Automatic HVAC Topology Generation Using BIM Geometry Checking and Knowledge Graph Technologies

Abstract: Developing digital twins of buildings can enhance the design process and streamline operational management. This study presents an automated framework designed to establish HVAC topologies of buildings using IFC-BIM data inputs. It achieves this by detecting geometric relationships among HVAC elements and generating a knowledge graph that captures their interconnections. A case study involving a recently constructed building in the UK was conducted to validate this framework. The resulting HVAC topology was compared against design drawings to identify any disparities, demonstrating the workflow’s efficacy. This framework shows promising potential and generalization ability for application in various types of buildings.