced training videos for this application. For more i

ers are already

t wizard to make

r BIM application.

, so take

gies

produced over

nformation, visit

Documents

v1_mp3724-l Acad Mep Hvac - Dbutts_new and Improved