Introduction
CYPEHVAC is a program for designing HVAC systems covering heating, ventilation and air conditioning. This tool is used to design radiators, fan coils, boilers, heat pumps, ducted ventilation networks, heat recovery units, fans and air handling units.
The application can be used to import the necessary information extracted from other Open BIM tools so that both the architectural models and the results of the thermal load analysis can be used in the system design.
Workflows supported by the program
As CYPEHVAC is an Open BIM tool and is connected to the BIMserver.center platform, it offers different workflow options.
Data entry
Free modelling/with templates
- Designing the system using free entry in CYPEHVAC.
- System design in CYPEHVAC based on DXF-DWG, DWF templates or images (.jpeg, .jpg, .bmp, .wmf).
Importing BIM models
If the CYPEHVAC job is linked to a BIM project from the BIMserver.center platform, the following tasks can be carried out:
- Importing the model with the geometry of a building. This generates the floor plan of the building, import the layout of the spaces (the thermal loads can be estimated directly or associated with the thermal load values calculated in stand-alone programs) and allows users to enter the system elements based on the building geometry. The following options are available:
- Importing models designed in CYPE Architecture.
- Importing models designed in IFC Builder.
- Importing models in IFC format with IFC Uploader (generated by CAD/BIM programs such as Allplan, ArchiCAD and others).
- Importing models designed in Autodesk Revit with the Open BIM - Revit Plugin.
- If the architectural model is generated by IFC Builder or CYPE Architecture, users can also import the DXF or DWG templates contained in that model, or the one generated by the program itself (from the building elements entered) when a model is exported to the BIM project.
- Importing the results of programs that can analyse thermal loads so that they can be used in the system design. The available options include the following:
- Importing thermal loads from CYPETHERM LOADS.
- Importing thermal loads from CYPECAD MEP.
- Importing manifolds from programs that can model and design the radiant floor system. Among the options available are the following, which include BIM programs from radiant floor manufacturers:
- Importing manifolds from CYPEHVAC Radiant Floor.
- Importing manifolds from Open BIM GIACOMINI.
- Importing manifolds from Open BIM ORKLI Radiant Floor.
- Importing manifolds from Open BIM POLYTHERM.
- Importing manifolds from Open BIM ROTH.
- Importing manifolds from Open BIM SAUNIER DUVAL.
Data output
- Exporting reports to HTML, DOCX, PDF, RTF and TXT formats.
- Exporting drawings to DXF, DWG and PDF formats.
- Exporting the bill of quantities to FIEBDC-3 format.
- Exporting the information generated with CYPEHVAC to the BIMserver.center platform using IFC and glTF formats. This allows it to be viewed by authorised project participants.
Work environment
The CYPEHVAC interface is divided into two tabs with different work environments: "Installation" and "Bill of quantities". These environments are similar to those in other CYPE tools and have a dockable window system that can be customised to adapt the workspace to the project's needs.
"Installation" tab
The "Installation" tab has a work environment that allows the system design to be carried out quickly and easily, both in a 3D view and in any type of 2D view (such as floor plans and elevations). This allows the elements in the system to be entered using the most appropriate view at any given time.
This tab displays the following:
- The top toolbar contains the tools for managing the project options; entering and editing the elements of the water-air conditioning systems, water-cooled system, air-source heat pump system and water production air conditioning systems; entering direct expansion systems; entering the elements for the air distribution system; and analysing, checking and designing the system.
- The work area, on the right side of the screen, is where the aforementioned elements are entered, edited and displayed.
- On the left-hand side are several panels with tools for defining the project views and managing the visibility of the elements read and own elements.
"Bill of quantities" tab
On the other hand, the "Bill of quantities" tab is used to manage the quantities and cost estimations of the installation, and displays the following:
- A top toolbar containing tools for creating and editing bills of quantities, as well as tools for managing and creating reports.
- A graphic window with its own toolbar, located on the right-hand side, where the different elements of the job can be viewed.
- A specific area for structuring the bill of quantities, on the left-hand side.
Entering condensing circuit elements
In the "Installation" tab, in the "Condensation" group of the main toolbar, the following elements can be defined and entered:
These elements are used to integrate the design of condensation circuits for water-to-water heat pumps. Based on their power and performance data, the program calculates the thermal power in the external heat exchanger of the heat pumps and allows the hydraulic circuit to be defined down to the equipment responsible for dissipating this power.
Generation equipment of the condensing circuit
Enters a condensing circuit generation unit. This unit represents a heat source, such as a geothermal collector field.
When entering a generating set, the following parameters must be specified:
- Reference
- Design conditions
- Supply temperature (Cooling (optional) / Heating (optional))
- Temperature drop (Cooling (optional) / Heating (optional))
- Pressure loss (Cooling (optional) / Heating (optional))
- Capacity
Cooling tower
Enters cooling towers.
When entering a cooling tower, the following parameters must be specified:
- Reference
- Design conditions
- Supply temperature
- Temperature drop
- Pressure loss
- Capacity
- Dimensions
- Height
- Width
- Length
Entering ducts (air distribution)
In the "Installation" tab, in the "Air distribution" group of the main toolbar, there are options for entering the air duct sections in the system:
Rigid duct / Semi-flexible duct / Flexible duct
These options allow the insertion of rigid, semi-flexible and flexible air ducts, respectively.
When entering a duct, the following parameters must be specified:
- Reference
- Type of duct
- Rectangular, custom (only for “Rigid ducts”) / Rectangular section / Circular section
- Catalogue selection
- Catalogue
- Material
- Selection
- Duct dimensions
- Width x Height (only for “Rectangular, custom”)
Data can be selected and imported from the "Manufacturer catalogues" or the "Library of generic elements" using the assistant available on the right-hand side of the program.
Library of generic elements
In the "Library of generic elements" option, in the "Project" group, generic duct libraries can be created and edited.
The data associated with each type of duct, regardless of whether they are rigid, semi-flexible or flexible, is as follows:
- Reference
- Description
- Roughness coefficient
- Rectangular ducts, custom
- Reference
- Thickness
- Rectangular ducts
- Reference
- Height
- Width
- Thickness
- Circular ducts
- Reference
- Diameter
- Thickness
Duct ends must be connected to other ducts, or ventilation unit or air terminal must be incorporated into the ducts.
If the entire ductwork system has terminal elements and is closed at all ends except one, a "Initial point of the duct pre-installation" must be provided at that end (available in the "Equipment" menu of the "Air distribution" group) so that the program interprets this situation and does not require the addition of a supply air machine.
In the design process, the program analyses the layout and connections of the installation. It categorises the ducts as "Supply air (SUP)" (blue), "Discharge air (EHA)" (red), "Exhaust air (ETA)" (yellow) or "Outdoor air (ODA)" (green) and displays them with the colour that determines their category. This category can also be seen in the information text that appears when hovering over each duct.
Integration into the BIMserver.center platform
Many of CYPE's programs are connected to the BIMserver.center platform and allow collaborative work to be carried out via the exchange of files in formats based on open standards.
Please note that, to work on BIMserver.center, users can register on the platform free of charge and create a profile.
When accessing a program connected to the platform, the program connects to a project in BIMserver.center. This way, the files of the projects that have been developed collaboratively in BIMserver.center are kept up to date.
Licenses and related modules
CYPE programs are activated via electronic licenses which may contain one or more modules. The list of modules compatible with each program may vary depending on the product purchased and the type of license.
To consult the list of modules compatible with this program, go to "CYPE program modules".
Please note that the list of modules available in the license will depend on the product purchased.
