Constraint-based adaptation for complex space configuration in building services

In this paper an object-based CAD programming is used to take advantage of standardization to handle the schematic design, sizing and layout planning for ceiling mounted fan coil system in a building ceiling void. In order to deal with more complex geometry and real building size, we have used a hybrid approach combining case-based reasoning and constraint programming techniques. Very often, building services engineers use previous solutions and adapt them to new problems. Case-based reasoning mirrors this practical approach and did help us deal effectively with increasingly complex geometry. Our approach combines automation and interactivity. From the specification of the building 3D BIM model, our software prototype proceeds through four steps. First, the user divides the building into zones, each zone being defined by a geometrical primitive (i.e. rectangle zone, triangle zone, curved zone, etc.). Next, for each zone a similar case is retrieved from the case library. The retrieval process will generate a first incomplete 3D solution containing some inconsistencies. Next, the incomplete solution is adapted, using constraint programming techniques, to provide a consistent solution. Finally, distribution routes (i.e. ducts and pipes) are generated using constraint programming techniques. The 3D fan coil solution can be modified or improved by the designer, while providing further contribution by concentrating on interactivity. The project has been funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in the UK

Parametric-based distribution duct routing generation using constraint-based design approach

In this paper, we present a generative design approach using constraint-based programming to handle the duct routing for ceiling mounted fan coil systems in buildings. This work utilises and builds on the result from previous approach using case-based reasoning and constraint satisfaction problem to deal with the space configuration of complex design problems for ceiling mounted fan coil systems in buildings. In this work, our approach automates the distribution routing using constraint-based approach. Comparatively to previous work, the system we have developed generates parametric-based models where further interactive modification and interaction is made possible for the end user. This approach has been tested in real case scenario working with our industrial partners

Plant Information Modelling, Using Artificial Intelligence, for Process Hazard and Risk Analysis Study

In this research, the application of Artificial Intelligence and knowledge engineering, automation of equipment arrangement design, automation of piping and support design, using machine learning to automate the stress analysis, and finally, using information modelling to shift ‘field weld locating’ activity from the construction to the design phase were investigated. The results of integrating these methods on case studies, to increase the safety in the lifecycle of process plants were analysed and discussed

Modularization of Ship Engine Room Using Design Structure Matrix (DSM) Based on the Genetic Algorithm

Recently, the shipbuilding industry has been able to develop new production methods. These new methods promote design automation in order to produce ships more efficiently. The various production concepts, like block division, modularization and building ships with a standard design are possible solutions for improve production. Engine room design, including the piping system, is a complex process; therefore, modularization of its design is an effective strategy to minimize the complexity of the system. In addition, modularization plays an important role. This process requires a considerable number of man hours. This paper presents a new approach for engine room design based on the modularization concept. The characteristics of the proposed method are as follows: • Attention was paid to all piping systems of ship engine room. The cost and weight of the piping system were considered. • To define an effective module, a design structure matrix was adopted. • In the modularization using DSM, the Genetic algorithm is used to obtain modules by considering some constraints like number of pipe connections and pipe cost. This study discusses the details of the above mentioned methods. In addition, simulation test of design optimization of a several piping systems were carried out to illustrate the design optimization procedure in detail and to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology

Network flow based approaches for the pipelines routing problem in naval design

In this paper we propose a general methodology for the optimal automatic routing of spatial pipelines motivated by a recent collaboration with Ghenova, a leading Naval Engineering company. We provide a minimum cost multicommodity network flow based model for the problem incorporating all the tech- nical requirements for a feasible pipeline routing. A branch-and-cut approach is designed and different matheuristic algorithms are derived for solving efficiently the problem. We report the results of a battery of computational experiments to assess the problem performance as well as a case study of a real-world naval instance provided by our partner company.Ministerio de Ciencia Y Tecnología (MCYT). España PID2020-114594GB-C21European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) US-1256951Junta de Andalucía P18-FR-1422Junta de Andalucía CEI-3-FQM331Junta de Andalucía B-FQM-322-UGR2