Rule-based generation of HVAC duct routing

• Published in: Automation in construction 2022-07, Vol.139, p.104264, Article 104264
• Main Authors: Chen, Zhisen, Guan, Hang, Yuan, Xiaolei, Xie, Tian, Xu, Peng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; Automation; Construction costs; Diffusers; Duct routing; Ducts; Fast resistance calculation; Human error; Obstacle avoidance; Optimization; Traversal algorithm
• ISSN: 0926-5805; 1872-7891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104264

Traditional manual duct design can result in fan energy waste due to ducts network imbalance and human design error. This paper aims to develop an automated duct routing method, which is able to connect air diffusers across space with the consideration of duct pressure balance, construction obstacles, air resistance reduction and minimising construction costs. Treating air diffusers as nodal connections of a graph, the method uses a rule-based traversal algorithm (RBTA) and a fast resistance calculation model (FRCM) to generate the duct network. The methodology is tested on six different building layouts for the automatic design of ducts in a room and the results meet designer's requirements. Compared with the traditional manually designed duct network, the new duct network is more balanced and costs less. The automated approach cuts design time by more than ten folds and avoid human mistake and error in the traditional design process. •Manual duct routing design based on experience causes substantial economic losses.•Existing routing algorithms are not applicable to air diffuser connections.•Rule-based traversal algorithm quickly calculates project-applicable duct routings.•Fast resistance calculation combines multiple objectives of concern to engineers.•The optimal duct routings can be generated automatically.