Design methodology for integrating multipath systems (building services)
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
ISSN: 1726-0531
Article publication date: 30 September 2014
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on a geometrical integration methodology that can be used to organise some types of these systems. Most multipath delivery systems, such as Building Services (BSs), are arbitrarily distributed with no known solution to reduce the complexity in the way channels are arranged.
Design/methodology/approach
Integration for optimal functionality through reduction of geometrical complexity is achieved by understanding the elements of complexity within current practices; identifying commonalities between the various components which can be used for integration; performing an axiomatic design to resolve design complications; adopting theory of inventive problem-solving for methodology and process development towards optimal functionality; and generating a mathematical solution to inform digital modelling of optimal design. The study takes into account thermophysical and electromagnetic interactions between utilities and uses novel mathematical manipulations based on designing a manifold of spherical and cylindrical geometries joined using Bezier surfaces.
Findings
Once a solution was reached, computer-aided design (CAD) iterations were undertaken for channelling six BSs into a single unit. The outcome was concentric cylindrical–spherical shells superimposed with spacings of typically few millimetres to deliver/distribute the utilities. It is applied to bring together BSs into a single trunking system at minimal, yet appropriate, proximal distances, and it allows distribution of any number of services in any direction. Physical prototypes were produced and initial testing of their performance (reported elsewhere) has been encouraging.
Originality/value
A design methodology for integrating arbitrary distributed paths/conduits. The approach could be incorporated into CAD tools as a design feature to facilitate integration of multipath delivery systems.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work has been undertaken as a component within the I3CON Integrated Project that has been partially funded by the European Commission (EC) under its Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the EC and the contributions of all the partners in the project.
Citation
Fouchal, F., M. Hassan, T. and L. Loveday, D. (2014), "Design methodology for integrating multipath systems (building services)", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 12 No. 4, pp. 491-506. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-09-2011-0057
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited