Parametric Fan Coil Unit BIM Design to Reduce Modification Workload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current BIM design methods for fan coil units in the heating and ventilation field are inefficient due to repetitive work and high modification requirements, leading to low design efficiency, especially in China where foreign software habits persist.
Innovation Solution
A parametric design method for fan coil units using Revit software, involving steps like selecting a basic sample, parametric modeling, setting pipe connections, producing air duct flexible connectors, and establishing parametric groups to enhance design efficiency and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional BIM design software is used for fan coil units, then the design can be completed using existing tools, but the design efficiency is low and modification workload is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a parametric model of the fan coil unit with all critical parameters (dimensions, pipe connections, air duct configurations) defined in advance. This allows the model to automatically adapt to different design requirements through parameter input, eliminating the need for manual reconstruction during modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by creating a parametric family in BIM software where key geometric and connection parameters are defined as editable variables. By changing these parameters, the entire model automatically updates, enabling rapid design iterations and modifications without manual rework.
2Ease of operation
If foreign BIM software is used to maintain design habits, then existing workflows are preserved, but repetitive work increases and design efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional parametric model that can represent different fan coil configurations (two-pipe, four-pipe, various connection types) within a single family template. This universal model serves multiple design scenarios, reducing repetitive modeling work across different project requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed manual modeling is performed for each fan coil component, then modeling precision is achieved, but the complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fan coil unit into distinct parametric components (casing, pipe connections, air ducts, diffusers) that can be independently defined and controlled. Each component has its own parameters, allowing precise control over individual elements while maintaining overall model integrity through the parametric framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A parametric design method for a fan coil unit based on BIM (Building Information Modeling) includes steps of: determining a basic sample; parametrically modeling; setting pipe connection locations and connection sizes of a two-pipe fan coil and a four-pipe fan coil; setting component visibility; completing control settings of left-right one-click selection for the fan coil; arranging an air pipe behind an air outlet of the fan coil; producing air duct flexible connectors; producing diffusers; adding parameter controls of a “yes or no” type to a return air box, a lower return air flange, and a back to return air flange; completing production of pipes and connectors, and naming. In a heating and ventilation BIM design of building engineering, with the above method, efficiencies of designing, modeling and plotting are obviously increased.