Virtual reality would be easy to apply in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. Kolmeks Oy is developing a virtual reality tool that will ease the design, contracting and deployment of HVAC systems.

What kind of problem is this project trying to solve?

The HVAC industry is a sector that could benefit from the use of virtual reality in the design of premises. By scanning an existing space and converting the images into virtual reality, we can easily test where heat pumps and back boilers, for instance, could be placed.

Besides facilitating HVAC design, virtual reality could also ease contracting and the deployment of new systems. It could also become an aid in the training of professionals for the field.

A virtual reality tool could also reduce the loss of materials and make it easier to carry out a contract within the agreed timetable. Moreover, staff using a HVAC system could be trained with a virtual reality tool before the system is completed.

Clients who order systems would benefit, too, as a virtual reality tool could be used to demonstrate the system to the client before the design stage. This helps the client to make the investment decision.

Objective: creating a virtual reality tool to aid design

The project’s objective is to create a virtual reality tool called Naavatar, which can be used to design a low-temperature ring network and a heat recovery system for exhaust air.

In practical terms, the project will define the virtual reality tool’s properties and functioning and develop the tool itself. The project started with the preparation of a demo version which was used to determine the key features required of the application. These features were then created and new features were determined on their basis.

The development work was based on a model of a heat distribution room on a pilot site for rental housing located in Kaarina. A new heat recovery and ring line system was designed for the space using the virtual reality tool.

CTRL Reality Oy has further developed the virtual reality tool, and the staff of the companies in the Naavatar group have served as experts in determining and testing its features. Additionally, the companies in the Naavatar group have provided 3D models of their own equipment to serve as a basis for design.

Who benefits?

Contact information

Vesa Pyhtilä, Project Coordinator for the experimental project, Kolmeks
Tel: +358 400 930 384
Email: vesa.pyhtila(at)kolmeks.fi