The construction of BIM-based library for Air Handling Unit using a parametric modeling method

Abstract

The BIM(Building Information Modeling)-based design process can initiatively conduct a task through all phases from early design step to construction and maintenance step and efficiently manage the building's energy by reflecting 3D design and construction life cycle. Recently, the BIM-based design process is being applied in the air-conditioning field. But engineers are struggling to design for AHU(Air Handling Unit) repeatedly because an efficient modeling method for AHU is not generalized. This study progressed to provide a working environment of efficient AHU modeling and library building to engineers. A template model for AHU is made consisted of the same 12 parts using a parametric modeling method for making all AHU model's shapes in a BIM based program(Revit). And after that, engineers choose the model and extract the shape information using a 2D model selection program. The engineers can complete a AHU model through the tasks of importing extracted the shape information to the template model and deleting unnecessary shapes. It is possible to reduce the consumptive AHU redesign through quick and accurate modifications and variations of the parametric model also save the costs and time for AHU design through a design automation of AHU's detailed parts such as Air Filter, Coil, Supply Fan and Return Fan.