Retrofitting new technical systems into an existing building can be tricky. CTRL Reality, a Finnish AR\/VR application development company, is completing an experimentation project demonstrating how HVAC design and installation are easier and cost-efficient with the help of virtual reality.<\/p>\n Recently, CTRL Reality<\/a> joined forces with the Naavatar industry group, which provides smart, low-temperature pipe network and heat recovery systems for buildings. The group has six members: Alfa Laval, Energianhallinta, Hydrocell, Oilon, Kolmeks, and Siemens. In June 2017, they started with CTRL Reality a government-supported KIRA-digi<\/a> experimentation project on the use of VR in retrofitting Naavatar HVAC systems.<\/p>\n Replacing an old heating system with an advanced one is not straightforward, despite the energy-saving and environmental benefits. For example, building owners are not sure if all the necessary pipes and components will fit in their existing distribution room.<\/p>\n Mechanics installing the new system are not confident, either. Due to the uncertainties, they add a risk premium on the installation price and reserve excessive inventory of materials for the project. Once the system is in place, the people who will maintain the heating system need training and guidance.<\/p>\n Lehtonen believes that its VR app can solve the problems: \u201cInstead of imagining or guessing how all the components should be installed, we can visualize it with actual dimensions in VR. E.g., with photogrammetry, we model the existing room in 3D, remove the old equipment from the model, and retain all the necessary features like walls, doors, platforms, and connection points.\u201d<\/p>\n With an accurate model, the designer can start creating the new system in 3D, standing inside the virtual distribution room. Previously, an experienced designer would have only done this mentally, as Lehtonen has learned.<\/p>\n \u201cVR is more than just seeing; it\u2019s about experiencing the space immersively,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Now, it is easy to see how all the pipes and components fit perfectly and if enough space is available to operate and maintain the equipment. There is not a risk of designing intersecting pipes, as can happen if you draw in 2D. In addition, you can see if the doors are wide enough for bringing in the devices.<\/p>\n \u201cVR has been used to visualize a completed design. What makes our solution unique is that design happens in the real space,\u201d Lehtonen pointed out. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to fix errors on the site, which can be expensive, especially if you have to take apart something that you\u2019ve already installed.\u201d<\/p>\n Using an accurate model also saves costs during construction. The software outputs a precise bill of materials, so waste is minimized. Installation is fast as it has already been figured out in the virtual model. The mechanic gets the virtual model and traditional drawings, but also 360-degree photos and videos of the model that can be viewed on a mobile device.<\/p>\n The Naavatar group vendors have 3D models of their equipment, and the models make up the design library for CTRL Reality\u2019s app. The designer draws the pipework \u201cin the air\u201d using a selection of pipes of varying dimensions and insulation.<\/p>\n \u201cOur software is not a full-blown BIM application. It is a VR app for designing a specific system in an existing space,\u201d Lehtonen reminded.<\/p>\n For maintenance training, CTRL Reality can either record videos of the model or let a virtual coach show how it is done. Vendors include maintenance and operational instructions in the model. In the future, it will be possible to display real-time IoT data on the model, as the company has already done in industrial applications.<\/p>\n \u201cWithout KIRA-digi, this project would not have materialized,\u201d said Lehtonen. \u201cOnce the experimentation is completed in October of 2018, we intend to start selling the software and the supporting cloud service to designers, hardware vendors, and contractors. Our solution has already created buzz internationally, especially in Denmark where we have a sales representative.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Teijo](\"https:\/\/aec-business.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/teijo-lehtonen-427x640.jpg\")
\u201cWe did research on the business use of virtual and augmented reality for five years at the University of Turku before starting up our company a year ago,\u201d said CEO Teijo Lehtonen<\/strong>. \u201cWe\u2019re focused on industrial and cultural travel applications.\u201d<\/p>\nDesign in VR Solves Practical Problems<\/h2>\n
![\"VR](\"https:\/\/aec-business.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/vr-hvac.jpg\")
<\/p>\nConcrete Benefits<\/h2>\n
Meet CTRL Reality at WDBE 2018<\/h3>\n
![\"WDBE](\"https:\/\/aecbusiness-41f4.kxcdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/WDBE-2018-logo.jpg\"){kind=logo}
Meet CTRL Reality at\u00a0World Summit on Digital Built Environment WDBE 2018,<\/a>\u00a0an event that will showcase a unique portfolio of ideas, projects, and businesses from the digital forefront of design, construction, property and real estate. The event takes place in Helsinki, Finland, on September 11-12, 2018.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n