Wang Yifan and Zhao Zhi’an
(China Academy of Building Research Jianyan Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100013)
Abstract This article analyzes and compares the current HVAC design software available in the Chinese market from the perspective of BIM technology. By examining data interoperability, it is found that HVAC design software has evolved from basic geometric data exchange to sharing information for specific disciplines, and even for comprehensive professional collaboration. Compared to other software integrations, linking HVAC design software with building performance tools, including energy-saving applications, effectively addresses environmental and energy challenges and guides simulation toward design integration. The combination of information exchange and the design process proves essential when comparing workflows. Additionally, a review of product libraries indicates the need for standardization and a clear trend toward 3D parameterization.
Keywords: BIM; HVAC design software; Data interoperability; Integration; Design process; Product library;
With the introduction of new standards in China, such as the Unified Standard for Application of Building Engineering Information Model and the Storage Standard for Building Engineering Information Model, BIM Technology has entered a new phase of development. As a traditional architectural design tool, HVAC design software now faces both opportunities and challenges.
This article is based on the three fundamental pillars of BIM: the Information Exchange Format (IFC), Information Delivery Manual (IDM), and International Dictionary Framework (IFD). By combining these with building performance simulation, parameterization, and professional collaboration technologies, we analyze the current applications and development trends of HVAC design software in the domestic Chinese market.
1. Interoperability and Integration
1.1 Data Interoperability
Architectural engineering design involves multiple disciplines, each using specialized software. However, lack of information sharing among these tools often inhibits effective collaboration. In HVAC design, for example, accurate load calculations require building geometry and thermal data, while equipment layout demands knowledge of building, structural, plumbing, and electrical layouts to avoid clashes. At the same time, spatial arrangements must be provided for other disciplines such as structure and electrical systems. These needs drive the requirement for interoperability between HVAC software and other design platforms.
To facilitate information sharing, both internal and external software solutions are used to output various information exchange formats. For instance, PKPM offers integrated plumbing, electrical, building, and structural software, enabling internal data sharing. Tianzheng and Hongye support DXF format export, acting as intermediaries for DWG files. However, exchanging only geometric data without performance parameters does not support performance-based design. The Hongye Revit Edition, AutoCAD® MEP, and Revit® MEP now support GbXML output, enabling load calculations using parameters from the ASHRAE manual. These can be imported into third-party applications like IES, GBS, Ecotect, and Hongye in GbXML format. GbXML is used for exchanging energy analysis data, while IFC enables comprehensive, multidisciplinary information exchange across design, construction, and operation stages. Moreover, MagiCAD supports Navisworks output for collision detection and construction progress simulation.
The evolution of information exchange formats in HVAC design software demonstrates a shift from simple geometric data sharing to targeted and comprehensive professional information exchange.
1.2 Integration
Integrated design allows for earlier and more effective design decisions, which are both cost-efficient and impactful. To address energy and environmental concerns, numerous building performance simulation tools have emerged. Integrating HVAC design software with building performance platforms, especially energy-saving tools, is crucial. These tools can calculate annual energy consumption and dynamic HVAC loads, using kernels like DOE2, EnergyPlus, and Dest, which often replace standard calculation methods.
For example, Revit® MEP can embed IES for load calculations, as shown in Figure 1. Hongye software integrates annual load and energy analysis, guiding simulation into the design phase. Design Builder integrates thermal and wind environment simulations, while OpenStudio and DIVA combine thermal and lighting simulations. Integrating simulations of wind, light, and thermal environments with equipment and energy-saving design helps address environmental and energy efficiency challenges holistically. Figure 1: Integration of Revit and IES.
IDM and the HVAC Design Process
While IFC supports various business needs at all project stages, architectural engineering is typically carried out in defined phases, requiring only relevant information exchange at each stage. IDM (Information Delivery Manual) specifies which data must be exchanged at each project phase.
IDM is closely linked to project workflows. According to Chinese regulations, HVAC design is divided into three stages: schematic design, preliminary design, and construction drawing design. The mutual data submission chart further breaks these down into periods for information exchange. The HVAC design process includes: (1) determining indoor parameters and calculating room loads; (2) selecting system solutions and main equipment; (3) laying out the pipeline network, performing hydraulic calculations, and equipment calibration; (4) coordinating with other constraints, including pipeline integration and standards compliance.
IDM guides what information must be exchanged. For example, during load calculations, architects provide geometry and thermal parameters; for equipment selection and network layout, data is sent to energy simulation tools for dynamic load and energy analysis; after pipeline arrangement, the electrical, plumbing, and structural teams check for clashes. The HVAC design process and information exchange are illustrated in Figure 2.
Using AutoCAD MEP as an example, the steps include referencing floor plans, adding MEP elements like ducts and pipes, inserting detailed mechanical components, analyzing and optimizing systems, generating lists and drawings, and creating annotations. Revit® MEP’s workflow includes preparing components, configuring pipes and ducts, performing load calculations, laying out equipment, creating logical and physical systems, analyzing and adjusting systems, annotating, diagramming, and conducting clash detection. MagiCAD allows real-time visualization of architectural changes’ effects on equipment layouts and supports downstream tasks such as pipeline integration and material take-offs. Clear design processes and template-based project management are essential for effective workflow.
3. IFD and Product Libraries
HVAC involves a wide variety of equipment and components, so establishing a comprehensive product library is important. Globalization demands universal standards for product data; otherwise, differences in language and culture can lead to inconsistent terminology for identical concepts. To ensure consistent naming across the product lifecycle, IFD (International Framework for Dictionaries) provides globally unique identifiers (UIDs) for each concept.
Additionally, parameterization and 3D representations are vital for product libraries. Tianzheng, Hongye CAD, and Haochen use block-based 2D and 3D representations, but these are limited to proportional scaling and lack parametric modeling, making it difficult to accurately display complex devices in 3D. AutoCAD® MEP uses multi-view parts for 2D and 3D, but part sizes are fixed to certain specifications. Revit® MEP utilizes families, which allow parameterized changes to both performance and geometry. A family is a set of graphic elements with shared attributes and representations, designed for reuse. MagiCAD integrates numerous manufacturer products and lets users expand the database with a product library editor, as illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 3: MagiCAD product library.
4. Conclusion
By comparing existing HVAC design software in China in terms of interoperability and integration, the design process (IDM), and product libraries (IFD), the following conclusions can be drawn:
1) Information exchange in HVAC design software has evolved from geometric data sharing to targeted and comprehensive professional exchange, enhancing collaboration.
2) To address energy and environmental issues, HVAC design tools must integrate with building performance and energy-saving software. This allows for dynamic load calculations and moves simulation toward a performance-based design approach.
3) Managing the HVAC design process ensures that all stakeholders access the needed information at the right time.
4) HVAC design software should feature standardized, three-dimensional, and parameterized equipment libraries.
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BIM-Based Comparative Study of HVAC Design Software
Wang Yifan, Zhao Zhian
(CABR ECHNOLOGY CO. LTD, China Academy Of Building Research, Beijing 100013, China)
Abstract: From the perspective of BIM technology, this paper conducts a comparative analysis of HVAC design software available in the market. In terms of interoperability, information exchange formats have evolved from geometric data exchange to purpose-specific and even comprehensive professional data exchange, enhancing professional collaboration. To address environmental and energy issues, HVAC design software is increasingly integrated with building performance simulation tools, including energy efficiency software, for comprehensive solutions and better integration of simulation into the design process. The combination of information exchange and the design process is essential. Finally, product libraries require standardization and parameterization.
Keywords: BIM; HVAC Design Software; Interoperability; Integration; Design Process; Product Library;
Fund Project: “Twelfth Five Year Plan” National Science and Technology Support Program (2012BAJ09B04)
Author Introduction: Wang Yifan (1986-), male, assistant engineer, main research direction: engineering design software development. Proceedings of the 4th Engineering Construction Computer Application Innovation Forum, Shanghai, 2013.
Proceedings of the 4th Engineering Construction Computer Application Innovation Forum, Shanghai, 2013.
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