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    Medeek HVAC

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    • medeekM Offline
      medeek
      last edited by

      The Medeek HVAC icons shall be:

      HVAC_PLUGIN_ICON.png HVAC_PLUGIN_ICON_FILLED.png

      Maybe a little boring but sometimes I think simple is better.

      mdkplghvac_512.png

      Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
      Medeek Engineering Inc
      design.medeek.com

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      • medeekM Offline
        medeek
        last edited by

        Juju had no idea what he was starting in 2015 when he asked me if the Truss plugin would become a bona fide extension…

        hvac_su001_800.jpg

        Thanks to him I am now starting on my seventh “bona fide” extension.

        Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
        Medeek Engineering Inc
        design.medeek.com

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        • medeekM Offline
          medeek
          last edited by

          First look at the main assembly edit menu:

          hvac_su014_800.jpg

          It seems like these menus always start off simple but then get overloaded with parameters. I will do my best to keep it simple but feature requests will ultimately dictate what form it evolves to.

          Rectangular duct appears to be working as far as corners that “bend”. I’ve still need to add in round and oval ducting, both of which should not be too much more difficult than square or rectangular ducting.

          A few more editing tools to add (ie. segments, nodes, edge editing etc…). My youngest soon suggested that I also include a copy or eye drop tool similar to what is in the Wall plugin. I think this makes sense since it will be quite tedious to edit a bunch of segments or nodes and have to update them all separately.

          I think it might also be useful to create a tool(s)which allows one to join or split an assembly into different assemblies.

          After that I need to start adding in options for the nodes (ie. registers, boots, transitions etc…)

          When creating a new duct assembly from a bunch of edges currently one has to select each edge by clicking on it. I think it need to update the tool so that one can drag a window and select the edges this way if desired. I’ve actually never programmed a “window selector” in any of my tools thus far so that should be interesting and maybe a little challenging.

          Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
          Medeek Engineering Inc
          design.medeek.com

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          • medeekM Offline
            medeek
            last edited by

            The same duct assembly switched to round and oval profiles:

            hvac_su015_800.jpg hvac_su016_800.jpg hvac_su017_800.jpg

            I don’t really see any other duct profiles being used than these three (Round, Rectangular, Oval).

            In the next week I will be adding the “Edit Segment” and “Edit Node” menus/tools. Once those are complete I will need some beta testers to provide feedback and feature suggestions. If you are interested and can provide high quality feedback then I would be willing to issue you a license. Please be aware that this plugin is in no way ready for a production environment. I still need to clean up the global settings (borrowed from the Floor plugin) and a number of tools are still needing to be added.

            Please email me (nathan@medeek.com) if you are interested. I probably will only issue about 10 licenses for BETA testers, I don’t want too many voices at this point. My preference is that you are familiar with HVAC and you do some of this modeling within SketchUp.

            Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
            Medeek Engineering Inc
            design.medeek.com

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
            • medeekM Offline
              medeek
              last edited by

              I’m debating whether to model the collar as shown. It does make the fitting more realistic but it does add some volume to the overall solid, which may affect my volume calcs if needed. I suppose I could figure out a clever way to calculate this out of the volume if it ever becomes an issue.

              Thoughts?

              Here is the start of the “boot” library:

              4", 5", 6", 7", 8"

              The naming convention is:

              BOOT90_4X10X6_2

              The last number indicates the vertical rise of the register box.

              I think I have a enough now to start testing the component insertion logic.

              hvac_su027_800.jpg hvac_su028_800.jpg hvac_su029_800.jpg hvac_su030_800.jpg hvac_su031_800.jpg

              Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
              Medeek Engineering Inc
              design.medeek.com

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              • gullfoG Offline
                gullfo
                last edited by

                simpler is better for the model. same when you get to things like decoupled collars, etc where it is possible to get crazy with geometry whereas i think most would be interested in a) good models w/ schematic options in wireframe mode, b) fairly accurate calculations/stats on flow and frictions, and c) parts list...

                Glenn

                http://www.runnel.com

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                • medeekM Offline
                  medeek
                  last edited by

                  Oval, round and rectangular are now up and running:

                  hvac_su040_800.jpg hvac_su041_800.jpg hvac_su042_800.jpg

                  Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
                  Medeek Engineering Inc
                  design.medeek.com

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                  • medeekM Offline
                    medeek
                    last edited by

                    The following toolbar will be added for HVAC Appliances:

                    hvac_app_su_menu_active.jpg

                    The HVAC Appliance tool will be for adding AC units, furnaces, fans, VAV’s, boilers etc… Essentially any preconfigured HVAC equipment that is not duct work.

                    The will be simple stand alone assemblies that one can reposition using the native tools.

                    Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
                    Medeek Engineering Inc
                    design.medeek.com

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                    • medeekM Offline
                      medeek
                      last edited by

                      I’ve added a manufacturer parameter to the appliances menus since the number of part numbers is going to be so large I think it only makes sense to break these drop down boxes up a bit by “type” and “manufacturer”. There will also be a “generic” option for those parts/appliances that do not have a manufacturer’s logo affixed.

                      hvac_su049_800.jpg

                      Modeling these various HVAC appliances is a bit tedious since I first have to find somewhat detailed literature or documentation so I can at least get them mostly dimensionally accurate. Some of the features modeled are my best guesses based on images found online since not everything is dimensioned within the manufacturer’s documentation.

                      I also try to keep the models fairly low poly but typically there is not more than one or two of these appliances within a given model (for residential projects), so I am not as concerned as I am with HVAC fittings.

                      Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
                      Medeek Engineering Inc
                      design.medeek.com

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                      • gullfoG Offline
                        gullfo
                        last edited by gullfo

                        might be useful to have a dialog option to enable users to add basic info - select type, enter model #, H-W-D, and/or maybe select similar product type and re-size to "simulate" pending adding an actual model.

                        i know for me, given space constraints on uiltity rooms in recording studios, having the equipment sized correctly (as simple boxes) is much more important than the detailed looks when configuring the approximate systems layout for the engineers to refine later.

                        Glenn

                        http://www.runnel.com

                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                        • medeekM Offline
                          medeek
                          last edited by medeek

                          Version 0.9.0 - 07.10.2025

                          • Created the Medeek HVAC Plugin, utilizing SketchUp's Ruby API.
                          • Added tools to create ductwork, fittings, and HVAC appliances (AC, furnaces, and heat pumps).

                          The BETA version is out, you can now download the trial version here:

                          http://design.medeek.com/calculator/sketchup/medeek_hvac_ext.rbz

                          Please be advised this is the very first release of the extension and there will be many fires to put out.

                          Tutorial 1 - Extension Overview (20.18 min.)

                          Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
                          Medeek Engineering Inc
                          design.medeek.com

                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                          • gullfoG Offline
                            gullfo
                            last edited by

                            the smooth curved units need "0" ends to meet flush to straight legs. meaning one more beginning and end arc segment. in my example using 8" and a tight 90° it becomes apparent. the ovla and round duct joins on perpendicular ducts looks good, the rectangules ones (as you've shown) still need some love to get to meeting flush. 🙂 overall a good start!

                            image.png

                            Glenn

                            http://www.runnel.com

                            medeekM 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • gullfoG Offline
                              gullfo
                              last edited by

                              here's my DC components i typically use - not as smooth but the idea of the flushing to ends...
                              example DC units.skp

                              Glenn

                              http://www.runnel.com

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                              • medeekM Offline
                                medeek
                                last edited by

                                After three weeks of non-stop coding I needed a break so I spent the day at the track (walking, I’m too old to run anymore) and then spent the evening digging up docs on Bryant furnaces. Surprisingly the dimensional data is quite accurate and thorough, here is the result:

                                hvac_su050_800.jpg

                                Six actual models added, but really there are only three sizes (17.5, 21, 24).

                                I’ve been giving the calculations more thought and if I am able to incorporate that into the plugin then the BTUs, and other specs on these furnaces will also come in handy. I will probably need to create some sort of database or flat text file that has all the pertinent data on each furnace and the ability for the user to enter in custom furnaces and other appliances.

                                I always find that doing some low level modeling has an almost therapeutic effect. Maybe SketchUp is just such an fun to use and intuitive modeling environment, either way I find it to be a great way to relax and unwind.

                                Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
                                Medeek Engineering Inc
                                design.medeek.com

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                                • medeekM Offline
                                  medeek @gullfo
                                  last edited by

                                  @gullfo I guess I'm not quite understanding which duct type is the problem. Can you send me your SketchUp file so I can further analyze it.

                                  Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
                                  Medeek Engineering Inc
                                  design.medeek.com

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                                  • gullfoG Offline
                                    gullfo
                                    last edited by

                                    see attached
                                    example medeek hvac.skp

                                    Glenn

                                    http://www.runnel.com

                                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • medeekM Offline
                                      medeek
                                      last edited by

                                      Version 0.9.1 - 07.29.2025

                                      • Updated the draw and edit menus for HVAC appliances.
                                      • Added the following brands and associated models into the HVAC appliance built-in library: Bryant, Rheem

                                      hvac_su052_800.jpg

                                      Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
                                      Medeek Engineering Inc
                                      design.medeek.com

                                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                      • medeekM Offline
                                        medeek
                                        last edited by

                                        To help with the uptake of this new plugin I will running a promotion for the month of August and September (Aug. 10, 2025 - Sep. 30, 205). If you purchase the mdkBIM bundle both the Medeek HVAC and Medeek Electrical licenses will be included at no additional charge ($120.00 value). Each of those licenses will also be permanent licenses.

                                        However this is not automatic, you must email me within 30 days after purchasing the mdkBIM bundle requesting the two additional licenses and I will then issue them manually. They then will become accessible with the Medeek Account Manager the same as your other licenses.

                                        I am only posting this notification on the SketchUp forum and the Sketchucation board.

                                        Nathaniel P. Wilkerson PE
                                        Medeek Engineering Inc
                                        design.medeek.com

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