Revit Systems 2 offers flexibility for HVAC design

HVAC designers needed flexibility in routing their schematic layout when using Revit Systems and Autodesk has responded to their needs. In Revit Systems 2 you can adjust your schematic layout to route duct work around obstacles to easily avoid interference.

(Click on all images for an expanded view)

In the design bar area select mechanical equipment button and place a VAV box.

After placing a VAV box, adjust the offset or height of the VAV box by selecting the properties button on the options bar. Select OK and close that box.

We have a trunk line that we will tap into the air handling unit. Place your cursor over the rear connector and right mouse click. By doing this you�ll get a shortcut menu which will allow you to choose what type of duct you want to make that connection.

Draw your duct work and make the connection with the main supply duct.

In the design bar area select air terminal button and place your air terminals in the room.

Adjust the offset or height of the air terminals and adjust the CFM of the air terminals through the properties box. Select OK and close that box.

Select one of the diffusers and pick "create air supply system" from the options bar area near the top of the screen.

Now, select the edit system button from the options bar near the top of the screen which will change the options you can choose from in the design bar area. From this area select the "add to system" button.

Choose one of the diffusers as I�ve done here.

Before going on, make sure that the multiples button in the options bar is checked.

Now select all of the other diffusers that you want to add to the system, as seen here. Next, select the finish button in the options bar.

Now, select the equipment button in the design bar area. Then select the VAV box we add outside the meeting room..

A dialog box will open which will give you a choice of what type of connection you�d like to make coming off the VAV box. Choose your connection type and select OK. Finally, select the finish system button in the design bar area.

Now hold your cursor over one of the diffusers and select the tab key twice on your keyboard to route the connection through the VAV box.

Next, select the layout path button on the options bar and the option in the bar area and the design bar area will change, giving you new choices to select from.

You�ll notice in the options bar area I have six routing solutions for our duct work. Pick the forward arrow button to cycle through the routing solution that satisfies your layout, or that comes close to what you need, as I will still modify my layout before I size my duct work.

Select the settings button in the options bar and the duct settings conversion dialog box will open. Adjust the main duct offset as needed.

Now, select the branch option so it�s highlighted as seen in blue area of the dialog box and adjust branch offset as needed. You may also adjust the length of the flex duct if you decide to use flex duct.

Select OK.

Now select the modify button in the design bar area, then you can adjust the layout path.

Choose the sketch line you wish to modify by moving it.

Now you see your line highlighted, and when you place your cursor over that line you�ll see the "move" icon.

After adjusting the layout by moving the schematic line parallel to the direction it was drawn, select the "finish layout" button in the design bar area and you're finished.