Medeek

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_8001493×1058 170 KB 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. All of the assets (furnaces, AC units, heat pumps etc...) will be part of the HVAC plugin and I think will be a great resource for anyone doing any sort of 3D modeling regardless of their platform. I'm basically doing the heavy lifting for you so you don't have to spend countless hours modeling off the shelf parts and products.

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.

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_8001580×945 171 KB 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 dimensionally accurate. Some of the features modeled are my best guesses based on images found online since not everything is specifically 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.

The following toolbar will be added for HVAC Appliances: 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.

Oval, round and rectangular are now up and running:

The next few days will be spent checking and double checking that the transition algorithms are robust and can handle all of the adjustments that get thrown at them. Overall they aren't too complicated, however when you start adding in offsets and rotations things can change very quickly. This morning I started with offsets and size differences for a RECT-RECT transition, which is by far the simplest of all the transition permutations. There are three different duct profiles which then yield six different possible combinations at any given transition, and each one needs to be tested and checked: RECT-RECT RND-RND OVAL-OVAL RECT-RND RECT-OVAL RND-OVAL (The text labels shown are just my temporary debugging markers so that I can track my points) Adding a rotation to a duct segment is probably going to be the worst case scenario in all of this, but I'm sure I can figure it out eventually.

I just watched this video on inserting HVAC ducting: https://www.chiefarchitect.com/videos/watch/10157/creating-hvac-ductwork.html Using moldings for ducting doesn't seem very intuitive to me but it looks like you can cobble something together but it does take working through a lot of menus etc...

I couldn't get the video to load either, the audio is there but no visuals, strange. Anyhow, I can see the framing is all messed up, not sure what is happening there. This isn't a terribly complicated wall so I'm assuming Chief has an answer for it, maybe you somehow misconfigured it? However, you being as experienced a Chief user as you are I kind of doubt that is the issue here. I'm now starting on Transitions and Tees for the Medeek HVAC plugin, this is getting more interesting: If Chief has no specialized system for HVAC or ducting then importing a complete duct network from SketchUp may be a good solution.

With the ability to edit Segments and Nodes we can now create something like this: hvac_su026_8001583×983 210 KB Next I need to add in some common transitions and some common “terminations”.

Those details are stunning. Very nice work. I would say your details are easily on par with anything Nick Sonder puts out and he has been the SketchUp detail king for some years now.

Thank-you for the vote of confidence, it is greatly appreciated. I think most Chief users realize that what I do is simply adding more tools into their already well equipped tool bag that is Chief Architect, Just another resource if needed. I'm not trying to supplant Chief or say that SketchUp is even better, that is not my goal. However, some things are just easier to deal with in SketchUp so why not use the geometry and bring it into Chief as needed. Think of it this way, I don't paint a picture with a pencil and I don't write a letter with a brush. We select the appropriate tool to match the job. I think the down voters are just those very few individuals who feel threatened by what can be done within SketchUp, which is an exceptional 3D modeler. However, rather than feel threatened just realize that SketchUp can potentially augment your experience in Chief, you can up your game to the next level and even save some time in the process. On a slightly different note here are some more screenshots of the new HVAC plugin as I throw the kitchen sink at it:

There will be numerous assets that will be included within this plugin. AC condenser units like the ones shown are a good example of such assets. Note that any asset that is included within my plugin(s) is personally modeled by me and inspected. It has to be free of any stray geometry, a SketchUp solid (or solids), dimensionally accurate and have as low of poly count as possible while still providing a realistic representation.

On a different note I am currently working on a new plugin called "Medeek HVAC" for SketchUp. This one should be interesting. I'm curious if Chief has any tools for working with HVAC systems, primarily with ductwork? The same duct assembly but with different profiles:

I'm not sure exactly what you are describing here, but I can give it some consideration. Please send me a screenshot or two, usually a picture clears things up immediately.