Automatic Ductwork Sizing

[Anonymous]

Similar to how Autodesk has provided automatic pipe sizing for the plumbing system, it would be one of the best features added to Building Mechanical to do a simple ductwork friction loss calc, to size duct branches and runs. There are a number of 3rd party programs that do this already (i.e. MeMate HVAC). The program already collects CFM values for diffusers and other mvparts. These could be calculated to the duct run as they collect together and a simple duct size calculation could automatically size the duct run. If you can't beleive this would work, refer to the MeMate HVAC program mentioned above that does it flawlessly, however only draws ductwork in 2d not 3d. This type of feature would make Building Systems far above any other software on the market.

[Anonymous]

If autodesk were to release such a program, they would inherit the liability of sizing it correctly. They would then be legally liable if there were any mistakes, even those made solely by the user. It's a legal nightmare, therefore it will never happen. We'll have to rely on 3rd party software to do this, which, honestly, isn't that far down the line IMO. Plus, doing this puts a lot of people out of work! I'm not sure it'd be too well received... The reason it's ok to do plumbing, is because there is a standard by code (ie legal) sizing criteria. No such criteria exists for ductwork (or mechanical piping)