Heat Pump PlanAR combines several stages of the planning and installation process in a single tool. It was developed within the WESPE joint project, led by the German plumbing, heating and air-conditioning trade association (ZVSHK). After scanning the boiler room in 3D with a tablet, installers select a system layout from a database.
The software automatically positions the main components and calculates a cost-optimised pipework layout. Installers can view the configuration in augmented reality on site and adjust it by hand, and later changes can be made from the desk in a virtual-reality view. The app exports a bill of materials along with the estimated installation time.
Software providers can license the app, or individual parts of it, for integration and further development. Functions such as optimising component positions and automatically routing pipework are also available as a licensable web service. (nhp)
Find out more at Fraunhofer ISE
