Layout design automation system and layout design method

Abstract

To reduce the workload of a designer.SOLUTION: A layout design automation system generates routing for connection between a start point and an end point. The layout design automation system includes a storage unit and a route generation unit. The route generation unit generates routing based on at least one of layout space information, layout-dedicated space information, existing structure information, operation / maintenance information, and design information indicating piping arrangement design conditions, instrumentation piping arrangement design conditions, electrical conduit arrangement design conditions, cable rack arrangement design conditions, and air-conditioning duct arrangement design conditions, stored in the storage unit. The route generation unit generates routing so that when multiple routes passing through the same ceiling, floor or wall are generated, the multiple routes may pass through one through-hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a layout design automation system and a layout design method. [Background technology]

[0002] There are technologies for automating the design work of piping routes for plants, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology for automatically generating a piping route that satisfies numerous constraints for connecting the start and end points of the piping in layout space information. It also describes technologies for generating not only piping routes, but also supports for supporting the piping route, valves for controlling internal fluids, and aggregation of generated structures.

[0003] In the layout design of a plant or the like, from the planning stage to the detailed design stage, the layout design must proceed while satisfying numerous constraints set forth in required specifications, safety standards, etc. The system described in Patent Document 1 can proceed with a piping layout plan that satisfies numerous constraints. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-86310 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When planning the layout of a plant, etc., it is necessary to comprehensively consider the layout of numerous pieces of equipment, not only for piping that carries fluids (gas, liquid, etc.), but also for instrumentation piping, electrical conduits, cable racks, air conditioning ducts, etc. If these routes pass through the building's framework (ceiling, floor, walls), it is necessary to create penetration holes in the framework.

[0006] The layout design automation system described in Patent Document 1 is designed to generate one through hole per piping route, which can result in a larger number of through holes and increased construction costs compared to designs created by experienced designers. Therefore, designers must conduct additional review of the layout design results generated by the layout design automation system. If a designer determines that it would be better to consolidate multiple routes into one through hole, they may need to add a new design condition requiring the relevant routes to pass through one through hole and redo the layout design from scratch. Thus, with conventional technology, designers must conduct additional review of the layout design results output by the layout design automation system, which places a heavy burden on the designer.

[0007] The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has as its object to reduce the workload of designers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A layout design automation system according to an embodiment for solving the above-described problems is a layout design automation system that generates a route connecting a start point and an end point. The layout design automation system includes a storage unit and a route generation unit. The route generation unit generates a route based on at least one of the following design information stored in the storage unit: layout space information, layout-dedicated space information, existing structure information, operation and maintenance information, and piping layout design conditions, instrumentation piping layout design conditions, electrical conduit layout design conditions, cable rack layout design conditions, and air conditioning duct layout design conditions. When multiple routes that pass through the same ceiling, floor, and wall are generated, the route generation unit generates the routes so that the multiple routes pass through a single through-hole. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a layout design automation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]10 is a flowchart for explaining generation of a through hole by a route generating unit according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A layout design automation system according to an embodiment can be used to automatically design routes for pipes that carry fluids (gas, liquid, etc.), instrumentation pipes, electrical conduits, cable racks, air conditioning ducts, etc. in plant facilities, buildings, etc. Here, a case where the layout design automation system is used for the layout design of plant facilities will be described with reference to the drawings. The layout design automation system is a design system that generates a route that connects between specified start and end points in the layout design of pipes that carry fluids (gas, liquid, etc.), instrumentation pipes, electrical conduits, cable racks, and air conditioning ducts, and generates through holes if the route passes through a structural body (ceiling, floor, wall).

[0011] Here, instrumentation piping refers to piping that houses cables for transmitting information on measurement results such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate, and cables for transmitting signals to control the system, or piping that guides the fluid to be measured (gas, liquid, etc.) to a meter. Conduit refers to piping that houses cables that transmit electricity. In the following description, the building structures such as the ceiling, floor, and walls are referred to as the building frame, and structures other than the building such as piping and equipment are referred to as indoor structures. The building frame and indoor structures are sometimes collectively referred to as the structure.

[0012] The layout design automation system is physically a computer equipped with a CPU, memory, etc. The layout design automation system operates based on layout design application software stored in the memory.

[0013] 1 is a functional configuration diagram of a layout design automation system 1. The layout design automation system 1 includes an input unit 10, a storage unit 21, a route generation unit 22, a support position determination unit 23, a piping component determination unit 24, a material quantity calculation unit 25, an output unit 30, and an external output unit 40.

[0014] The input unit 10 is composed of a touch panel, a keyboard, and the like. The input unit 10 displays 3D CAD information of the building on the touch panel screen, and acquires coordinate information of the start and end points of pipes, etc., as specified by the designer. The input unit 10 also displays a list of the type and weight of the fluid to be passed through the pipes, the material of the pipes, the pipe diameter, etc., on the touch panel screen, and acquires this information as specified by the designer. Furthermore, if there are multiple pipes, the input unit 10 acquires a priority order that determines which pipes should be prioritized for placement as specified by the designer. The input unit 10 can also acquire position information of through holes to be provided in the building structure (ceiling, floor, walls).

[0015] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a storage unit according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the storage unit 21 stores arrangement space information 21a, arrangement-dedicated space information 21b, existing structure information 21c, operation and maintenance information 21d, piping layout design conditions 21e, instrumentation piping layout design conditions 21f, electrical conduit layout design conditions 21g, cable rack layout design conditions 21h, and air conditioning duct layout design conditions 21i.

[0016] The layout space information 21a is 3D CAD information that indicates the structure of a building including equipment. The layout space information 21b is 3D CAD information that indicates an area within a building where piping and the like are to be placed. The existing structure information 21c is 3D CAD information that indicates the positions of existing structures.

[0017] The operation and maintenance information 21d is information that indicates the conditions for placement suitable for maintenance and inspection of instruments that require visual inspection, and the conditions for placement suitable for operating parts that require operation. Instruments that require visual inspection include flow meters, pressure gauges, etc. Parts that require operation include manual valves and valves, etc. The operation and maintenance information 21d includes conditions such as the height of instruments that are easy for maintenance personnel to see, the height and orientation of valve handles that are easy for maintenance personnel to operate, and the distance between instruments and valves, etc. and walls. The operation and maintenance information 21d also includes information on prohibited placement areas. Prohibited placement areas include areas where piping placement is prohibited, such as near passageways or storage areas for hazardous materials, and areas necessary for maintenance work on valves, etc.

[0018] The piping layout design conditions 21e are information indicating design conditions for piping layout design. Specifically, the piping layout design conditions 21e include piping attribute definitions, distances between piping and ceilings, floors, and walls, distances between parallel piping, diameters of through-holes when through-holes are provided through structures (ceilings, floors, and walls), types of through-holes, conditions specifying the location of through-holes in areas with high radiation doses in the case of nuclear power plants, selection of bent pipes for piping, length of straight pipes (straight sections of piping) before and after instruments and orifices, construction tolerances, piping gradients, distances from other equipment, and conditions for centralized placement when there are multiple pipes. A bent pipe is a component obtained by bending a straight pipe. The piping layout design conditions 21e also include separation conditions for safety systems. The safety system separation condition is, for example, a condition that, in the case where an accident occurs in the first system piping route, the first system piping route and the second system piping route are configured to be switched to a second system piping route, and the first system piping route and the second system piping route are arranged separated by a wall or the like. This information is set according to the type of fluid to be passed through the piping, etc. Furthermore, the piping layout design condition 21e includes design conditions based on the experience and knowledge of an experienced designer.

[0019] The instrumentation piping layout design conditions 21f are information indicating the design conditions for the instrumentation piping layout design. Specifically, the instrumentation piping layout design conditions 21f include conditions such as instrumentation piping attribute definitions, the distance between the instrumentation piping and the ceiling, floor, or wall, the distance between parallel instrumentation piping, the selection of bent pipes for the instrumentation piping, the diameter of the through-holes when passing through the building frame, the type of through-hole, construction tolerances, the gradient of the instrumentation piping, the distance to other equipment, and the up-and-down generation position. An up-and-down route is a combination of a route that descends at a specified gradient angle and a route that ascends from a low position to a specified height. The up-and-down generation position condition specifies the position and direction of the route to ascend in order to minimize the number of up-and-down locations. Furthermore, the instrumentation piping layout design conditions 21f include design conditions based on the experience and knowledge of experienced designers.

[0020] The conduit layout design conditions 21g are information indicating design conditions for the conduit layout design. Specifically, the conduit layout design conditions 21g include conditions such as conduit attribute definition, pull box layout definition, distance between the conduit and the ceiling / floor / wall, distance between parallel conduits, selection of bent conduits for the conduit, diameter of the through hole when a through hole is provided when passing through the building frame, type of through hole, construction error, distance from other equipment, etc. The conduit layout design conditions 21g also include design conditions based on the experience and knowledge of experienced designers.

[0021] The cable rack layout design conditions 21h are information indicating design conditions for cable rack layout design. Specifically, the cable rack layout design conditions 21h include conditions such as cable rack attribute definitions, distances between the cable rack and the ceiling, floor, and wall, diameters of through holes when through holes are provided for passing through the building frame, types of through holes, construction errors, distances to other equipment, etc. The cable rack layout design conditions 21h also include design conditions based on the experience and knowledge of experienced designers.

[0022] The air conditioning duct layout design conditions 21i are information indicating design conditions for air conditioning duct layout design. Specifically, the air conditioning duct layout design conditions 21i include conditions such as air conditioning duct attribute definitions, duct size selection conditions, distances between the air conditioning duct and the ceiling, floor, and wall, distances between parallel ducts, diameters of through holes when through holes are provided when passing through the building frame, types of through holes, construction errors, distances to other equipment, and placement of dampers and air intake and exhaust vents. The air conditioning duct layout design conditions 21i also include design conditions based on the experience and knowledge of experienced designers.

[0023] 1, the route generation unit 22 generates routes for piping, instrumentation piping, electrical conduit, cable racks, and air conditioning ducts based on design information indicating layout space information 21a, layout-dedicated space information 21b, existing structure information 21c, operation and maintenance information 21d, and piping layout design conditions 21e, instrumentation piping layout design conditions 21f, electrical conduit layout design conditions 21g, cable rack layout design conditions 21h, and air conditioning duct layout design conditions 21i. For example, when multiple end points are specified for one start point from the input unit 10, the route generation unit 22 generates optimal branch positions along the route based on the information from the storage unit 21, and generates routes connecting to each end point.

[0024] Furthermore, when a route that passes through a building frame (ceiling, floor, or wall) is generated, the route generating unit 22 generates a through hole. When multiple routes that pass through the same ceiling, floor, or wall and multiple through holes corresponding to each route are generated, the route generating unit 22 generates routes so that the multiple routes pass through one through hole.

[0025] In detail, the route generation unit 22 compares the cost of providing one through hole for one route with the cost of having multiple routes pass through one through hole, and if the cost of having multiple routes pass through one through hole is cheaper, it generates a route so that multiple routes pass through one through hole.

[0026] Furthermore, when a through hole is generated, the route generating unit 22 determines the type of the through hole based on required specifications such as radiation shielding, airtightness, waterproofness, oil resistance, heat resistance (fire resistance), pressure applied to the through hole, etc. The type of through hole refers to the type of through hole classified by parts and configuration / structure that satisfy required specifications such as shape, radiation shielding, airtightness, waterproofness, oil resistance, heat resistance (fire resistance), pressure applied to the through hole, etc.

[0027] The route generation unit 22 calculates the costs of design, materials, and construction, taking into account the length of the route, bends, and whether or not there are through holes. Even if the total length of the route is longer and the cost increases, if the overall cost can be reduced by reducing the number of through holes, the route generation unit 22 generates a route so that multiple routes pass through one through hole.

[0028] The support position determination unit 23 determines support positions at which support members that support pipes are to be placed based on the constant pitch span method (also called the standard support spacing method). The support position determination unit 23 also determines support positions at which support members are to be placed for instrumentation pipes, electrical conduits, cable racks, and air conditioning ducts. The support position determination unit 23 determines support positions at which support members that support pipes are to be placed based on the weight of the pipes and the weight of the fluids that pass through the pipes. For example, the support position determination unit 23 determines support positions so as to support areas near load-concentrated portions such as the start point, end point, bends, and branches of the pipes, and determines support positions by the constant pitch span method based on a standard span (the distance between a support position and an adjacent support position) that is preset for straight pipe sections and bent pipe sections.

[0029] In addition, when multiple routes such as pipes generated by the route generation unit 22 are adjacent to each other or run parallel to each other, the support position determination unit 23 determines a position where two or more of the multiple routes such as pipes can be supported by one support position as a support position.

[0030] The piping component determination unit 24 determines the length of each of the multiple components that make up the piping, etc., based on the route of the piping, etc., generated by the route generation unit 22 and preset transportation conditions. For example, the piping component determination unit 24 determines the length of each of the multiple components that make up the piping, so that the length of each component is 10 m or less. Furthermore, the piping component determination unit 24 determines the length of each of the multiple components that make up the piping, so that the weight of each component is 100 kg or less.

[0031] Furthermore, the piping component determination unit 24 determines support members to support the piping based on the weight of the piping, the weight of the fluid passing through the piping, and the locations where the support members supporting the piping will be fixed. The piping component determination unit 24 determines the support members based on the fixing locations (ceiling, floor, wall, etc.), the number of pipes to be supported, the weight of the piping and the fluid passing through the piping, etc.

[0032] The quantity tallying unit 25 tally the number of each component determined by the piping component determining unit 24 and creates a quantity table.

[0033] The output unit 30 is configured with a display or a printing device. The output unit 30 displays a 3D CAD image showing the route of piping, etc. generated by the route generation unit 22 and the positions of support members determined by the support position determination unit 23. The output unit 30 also outputs a material quantity table compiled by the material quantity compilation unit 25.

[0034] The external output unit 40 converts the route generated by the route generation unit 22, the support positions generated by the support position determination unit 23, and the parts generated by the piping component determination unit 24 into a format that can be used in a general-purpose CAD or the like, and outputs the converted data. The external output unit 40 can output, as a format for a general-purpose CAD or the like, CAD data that includes a lot of information such as a 3D CAD shape, 3D CAD attributes, and 3D CAD library, or lightweight CAD data that includes only a 3D CAD shape and 3D CAD attributes.

[0035] Next, a method for generating a through hole by the route generating unit 22 of the layout design automation system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0036] The route generation unit 22 generates tentative routes for piping, instrumentation piping, electrical conduits, cable racks, and air conditioning ducts (step H01). Step H01 is a route generation process. The route generation unit 22 determines whether or not there is a route that passes through the building frame (ceiling, floor, and walls) (step H02). If there is no route that passes through the building frame (step H02: No), the process ends.

[0037] On the other hand, if there is a route that passes through the skeleton (step H02: Yes), the route generation unit 22 determines whether multiple routes pass through the same skeleton (step H03). For example, it determines whether multiple piping routes are generated on the same wall, or whether piping, instrumentation piping, and electrical conduits are generated that penetrate the same floor.

[0038] If multiple routes do not pass through the same skeleton (step H03: No), the route generating unit 22 generates a route in which one through-hole is provided for each route as a final route (step H09).

[0039] On the other hand, if multiple routes pass through the same structure (step H03: Yes), the route generation unit 22 calculates the cost of providing one through-hole for each route (step H04). The cost includes the cost of drilling the through-hole, the cost of materials to reinforce the through-hole, the cost of construction to pass each route through the through-hole, etc.

[0040] Next, the route generation unit 22 generates a tentative route when the through holes are aggregated (step H05). The number of aggregated through holes may be one, two, or three per body. Also, two routes or five routes may be passed through one through hole. Also, only pipes carrying fluids (gas, liquid, etc.) may be aggregated into one through hole, or different types of routes such as pipes and instrumentation pipes may be aggregated into one through hole. The route generation unit 22 creates multiple tentative routes with different through hole aggregation conditions. Next, the route generation unit 22 calculates the cost when the through holes are aggregated (step H06). When multiple tentative routes are created, the route generation unit 22 calculates the cost for each tentative route.

[0041] Next, the route generation unit 22 compares the cost of providing one through hole for one route with the cost of aggregating through holes so that multiple routes pass through one through hole (step H07). Step H07 is a comparison step. If the cost of providing one through hole for one route is lower than the cost of aggregating through holes (step H07: No), the route generation unit 22 generates a route with one through hole for one route as the final route (step H09).

[0042] On the other hand, if the cost of aggregating through holes is lower than the cost of providing one through hole for one route (step H07: Yes), the route generation unit 22 generates a route in which multiple routes pass through one through hole as the final route (step H08).If multiple routes with different through hole aggregation conditions are generated in step H05, the route generation unit 22 generates the route with the lowest cost as the final route.

[0043] As described above, the layout design automation system 1 according to this embodiment has a route generation unit 22 that generates a route based on at least one of design information indicating piping layout design conditions, instrumentation piping layout design conditions, electrical conduit layout design conditions, cable rack layout design conditions, and air conditioning duct layout design conditions. When multiple routes that pass through the same building structure (ceiling, floor, and wall) and multiple through-holes corresponding to each route are generated, the route generation unit 22 can generate a route in which the multiple routes pass through one through-hole.

[0044] Furthermore, the route generation unit 22 compares the cost of providing one through-hole for one route with the cost of passing multiple routes through one through-hole, and if the cost of passing multiple routes through one through-hole is cheaper, generates a route so that multiple routes pass through one through-hole. In this way, the layout design automation system 1 according to this embodiment performs layout design of plant equipment taking into account construction costs, so that the designer does not need to perform additional cost-intensive studies on the layout design results output by the layout design automation system. This reduces the workload on the designer.

[0045] Note that restrictions may be placed on the size of through-holes due to structural conditions of the building, etc. In such cases, some routes cannot be consolidated into a single through-hole because it is not possible to ensure sufficient spacing between routes. For example, highly flammable gases (such as hydrogen) and liquids (such as alcohol and petroleum) must be kept a certain distance away from high-temperature piping and electrical system piping that may generate sparks. Therefore, there are cases where they cannot be consolidated into a single through-hole. These conditions are stored in the design conditions stored in the memory unit 21, so the route generation unit 22 generates a route that passes through the through-holes based on these conditions.

[0046] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1. Layout design automation system 10...Input section 21...Storage section 21a…location space information 21b…Placement space information 21c... Existing structure information 21d...Operation and Maintenance Information 21e…Piping layout design conditions 21f…Instrumentation piping layout design conditions 21g…Conduit layout design conditions 21h…Cable rack layout design conditions 21i...Air conditioning duct layout design conditions 22... Route generation section 23...Support position determining section 24...Piping material determination unit 25...Quantity Collection Department 30...Output section 40...External output section

Claims

1. A layout design automation system that generates a route connecting a start point and an end point, a storage unit that stores at least one of design information indicating layout space information, layout-dedicated space information, existing structure information, operation and maintenance information, piping layout design conditions, and instrumentation piping layout design conditions, electrical conduit layout design conditions, cable rack layout design conditions, and air conditioning duct layout design conditions; a route generation unit that generates the route based on at least one of the layout space information, the dedicated layout space information, the existing structure information, the operation and maintenance information, and design information indicating the piping layout design conditions, the instrumentation piping layout design conditions, the electrical conduit layout design conditions, the cable rack layout design conditions, and the air conditioning duct layout design conditions; and when a plurality of routes passing through the same ceiling, floor, or wall are generated, the route generation unit generates routes such that the plurality of routes pass through one through-hole. Layout design automation system.

2. The route generated by the route generation unit includes routes for piping, instrumentation piping, electrical conduits, cable racks, and air conditioning ducts. The layout design automation system according to claim 1 .

3. the route generation unit compares the cost of providing one through hole for one route with the cost of having multiple routes pass through one through hole, and if the cost of having multiple routes pass through one through hole is cheaper, generates a route such that multiple routes pass through one through hole; 3. The layout design automation system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When a through hole is generated, the route generation unit determines a type of the through hole based on at least one required specification of radiation shielding, airtightness, waterproofness, and heat resistance.

3. The layout design automation system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. an external output unit that outputs the data related to the through hole generated by the route generation unit in a format that can be used by a general-purpose CAD; 3. The layout design automation system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a route generation step of generating a route connecting a start point and an end point based on at least one of design information indicating piping layout design conditions, instrumentation piping layout design conditions, electrical conduit layout design conditions, cable rack layout design conditions, and air conditioning duct layout design conditions; a comparison step of comparing the cost of providing one through hole for one route with the cost of allowing one through hole to pass through the multiple routes when multiple routes passing through the same ceiling, floor, or wall are generated in the route generation step; In the route generating step, if it is cheaper to pass multiple routes through one through hole, routes are generated so that multiple routes pass through one through hole. Layout design method.

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