
What's New
New Features in the liNear Software
Explore the new Features
Here you will find all new features from version 20.2 onwards. We will update the list of features released with each update (Feature Packs). Additional information about new features can be found in our help, which you can access directly via the liNear Control Board.
Note: Most of the new features is only available to our subscription customers.
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New classification manager for IFC and cost groups
With the help of the new classification manager, you have the option of structuring model contents on the basis of different aspects and implementing uniform classification standards throughout the project. For example, you can clearly assign all components of the Revit category "mechanical equipment" to classes according to IFC 4.1 or IFC 2x3 and thus significantly improve the quality of your IFC export. However, your own classification systems are also possible.
Furthermore, this function offers the possibility to assign cost groups to components and to export them grouped. Classification schemes for IFC 4.1 and IFC 2x3 as well as for the cost groups according to DIN 276, ÖNORM B1801-1 and SN 506 511 (eBKP) are already supplied by liNear.
A simple and quick classification is possible via the illustrated dialog. A lot of time and effort is saved by the automated classification of network components in combination with the liNear network calculations. By pressing the proposal function (magic stick button), the program already suggests the appropriate classes, which you can accept but of course also assign manually.
The classification manager can be found in the liNear ribbon in the interoperability area.
Supply pipes for panel heating / cooling and simplified display of the circles
When laying heating or cooling circuits, you now have the choice of whether the circuits are to be displayed in detail or in simplified form. In the simplified representation, a generic family without room-filling routing is used for each circle. This gives you the ability to specify the connections in rooms with multiple circuits and connect them to a manifold without having to worry about detailed routing of the supply pipes within the room. Using a single Revit family instead of individual routing can also help to improve the performance on large projects.
The panel heating / cooling control elements, including supply pipes and the assignment of circuits to distribution connections, can then be transferred to liNear Building using the Update function. During the transfer, the construction areas, the systems, the laying patterns and the installation distances are transferred. In the case of supply pipes that pass through several rooms, the room allocation of the supply pipes is also correctly taken into account for the purpose of heat balance. In later design phases with higher detail requirements (LOD), the simplified representation can be converted into a detailed circular representation at the push of a button.
Consideration of Revit groups
You can now also use Revit groups in the potable water calculation. Particularly in projects with a high degree of prefabrication, Revit groups can show their advantages. By taking them correctly into account in the calculation, you can now specify dimensions and configurations of an entire group of components in order to use them several times in identical form. For this purpose, an option has been added to the configuration dialog. If this is active, the drawn dimensions within groups are taken over, fixed and no longer changed during the dimensioning. This is also taken into account during redimensioning by the command Adjust nominal diameters: the pipes within the groups remain unchanged in the model and the groups thus remain identical. If the option is inactive, the network is calculated and dimensioned as before.
Extension of zoning for MEP spaces
A filter for displaying rooms has been added to the Zoning section. By entering a search term, only those rooms are displayed whose name contains this search term. This makes zoning based on room names much faster, especially in large projects. For example, if you filter by "Office", only rooms with "Office" in their name will appear in the tree view, which can then be selected contiguously and assigned to a zone. For rooms that have already been assigned to a zone, the zone is now additionally displayed behind the room name for information purposes.
The new filter allows you to quickly find or select rooms in the project, e.g. to check or adjust the zoning. After deleting the search term from the input field, all rooms are displayed again.
New label for MEP spaces
In the liNear template, a new label is now set by default for MEP spaces. In addition to name and number, this label contains the target temperatures taken over from liNear Building as well as the calculated heating and cooling loads. You can choose whether the data is displayed for heating, cooling or both. Prerequisite for the display of the data is the previous transfer of the values from liNear Building.
Enhancement of data transfer from architecture rooms
Any text parameters for room name or number can now be transferred to MEP spaces using the Data Transfer from Architecture Rooms function. You determine which values are to be used by specifying the parameter names in curly braces. Afterwards, these values are transferred from the associated architecture room or, in case of an IFC file, from the IfcSpaces into the room names and numbers of the MEP spaces.
Extended handling of disciplines
The liNear Control Board now allows you to create your own disciplines by copying an existing one and creating or assigning the associated systems for pipes or ducts in the "System Classes" dialog. This allows disciplines to be customized to your needs and eliminates the misunderstanding use of existing system classes as "alias system class".
In addition, disciplines can now be easily disabled for display in the Control Board. This increases clarity when working in only a few disciplines.
New command for placing flange connections
Within the workflow of Construction Design in the liNear Control Board you will now find a function for placing flange connections. You can position flanges at pipe ends, at pipe accessories or as pipe separations, whereby the dimension of the flanges is of course automatically adjusted to the nominal diameter of the pipes.
This significantly improves a key limitation of Revit when dealing with flanges in pipe systems.
New command for the assignment of position numbers
Also in the workflow of Construction Design in the liNear Control Board, there is now a new function for assigning position numbers. Using this function, you can quickly and easily assign position numbers to each component for up to three different use cases. You can prefix and postfix the numbers as well as use sub-number ranges (such as 100.2 or 96.c).
The options in the dialog allow you, among other things, to influence the order of automatic number assignment and to specify whether identical components should also receive identical item numbers. Finally, you can use the Check button to identify which components are not yet positioned in the project.
Command for section/delivery lengths moved in the control board
Due to the logical assignment to the workflow Construction Design, the command for dividing pipes and ducts into section or delivery lengths is now centrally available there. As a result, this command has been removed from the design area of the individual disciplines.
More logic in the creation of rectangular duct transitions
The families for transition fittings from a rectangular to a rectangular, round or oval duct using the neutral liNear ducts have been revised. A minimum length based on a maximum angle is now considered for the transitions. The length of the transitions then results either from the minimum length or from the entered length (l) if this value is greater. Avoiding very short transitions with extreme angles leads to significantly lower pressure losses in your design.
Adjusting nominal diameters for partial networks
The Adjust nominal diameters function can now be done on a section of a network, analogous to our solutions on AutoCAD. When you click on the function, you can select whether the adjustment should be applied to the entire calculated network or only to a selected part of it. Especially for very large projects, this also has a performance advantage, since you no longer have to redimension the entire network when considering only parts of it and work section by section.
Replacing all components of a type from the liNear CAD Browser
Latest at the moment of construction design and the associated increase in LOD, the requirement arises to replace neutral components with real manufacturer components. To significantly speed up this process in Revit, there is now the Replace all function in the liNear CAD Browser.
After activating the command, you select a component in Revit and the program determines all components of the family in the model with the same dimension in order to replace them in one step with the selected component from the CAD Browser. Of course you still have the option of individual replacement via the Replace command.
Multiple Placement of Parts from CAD Browser
The Place and Replace functions in the CAD Browser have been improved and now allow you to insert the selected part several times in the model without having to restart the command. Thus the command remains active and can be ended with the ESC-key after inserting the last part.
Calculation of 6-way valves
Especially in combination with ceiling heating or cooling systems, 6-way valves are increasingly used. These can now also be calculated within the pipe network calculation. With these valves, you build your systems exactly as in reality, and can then calculate both the heating side and the cooling side.
For this purpose, neutral and also manufacturer-specific 6-way valves are available. The desired valve data can be assigned to the components via the Valve preselection dialog. You can choose between valves with and without a flow control. So that the sections downstream of the 6-way valve can be detected and calculated by both disciplines, the system classes (Revit) or media (AutoCAD) heating/cooling supply water and heating/cooling return water have been added.
Renaming components
In response to many customer requests, the option of individual renaming has now been implemented for all components in pipe networks. This means that you can now assign your own descriptions to each component via the components dialog. These are then used both for the calculation dialog and in the parts lists. A reset button next to the input field can be used to reset the name to the original, automatically assigned one at any time.
Calculation of simultaneity of dwelling stations according to VDI 2078
For the calculation of simultaneity of fresh water and dwelling stations in the heating pipe network, the procedure according to VDI 2078 has been supplemented. This can be found in addition to all existing calculation procedures in the dialog Dwelling and decentralized fresh water stations.
Calculation of the tap rate of home stations based on DIN 4708 or VDI 6003
Within the Assistant for Fresh Water and dwelling stations, the calculation of the tap rate based on DIN 4708 or VDI 6003 has been integrated in the Potable Water Requirements dialog.
This now gives you the opportunity to determine a standard-compliant tap rate for the selection of a suitable dwelling or fresh water station before designing the potable water network.
VDI 6003 for the determination of the ejection times
The calculation of the ejection times has been extended by the procedure according to VDI 6003. Here you define the required comfort level in the configuration and the program checks for each consumer, depending on its type (washbasin, shower, etc.), the compliance with the required temperature and time.
Support of a priority circuit for potable hot water tanks
For the optimization of heating systems, the priority circuit for the heating of potable hot water tanks has now been implemented in Analyse Heating.
By using such a circuit, the heat supply to the radiators is "interrupted" during the heating phase of the hot water tank. The pipes from the boiler to the switching valve of the priority circuit are dimensioned for the respective larger mass flow (usually for the Potable water heating) instead of using the sum of both mass flows.
Extension of the IFC export – exclusion of systems
By definition, IFC files contain not only the definitions of all individual components but also information about the related systems.
Since the output of systems has led to problems during the IFC import of some external programs, you can now optionally deactivate them for the export.
Note: However, we still recommend the IFC export including the systems (IfcSystem) in order to be able to show and hide them with all their components in receiving platforms as well as to simplify navigation. For example, it is thus possible to view only the "supply air" within the IFC. Only in the case of a problem, deactivating would be a way to overcome deficits in the IFC import on the opposite side.
New functions when drawing supply pipes in panel heating
When drawing the supply pipes of panel heating systems, the function "End (+manifold port)" is now available in the context menu in addition to "End".
Analogous to the previous function, this command ends the supply pipes at the last selected point, but adds a "pipe extension" of the supply and return to the manifold.
Especially in case of complex pipe runs, this facilitates the pipe routing in the wall. Previously, only the last section was routed vertically upwards to the manifold. Now, for example, you can run supply pipes down from the ceiling to the side next to the manifold and have them connected directly below the manifold. The additional pipe length is of course also taken into account within the performance and pressure loss calculation.
Annual simulation in the dynamic cooling load according to VDI 2078
The dynamic cooling load calculation according to VDI 2078 has been extended by the calculation of a year simulation. Using the test reference years of the German Weather Service or comparable sources, you can now determine the required heating and cooling loads for every hour of the year.
In the course of the extension, the entire program interface has been optimized to simplify e.g. the creation and management of profiles for temperatures, utilization, etc.. In addition, the positions and designations of individual interface elements have been optimized
Temperatures of unheated rooms via stationary heat balance
You can now calculate the transmission heat losses of building components that neighbor on unheated rooms, in addition to the calculation by means of a correction factor or a fixed temperature, now also via a stationary heat balance to determine the resulting temperature.
For the calculation in liNear Building the unheated rooms have to be transferred during the building analyse. The then calculated temperature is displayed in the result window of the unheated room and transferred to the neighboring building components to calculate the transmission losses. This applies to the calculation according to DIN/TS 12831-1, EN 12831-1 as well as to the Swiss standard SIA384/2.
Alphabetical Ordering of rooms in Building
In most projects numerical values are used for room numbers. Therefore, in liNear Building the order in the building structure is done by default according to this room number.
In projects where also letters are used for room numbers (e.g. GF.010), these room numbers appear in the abbreviation field. In the program options you can now optionally activate the alphabetical sorting of this abbreviation.
Accessing Training videos directly from the Help menu
Under the Help menu button, the Training Videos entry has been added. Clicking on the option will take you directly to the tutorial section on the liNear website.
As a customer you have access to all training videos here. For this your website account must be verified as a customer account. If you are not yet activated here, use the form on the tutorial website to request activation. For new accounts this request is optional within the registration. We will activate your account immediately after verification.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Extension of the disciplines by workflows
Besides the trades, you will also find the area of workflows within the disciplines in the liNear Control Board now. Functions that are independent of trades are provided here. In addition to the Void planning already integrated with Version 21.0, you will also find the new Pipeline corridor concept for the pre-dimensioning of equipment rooms and the generation of supply pipeline corridors in early design phases, and with fixations the first tools for Construction design.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Tools for the collaboration in early design phases
Integrated design means that even in the early design phases, all parties involved work together on the concept of the building. With our tools for the design, dimensioning and placement of equipment rooms and supply pipeline corridors, you have the possibility to optimize the installation of the designes building services in collaboration with other trades already in very early design phases. The resulting initial effort is more than compensated in subsequent design stage by reduced friction points and shortened revision planning.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Pre-dimensioning of Equipment rooms
New tools for the dimensioning and location of equipment rooms in the early design process are available. With the tools you can determine a realistic space requirement for the equipment rooms and coordinate this with other parties involved (e.g. the architect) in the early design stage. This enables active conflict avoidance instead of costly changes having to be made in the course of conflict resolution in the later design process. The space required by the equipment rooms of the individual trades can either be determined quickly and easily in accordance with the rules of VDI 2050 with just a few specifications or specified based on experience. The equipment rooms can then be placed in the model as Provision for Space (an element of the IFC 4.0 standard) and the space requirements can be compared with the available space in a conceptual architectural model. The export of the equipment rooms by means of IFC enables quick and easy coordination with the architects.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Definition of pipeline corridors in early design phases
The pipes of the individual trades run from the equipment rooms to the consumers along pipeline corridors. With the pipeline corridor function, these can be constructed easily. Subsequently, the cross-sections are defined and assigned to the individual pipeline corridor sections. Adjust dimensions is a quick and easy way to adapt the space requirements of the pipeline corridors to the assigned cross-sections. Once the pipeline corridor concept has been coordinated with all parties involved using IFC, the pipelines can be generated automatically and used as the basis for further design phases.
21.1
Fixations for Revit
Within the construction design, you can use the Fixation function to place brackets and various other fixings for pipes and ducts. The fixing elements can be placed individually, in line, suspended from ceilings, suspended on floors, or mounted to walls. The in-line placement mode allows the placement with a given distance between the elements. If the distribute symmetrically function is selected, the elements are distributed equally around the axis point of the selected area.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Definding the Level of Geometry (LoG)
The Level of Geometry (LoG) is a model development level specified in the BIM Execution Plan (BEP). This is used to control the level of detail of the geometry in the model progress of the project. With the new View Manager in the liNear options you can freely configure the display of the components, i.e. you can define which display type should be used in which LoG. The presentation ranges from symbols or rough concept bodies to detailed presentations with manufacturer-specific characteristics. This allows you to define the LoG according to the agreements made in the BEP for a specific project. It is also possible to define whether installation and operating spaces should be displayed within a LoG or not. If the respective family does not provide this information, you can define such subcategories in the Revit Family Editor with the help of the liNear LoG Assistant. Open the LoG-Assistant via the liNear Ribbon.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Improved Parameter Manager to better integrate third-party Revit families
The Parameter Manager has been fundamentally revised. Now it is possible to use own parameters as input and output parameters for the pipe and duct network calculation. This allows linking several parameters to a single parameter of liNear. This is very useful for families from different sources that use parameters with different names for the same value. The order of the parameters in the dialog results in a prioritization for reading and writing. Especially in conjunction with bidirectional synchronization between liNear Building and Revit, the configuration of the prioritization when reading the parameters is decisive.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Excel import/export for Component and Room book data in Revit
The new function allows exporting component and quantity lists from Revit in order to edit the changeable properties of the exported elements outside Revit. The lists can then be re-imported to transfer the changed properties into the model. In this way, parameters can be edited and enriched outside Revit, as well as information can be exported from the model using Excel. Exemplary is the transfer of parameters of a room book to MEP spaces.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Configurable void dimensions
In the options, you can now define to what extent the void proposal should be rounded up or down when generating. When creating void proposals, its dimensions are determined by means of an edge distance to the pipes. Depending on the dimensions, this is carried out to the millimeter. In practice, this is usually not necessary. This new function allows you now to define the desired precision.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Room types for heat load and domestic ventilation can be configured directly in Revit
As from now on, you can assign a standard-specific room type to MEP spaces, which is used in the heat load calculation and in the domestic ventilation in liNear Building. The room type set here in the liNear properties dialog is automatically transferred to liNear Building during building detection.
21.1
- AnalysePotable Water
Calculation of flow dividers in the calculation of potable water network calculation
In the potable water calculation, flow dividers can now be calculated based on VDI 3805 data sets (e.g. of the manufacturer Kemper). As a result, the ring line is consistently dimensioned with the same nominal diameter. In addition to the pressure loss, the calculation also checks compliance with hygienic operation. The flow dividers are available in the preselection like all other valves.
21.1
- AnalyseVentilation
Dimensioning of the air duct network based on volume flow ranges
In the duct network calculation, the dimensioning of the ducts can now be carried out not only based on the maximum velocities of connection and distribution pipes but also on the basis of maximum velocities, which are staggered into volume flow rate ranges. You can set these velocity limits manually.
21.1
- AnalyseVentilation
Controllable dimensioning of air duct networks
In the duct network calculation you can control the dimensioning of the air ducts even more precisely now. By fixing individual attributes, they are not automatically adjusted within your design, which is a great advantage especially when working in 3D. You can, for example, enable the dimensioning of the ducts and at the same time specify that the pre-selected setting of the device description (rectangular, round, oval) be not changed. You can selectively control the following attributes: Device description, Height, Width, Diameter, max. velocity and max. R-value. This is possible by object selection for the entire system, selected flow paths as well as individual sections.
21.1
- AnalyseVentilation
Advanced processing of room-related sound data in the duct network calculation
With the liNear duct network calculation, you get a clear dialog for editing the rooms. By displaying the data in a tree structure, the required parameters for the calculation of the desired target value and the acoustics can be easily defined. The existing parameters, such as the dimensions, as well as the placed air diffusers are automatically read from the rooms contained in the model. These are clearly displayed per room. If outlets are not clearly assigned to a room, this can be corrected manually in the dialog now.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Extension of the IFC import for AutoCAD
The IFC import has been extended by a variant that allows you to read in the IFC in such a way that the geometric presentation is optimized. Therefore, select the Import geometrically correct model option in the IFC Architecture Import.In this case, the architectural objects are not displayed as AutoCAD objects, but as solids, meshes and block references. This generates an optically correct model, which provides helpful details especially for the construction and can be used for further MEP design. For the building analysis and calculations based on it (e.g. heating and cooling load calculation) the import as architectural objects is necessary, as (so far) all necessary component information for thermal load calculations are contained only here.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
IFC categorization for components
With this version, the possibility of manually classifying components for IFC export is introduced. Use the keys IfcExportAs, IfcElementType and IfcElementName in the component data dialog to edit category, type and description of the component. These are then applied during IFC export. This is another important step to extend AutoCAD with liNear for participation in openBIM processes.
21.1
- liNearAnalyse
Labeling parameters select/deselect all with one click
In the configuration of the labels from the network calculations, you can now include all available parameters in the label with one click. Click the column header on in the Configure Labeling Parameters dialog to activate all units of the parameters. Click again to deactivate all. Similarly, the decimal places can now be conveniently reset to the default value by clicking on the column header Dec.pl..
21.1
- liNearBuilding
Consider several apartments as one unit
In the project, settings of liNear Building you can now define that several apartments are connected to each other in the consideration. With this function, apartments that are spread over several storeys can now be easily considered as one unit for the heat load calculation and domestic ventilation. Additionally, suggestions for predefined configurations of the building type, building unit and ventilation zone are now available. You can select these using the Examples button based on common types of buildings.
21.1
- BuildingHeating
Extended Heat Load Calculation for all European countries
In addition to EN 12831-1 in combination with the German DIN/TS, you can now also perform the heat load calculation generally on EN 12831-1 (2017), so that a heat load calculation can be created for all European countries. Furthermore, the heat load calculation has been extended by the printout agreements and the option to increase the default values.
21.1
- BuildingCooling Dynamic
Window configuration for dynamic cooling load determination at project level
The window configuration in the dynamic cooling load can now be accessed directly at the project level and replaces the external shading. This allows all configurations to be defined at the beginning of the project and then assigned to the individual windows. External shading is still a part of the window configuration and can be set here.
liNear Installation Center – New Central Location for Updates and Manufacturer Data Sets
With the liNear Installation Center, the installation of the liNear software, updates and manufacturer data sets is carried out centrally. All available installations are displayed, which you can select and then install together. With the manufacturer data sets, the program checks your already installed data sets at every start and offers you only the data sets that are suitable for you. These can then be downloaded in bundles and installed directly. In the future, downloads will only be possible via the liNear Installation Center, so you do not have to download and install each data set individually from the website. To download the data sets, use your login from our website.
Resolve Conflicts in Issues and Tasks
The Issues and Tasks section now allows you to resolve editing conflicts for both external BCF files and embedded topics in worksharing environments. For example, if the status of one or more Issues has been changed in two sources, a preview window opens where this conflict can be resolved.
Create Legends
You can use the Legend function to create and customize a legend containing the components and system classes of individual views. This legend can then be placed on sheet views. The scale, level of detail and image style of the components in the legend are taken from the view from which it was created. A common legend can also be created on a sheet view with several views.
Place on Grid
In the library tab, the mode Place on grid has been added. You are guided through the mode by a dialog. In the dialog you can arrange the components in rows and columns in space. Alternatively, you can use the Fixed grid function, e.g. for an Odenwald ceiling, and position the components centered within the grid.
You can also use the new button with the pipette to select components from the drawing and use them for placement and replacement.
Search and Replace Extended
The Search & Replace dialog has been extended. The search filters for room components have been extended by the option Room name. The filter allows to change component data of components in similarly named rooms. In addition, the filtered components or rooms can be deleted from the project using the Delete elements button.
Weishaupt – Product dataset completely revised
In addition to new VDI datasets (Heat generators, Solar collectors, Heat pumps, Storage tanks), new products such as the Weishaupt WKmono 80 Burner have been integrated.
- The WKmono 80 are the most powerful Weishaupt monobloc burners with up to 17,000 kW output.
The Weishaupt gas boilers with 80 and 100 kW can now be configured in cascade with up to 8 boilers in series or back-to-back.
IVT – Updates and Expansion
- Product dataset:
- Panel heating and cooling systems
- Pipe systems for heating
- Pipe systems for potable water
- Heating valves (VDI 3805-02) 2020-09
- Potable water valves (VDI 3805-17) 2020-09
- CAD-library:
- Heating valves (VDI 3805-02) 2020-09
- Potable water valves (VDI 3805-17) 2020-09
- Piping systems (VDI 3805-29) 2020-03
- Piping systems 3D (Revit & AutoCAD)
- PRINETO Sliding Sleeve System
- PRIPRESS Radial Pressing System
- Stainless steel fittings
- Standard fittings
- PRINETO fittings made of Cuphin and PPSU
Vaillant – Updates
The data set has been comprehensively updated, expanded and improved
- Heat generators from VDI 3805 sheet 03
- Storage tanks and instantaneous water heaters from VDI 3805 sheet 20
- Heat pumps from VDI 3805 sheet 22
- Solar collectors from VDI 3805 sheet 19
Controlled domestic ventilation:
- Air diffusers from VDI 3805 sheet 05
- Residential ventilation units from VDI 3805 sheet 23
- Ducts and manifolds from VDI 3805 sheet 29
- Duct systems (3D duct classes)
Zehnder – Extension of the data set
CAD library:
- Radiators and accessories (VDI 3805 sheet 6) 2017-05
- Home ventilation units (VDI 3805 part 23) 2020-02
- Pipes and fittings for domestic ventilation (VDI 3805 Part 29) 2017-10
- Air diffusers for domestic ventilation (VDI 3805 Part 5) 2018-11
- Product dataset:
- Domestic ventilation
- Duct systems (3D duct classes)
New Radiator Configurator
The Radiator configurator in the library tab has been revised. The configurator can now be used to generate radiators, underfloor convectors and radiant ceiling panels. Besides dimensions and connection positions, the performance data for heating and cooling can also be entered.
New Function for Drainage Connection in 3D
The new function Drainage connection realizes the connection of consumers such as toilets, washstands, showers, etc. to collection or down pipes. The function is of course based on the technical guidelines for drainage. From the selected consumers, the pipes with suitable media are searched for and waste water pipes are constructed.
New buttons: Classification and Components
The well-known button Components in the Analysis tab is replaced in all disciplines by the two buttons Classification and Components. This allows a classification to be performed more quickly. The button Components is now a drop-down area (and no longer a dialog) and thus facilitates handling. The previous function Connect components for linking fittings can now be called up by clicking the Link... button.
New Tank Configurator
In the Tank configurator you can configure and save tanks for the different disciplines and insert them into the model. The type, orientation and dimensions of the tank are specified on the Base body tab. In the other tabs the ports of the tank are defined. The dimensions are explained in the illustration on the Picture and in the Preview you can check your configuration before drawing.
Create Section and Delivery Lenghts
With the function Section/delivery lenghts, pipes and ducts are divided into single components. This allows the pipes and ducts to be designed in real available delivery lengths. To do this, the desired length and the minimum length are set and then the desired pipes and ducts are selected. The Delete connectors function can be used to convert sectioned components back to a single component. To use the Section/delivery lenghts function, a connector family must be selected in the routing presettings of the pipe or duct family.
The Ventilation discipline also provides the Elongate fitting function. If remnants are created by splitting at fittings, such as bends or T-pieces, the remnant and the fitting are combined into one fitting. This function is particularly suitable for fittings in rectangular ducts, which are usually manufactured individually. In order for the respective fitting to be elongated, it must of course have the corresponding parameters.
New Collision Check
The new Collision check allows a quick and easy detection of collisions that have occurred. The function can be found on the liNear tab in the Revit Ribbon. You can set the collision checks individually for your application. Everything is possible, from a targeted search for collisions between two system types to the collision of all components, even with linked models. You can also set whether collisions with provision for voids should be taken into account or define an area around pipes, ducts and cable routes in which no objects may be located. In this way, you can ensure free space for fixing and assembly. Each collision is recorded as an issue and can be easily resolved individually in the Issues and Tasks tab.
Placing and Replacing Components
The placement of components from the Library tab has been extended. Components can now also be replaced by another component from the library tab. This mode allows for the placement of a component, the replacement of one or even the replacement of multiple components.
New Options in the View Control
More options have been added to the Create new views dialog. By creating building parts, you can organize levels and views for different building parts. Select the building part for which the views are to be created. These are then only displayed as a suitable view if the corresponding building part is selected. All views of the project that can be used as templates for new views. After creating a view it is listed under Template. By selecting floors, you can create views for all selected floors at once. This greatly speeds up the start of a new project.
Filter for Views
In the course of a project, a large number of different views are created. Some of them are used for output to sheets, others are not. Views that are intended for use on sheets are usually created once with all the desired display settings and then only slightly modified - they are basically static. Work views, on the other hand, are continuously adapted to the requirements of the current situation and change in viewing angle, zoom levels, level of detail, etc. If the project is edited by several users, each user usually works with his own work views. In order to work effectively with the large number of views, you can filter the list of views according to work and sheet views and the user in the Suitable Views area of the Project tab. When creating a new view, select whether it applies to the current user and/or is used in sheets. A view is also automatically marked as a sheet view once it is placed on a sheet.
Revised Detection of the Air Duct Network and Sound Level Determination
The detection of air duct networks has been fundamentally restructured. Now systems with several weather protection grilles and several systems on one weather protection grille can be detected and calculated. In addition, the sound level determination has been optimized according to VDI 2081 and adapted to the current standard.
The flow paths are now divided per air type (outside air, supply air, escaping air, exhaust air). Previously, a flow path for a supply air system was considered from the weather protection grille of the outside air to the supply air diffuser. With the new version, the ventilator is the starting component of the flow path, from which one system on the discharge and one on the supply side spreads out to the air diffusers or weather protection grilles. By dividing the ventilator into individual systems, it is now possible to calculate an outside air or exhaust air duct section with several weather protection grilles.
Classification and component definition combined
The pipe networks recognize components by assigning block names (AutoCAD) or families (Revit) entries in to the Tec file. The Tec entries show how the component is calculated and which parameters are required. The technology behind this has matured and refined over the years. Besides classification, there has always been a component definition in the pipe network calculations. This allowed individual components to be assigned a similar Tec entry. This assignment was handled differently in each pipe network and the differences between classification and definition were often not obvious to the user. For this reason, both functionalities have been merged and the Classification dialog has been fundamentally revised.
The dialog and the operation are uniform across all pipe networks. The user now has the choice of classifying individual components, all components in this project or setting it as default for all further projects. Due to the clear design, structuring and search, the required Tec entries can be selected much easier and faster.
Command for Parallel Pipes Extended
The Parallel pipes function has been extended by a reference setting. You can now choose whether the distances between the adjacent pipes refer to the axis or the clear distance. In the settings you can select whether the pipes are to be constructed with insulation and enter the respective insulation thickness. If the pipe to which the parallel pipes are to be added is in a link, activate the option Select guide pipe in link. Then select the pipe to be added from the link. The new parallel pipes are constructed in the current model.
Designing Pipes and Ducts With Height Reference
Six new buttons have been added to the Pipes and Ducts function, which allow you to determine the height reference and orientation of the pipes and ducts. For the height reference, the construction level then refers to the upper edge, the middle or the lower edge of the pipe or duct. The alignment determines whether the cursor is to be aligned to the left edge, the middle or the right edge of the pipe during drawing.
Reports From Pipe and Duct Network Calculations
The Reports from the pipe and duct network calculations are now also accessible outside the calculation dialogs via the Reports button. For this purpose, the Reports button has been added wherever you can access the pipe and duct network calculations and where collisions, open ends and missing position numbers from the Design 3D Pipe & Power and Design 3D Ventilation modules may occur. In the Reports dialog, all messages that have occurred in this drawing so far are collected. You can use the dialog to locate the source of the message in the drawing and correct the cause.
Saving Shading Calculation in the Project
In the configuration you can select whether the results of the shading calculation should be saved in the project. This speeds up the opening of the project considerably, especially in projects with many shading elements, because the calculation does not have to be performed again at startup.
Consideration of Uninsulated Pipes in the Heat Load
The heat losses of uninsulated pipes are taken into account in the heat load calculation with the function Additional loads from uninsulated pipes in the Analysis tab for architecture. This function is available within the heat load calculation according to SP 60.13330.2016 so it just appears if you have set the region to Russia. The heat losses of the pipes are considered in the heat load calculation as heat gains, which may allow to dimension radiators smaller or to save heat. The heat losses of the pipes are calculated with the average system temperature based on free convection.
Viega – Update and Extension
Updating of the data set / CAD library and Revit Families for:
- Panel heating / cooling systems
- Pipe systems heating
- Piping systems for potable water
- Prevista
- Gas piping systems
- Potable water valves
- Circulation regulating valves
- Advantix floor drainage system
- Pre-wall system Prevista
Oventrop – Updates and Extensions
Update and extension of the data set / CAD library:
- radiator thermostatic valves
- lockshield valves
- regulating valves
- differential pressure regulators
- pressure independent control valves
- circulation regulating valves
- free-flow and CFF valves
- flushing station
- panel heating/cooling
- Shut-off and other piping valves
- Boiler and pump valves
- Water valves
MAGRA – Update and Extension
Update of the CAD library:
- Heating distributors/in-wall cabinets
- Boiler distributors
- Heating distributors with fixed and variable nozzle spacings
- Single chamber heating distributors
- Round pipe single chamber heating and cooling water distributors
- Air pots and flange adapters
- Hydraulic separators
- Sanitary distributors
New classification manager for IFC and cost groups
With the help of the new classification manager, you have the option of structuring model contents on the basis of different aspects and implementing uniform classification standards throughout the project. For example, you can clearly assign all components of the Revit category "mechanical equipment" to classes according to IFC 4.1 or IFC 2x3 and thus significantly improve the quality of your IFC export. However, your own classification systems are also possible.
Furthermore, this function offers the possibility to assign cost groups to components and to export them grouped. Classification schemes for IFC 4.1 and IFC 2x3 as well as for the cost groups according to DIN 276, ÖNORM B1801-1 and SN 506 511 (eBKP) are already supplied by liNear.
A simple and quick classification is possible via the illustrated dialog. A lot of time and effort is saved by the automated classification of network components in combination with the liNear network calculations. By pressing the proposal function (magic stick button), the program already suggests the appropriate classes, which you can accept but of course also assign manually.
The classification manager can be found in the liNear ribbon in the interoperability area.
Supply pipes for panel heating / cooling and simplified display of the circles
When laying heating or cooling circuits, you now have the choice of whether the circuits are to be displayed in detail or in simplified form. In the simplified representation, a generic family without room-filling routing is used for each circle. This gives you the ability to specify the connections in rooms with multiple circuits and connect them to a manifold without having to worry about detailed routing of the supply pipes within the room. Using a single Revit family instead of individual routing can also help to improve the performance on large projects.
The panel heating / cooling control elements, including supply pipes and the assignment of circuits to distribution connections, can then be transferred to liNear Building using the Update function. During the transfer, the construction areas, the systems, the laying patterns and the installation distances are transferred. In the case of supply pipes that pass through several rooms, the room allocation of the supply pipes is also correctly taken into account for the purpose of heat balance. In later design phases with higher detail requirements (LOD), the simplified representation can be converted into a detailed circular representation at the push of a button.
Consideration of Revit groups
You can now also use Revit groups in the potable water calculation. Particularly in projects with a high degree of prefabrication, Revit groups can show their advantages. By taking them correctly into account in the calculation, you can now specify dimensions and configurations of an entire group of components in order to use them several times in identical form. For this purpose, an option has been added to the configuration dialog. If this is active, the drawn dimensions within groups are taken over, fixed and no longer changed during the dimensioning. This is also taken into account during redimensioning by the command Adjust nominal diameters: the pipes within the groups remain unchanged in the model and the groups thus remain identical. If the option is inactive, the network is calculated and dimensioned as before.
Extension of zoning for MEP spaces
A filter for displaying rooms has been added to the Zoning section. By entering a search term, only those rooms are displayed whose name contains this search term. This makes zoning based on room names much faster, especially in large projects. For example, if you filter by "Office", only rooms with "Office" in their name will appear in the tree view, which can then be selected contiguously and assigned to a zone. For rooms that have already been assigned to a zone, the zone is now additionally displayed behind the room name for information purposes.
The new filter allows you to quickly find or select rooms in the project, e.g. to check or adjust the zoning. After deleting the search term from the input field, all rooms are displayed again.
New label for MEP spaces
In the liNear template, a new label is now set by default for MEP spaces. In addition to name and number, this label contains the target temperatures taken over from liNear Building as well as the calculated heating and cooling loads. You can choose whether the data is displayed for heating, cooling or both. Prerequisite for the display of the data is the previous transfer of the values from liNear Building.
Enhancement of data transfer from architecture rooms
Any text parameters for room name or number can now be transferred to MEP spaces using the Data Transfer from Architecture Rooms function. You determine which values are to be used by specifying the parameter names in curly braces. Afterwards, these values are transferred from the associated architecture room or, in case of an IFC file, from the IfcSpaces into the room names and numbers of the MEP spaces.
Extended handling of disciplines
The liNear Control Board now allows you to create your own disciplines by copying an existing one and creating or assigning the associated systems for pipes or ducts in the "System Classes" dialog. This allows disciplines to be customized to your needs and eliminates the misunderstanding use of existing system classes as "alias system class".
In addition, disciplines can now be easily disabled for display in the Control Board. This increases clarity when working in only a few disciplines.
New command for placing flange connections
Within the workflow of Construction Design in the liNear Control Board you will now find a function for placing flange connections. You can position flanges at pipe ends, at pipe accessories or as pipe separations, whereby the dimension of the flanges is of course automatically adjusted to the nominal diameter of the pipes.
This significantly improves a key limitation of Revit when dealing with flanges in pipe systems.
New command for the assignment of position numbers
Also in the workflow of Construction Design in the liNear Control Board, there is now a new function for assigning position numbers. Using this function, you can quickly and easily assign position numbers to each component for up to three different use cases. You can prefix and postfix the numbers as well as use sub-number ranges (such as 100.2 or 96.c).
The options in the dialog allow you, among other things, to influence the order of automatic number assignment and to specify whether identical components should also receive identical item numbers. Finally, you can use the Check button to identify which components are not yet positioned in the project.
Command for section/delivery lengths moved in the control board
Due to the logical assignment to the workflow Construction Design, the command for dividing pipes and ducts into section or delivery lengths is now centrally available there. As a result, this command has been removed from the design area of the individual disciplines.
More logic in the creation of rectangular duct transitions
The families for transition fittings from a rectangular to a rectangular, round or oval duct using the neutral liNear ducts have been revised. A minimum length based on a maximum angle is now considered for the transitions. The length of the transitions then results either from the minimum length or from the entered length (l) if this value is greater. Avoiding very short transitions with extreme angles leads to significantly lower pressure losses in your design.
Adjusting nominal diameters for partial networks
The Adjust nominal diameters function can now be done on a section of a network, analogous to our solutions on AutoCAD. When you click on the function, you can select whether the adjustment should be applied to the entire calculated network or only to a selected part of it. Especially for very large projects, this also has a performance advantage, since you no longer have to redimension the entire network when considering only parts of it and work section by section.
Replacing all components of a type from the liNear CAD Browser
Latest at the moment of construction design and the associated increase in LOD, the requirement arises to replace neutral components with real manufacturer components. To significantly speed up this process in Revit, there is now the Replace all function in the liNear CAD Browser.
After activating the command, you select a component in Revit and the program determines all components of the family in the model with the same dimension in order to replace them in one step with the selected component from the CAD Browser. Of course you still have the option of individual replacement via the Replace command.
Multiple Placement of Parts from CAD Browser
The Place and Replace functions in the CAD Browser have been improved and now allow you to insert the selected part several times in the model without having to restart the command. Thus the command remains active and can be ended with the ESC-key after inserting the last part.
Calculation of 6-way valves
Especially in combination with ceiling heating or cooling systems, 6-way valves are increasingly used. These can now also be calculated within the pipe network calculation. With these valves, you build your systems exactly as in reality, and can then calculate both the heating side and the cooling side.
For this purpose, neutral and also manufacturer-specific 6-way valves are available. The desired valve data can be assigned to the components via the Valve preselection dialog. You can choose between valves with and without a flow control. So that the sections downstream of the 6-way valve can be detected and calculated by both disciplines, the system classes (Revit) or media (AutoCAD) heating/cooling supply water and heating/cooling return water have been added.
Renaming components
In response to many customer requests, the option of individual renaming has now been implemented for all components in pipe networks. This means that you can now assign your own descriptions to each component via the components dialog. These are then used both for the calculation dialog and in the parts lists. A reset button next to the input field can be used to reset the name to the original, automatically assigned one at any time.
Calculation of simultaneity of dwelling stations according to VDI 2078
For the calculation of simultaneity of fresh water and dwelling stations in the heating pipe network, the procedure according to VDI 2078 has been supplemented. This can be found in addition to all existing calculation procedures in the dialog Dwelling and decentralized fresh water stations.
Calculation of the tap rate of home stations based on DIN 4708 or VDI 6003
Within the Assistant for Fresh Water and dwelling stations, the calculation of the tap rate based on DIN 4708 or VDI 6003 has been integrated in the Potable Water Requirements dialog.
This now gives you the opportunity to determine a standard-compliant tap rate for the selection of a suitable dwelling or fresh water station before designing the potable water network.
VDI 6003 for the determination of the ejection times
The calculation of the ejection times has been extended by the procedure according to VDI 6003. Here you define the required comfort level in the configuration and the program checks for each consumer, depending on its type (washbasin, shower, etc.), the compliance with the required temperature and time.
Support of a priority circuit for potable hot water tanks
For the optimization of heating systems, the priority circuit for the heating of potable hot water tanks has now been implemented in Analyse Heating.
By using such a circuit, the heat supply to the radiators is "interrupted" during the heating phase of the hot water tank. The pipes from the boiler to the switching valve of the priority circuit are dimensioned for the respective larger mass flow (usually for the Potable water heating) instead of using the sum of both mass flows.
Accessing Training videos directly from the Help menu
Under the Help menu button, the Training Videos entry has been added. Clicking on the option will take you directly to the tutorial section on the liNear website.
As a customer you have access to all training videos here. For this your website account must be verified as a customer account. If you are not yet activated here, use the form on the tutorial website to request activation. For new accounts this request is optional within the registration. We will activate your account immediately after verification.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Extension of the disciplines by workflows
Besides the trades, you will also find the area of workflows within the disciplines in the liNear Control Board now. Functions that are independent of trades are provided here. In addition to the Void planning already integrated with Version 21.0, you will also find the new Pipeline corridor concept for the pre-dimensioning of equipment rooms and the generation of supply pipeline corridors in early design phases, and with fixations the first tools for Construction design.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Tools for the collaboration in early design phases
Integrated design means that even in the early design phases, all parties involved work together on the concept of the building. With our tools for the design, dimensioning and placement of equipment rooms and supply pipeline corridors, you have the possibility to optimize the installation of the designes building services in collaboration with other trades already in very early design phases. The resulting initial effort is more than compensated in subsequent design stage by reduced friction points and shortened revision planning.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Pre-dimensioning of Equipment rooms
New tools for the dimensioning and location of equipment rooms in the early design process are available. With the tools you can determine a realistic space requirement for the equipment rooms and coordinate this with other parties involved (e.g. the architect) in the early design stage. This enables active conflict avoidance instead of costly changes having to be made in the course of conflict resolution in the later design process. The space required by the equipment rooms of the individual trades can either be determined quickly and easily in accordance with the rules of VDI 2050 with just a few specifications or specified based on experience. The equipment rooms can then be placed in the model as Provision for Space (an element of the IFC 4.0 standard) and the space requirements can be compared with the available space in a conceptual architectural model. The export of the equipment rooms by means of IFC enables quick and easy coordination with the architects.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Definition of pipeline corridors in early design phases
The pipes of the individual trades run from the equipment rooms to the consumers along pipeline corridors. With the pipeline corridor function, these can be constructed easily. Subsequently, the cross-sections are defined and assigned to the individual pipeline corridor sections. Adjust dimensions is a quick and easy way to adapt the space requirements of the pipeline corridors to the assigned cross-sections. Once the pipeline corridor concept has been coordinated with all parties involved using IFC, the pipelines can be generated automatically and used as the basis for further design phases.
21.1
Fixations for Revit
Within the construction design, you can use the Fixation function to place brackets and various other fixings for pipes and ducts. The fixing elements can be placed individually, in line, suspended from ceilings, suspended on floors, or mounted to walls. The in-line placement mode allows the placement with a given distance between the elements. If the distribute symmetrically function is selected, the elements are distributed equally around the axis point of the selected area.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Definding the Level of Geometry (LoG)
The Level of Geometry (LoG) is a model development level specified in the BIM Execution Plan (BEP). This is used to control the level of detail of the geometry in the model progress of the project. With the new View Manager in the liNear options you can freely configure the display of the components, i.e. you can define which display type should be used in which LoG. The presentation ranges from symbols or rough concept bodies to detailed presentations with manufacturer-specific characteristics. This allows you to define the LoG according to the agreements made in the BEP for a specific project. It is also possible to define whether installation and operating spaces should be displayed within a LoG or not. If the respective family does not provide this information, you can define such subcategories in the Revit Family Editor with the help of the liNear LoG Assistant. Open the LoG-Assistant via the liNear Ribbon.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Improved Parameter Manager to better integrate third-party Revit families
The Parameter Manager has been fundamentally revised. Now it is possible to use own parameters as input and output parameters for the pipe and duct network calculation. This allows linking several parameters to a single parameter of liNear. This is very useful for families from different sources that use parameters with different names for the same value. The order of the parameters in the dialog results in a prioritization for reading and writing. Especially in conjunction with bidirectional synchronization between liNear Building and Revit, the configuration of the prioritization when reading the parameters is decisive.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Excel import/export for Component and Room book data in Revit
The new function allows exporting component and quantity lists from Revit in order to edit the changeable properties of the exported elements outside Revit. The lists can then be re-imported to transfer the changed properties into the model. In this way, parameters can be edited and enriched outside Revit, as well as information can be exported from the model using Excel. Exemplary is the transfer of parameters of a room book to MEP spaces.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Configurable void dimensions
In the options, you can now define to what extent the void proposal should be rounded up or down when generating. When creating void proposals, its dimensions are determined by means of an edge distance to the pipes. Depending on the dimensions, this is carried out to the millimeter. In practice, this is usually not necessary. This new function allows you now to define the desired precision.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Room types for heat load and domestic ventilation can be configured directly in Revit
As from now on, you can assign a standard-specific room type to MEP spaces, which is used in the heat load calculation and in the domestic ventilation in liNear Building. The room type set here in the liNear properties dialog is automatically transferred to liNear Building during building detection.
21.1
- AnalysePotable Water
Calculation of flow dividers in the calculation of potable water network calculation
In the potable water calculation, flow dividers can now be calculated based on VDI 3805 data sets (e.g. of the manufacturer Kemper). As a result, the ring line is consistently dimensioned with the same nominal diameter. In addition to the pressure loss, the calculation also checks compliance with hygienic operation. The flow dividers are available in the preselection like all other valves.
21.1
- AnalyseVentilation
Dimensioning of the air duct network based on volume flow ranges
In the duct network calculation, the dimensioning of the ducts can now be carried out not only based on the maximum velocities of connection and distribution pipes but also on the basis of maximum velocities, which are staggered into volume flow rate ranges. You can set these velocity limits manually.
21.1
- AnalyseVentilation
Controllable dimensioning of air duct networks
In the duct network calculation you can control the dimensioning of the air ducts even more precisely now. By fixing individual attributes, they are not automatically adjusted within your design, which is a great advantage especially when working in 3D. You can, for example, enable the dimensioning of the ducts and at the same time specify that the pre-selected setting of the device description (rectangular, round, oval) be not changed. You can selectively control the following attributes: Device description, Height, Width, Diameter, max. velocity and max. R-value. This is possible by object selection for the entire system, selected flow paths as well as individual sections.
21.1
- AnalyseVentilation
Advanced processing of room-related sound data in the duct network calculation
With the liNear duct network calculation, you get a clear dialog for editing the rooms. By displaying the data in a tree structure, the required parameters for the calculation of the desired target value and the acoustics can be easily defined. The existing parameters, such as the dimensions, as well as the placed air diffusers are automatically read from the rooms contained in the model. These are clearly displayed per room. If outlets are not clearly assigned to a room, this can be corrected manually in the dialog now.
liNear Installation Center – New Central Location for Updates and Manufacturer Data Sets
With the liNear Installation Center, the installation of the liNear software, updates and manufacturer data sets is carried out centrally. All available installations are displayed, which you can select and then install together. With the manufacturer data sets, the program checks your already installed data sets at every start and offers you only the data sets that are suitable for you. These can then be downloaded in bundles and installed directly. In the future, downloads will only be possible via the liNear Installation Center, so you do not have to download and install each data set individually from the website. To download the data sets, use your login from our website.
Resolve Conflicts in Issues and Tasks
The Issues and Tasks section now allows you to resolve editing conflicts for both external BCF files and embedded topics in worksharing environments. For example, if the status of one or more Issues has been changed in two sources, a preview window opens where this conflict can be resolved.
Create Legends
You can use the Legend function to create and customize a legend containing the components and system classes of individual views. This legend can then be placed on sheet views. The scale, level of detail and image style of the components in the legend are taken from the view from which it was created. A common legend can also be created on a sheet view with several views.
Place on Grid
In the library tab, the mode Place on grid has been added. You are guided through the mode by a dialog. In the dialog you can arrange the components in rows and columns in space. Alternatively, you can use the Fixed grid function, e.g. for an Odenwald ceiling, and position the components centered within the grid.
You can also use the new button with the pipette to select components from the drawing and use them for placement and replacement.
New Radiator Configurator
The Radiator configurator in the library tab has been revised. The configurator can now be used to generate radiators, underfloor convectors and radiant ceiling panels. Besides dimensions and connection positions, the performance data for heating and cooling can also be entered.
New buttons: Classification and Components
The well-known button Components in the Analysis tab is replaced in all disciplines by the two buttons Classification and Components. This allows a classification to be performed more quickly. The button Components is now a drop-down area (and no longer a dialog) and thus facilitates handling. The previous function Connect components for linking fittings can now be called up by clicking the Link... button.
New Tank Configurator
In the Tank configurator you can configure and save tanks for the different disciplines and insert them into the model. The type, orientation and dimensions of the tank are specified on the Base body tab. In the other tabs the ports of the tank are defined. The dimensions are explained in the illustration on the Picture and in the Preview you can check your configuration before drawing.
Create Section and Delivery Lenghts
With the function Section/delivery lenghts, pipes and ducts are divided into single components. This allows the pipes and ducts to be designed in real available delivery lengths. To do this, the desired length and the minimum length are set and then the desired pipes and ducts are selected. The Delete connectors function can be used to convert sectioned components back to a single component. To use the Section/delivery lenghts function, a connector family must be selected in the routing presettings of the pipe or duct family.
The Ventilation discipline also provides the Elongate fitting function. If remnants are created by splitting at fittings, such as bends or T-pieces, the remnant and the fitting are combined into one fitting. This function is particularly suitable for fittings in rectangular ducts, which are usually manufactured individually. In order for the respective fitting to be elongated, it must of course have the corresponding parameters.
New Collision Check
The new Collision check allows a quick and easy detection of collisions that have occurred. The function can be found on the liNear tab in the Revit Ribbon. You can set the collision checks individually for your application. Everything is possible, from a targeted search for collisions between two system types to the collision of all components, even with linked models. You can also set whether collisions with provision for voids should be taken into account or define an area around pipes, ducts and cable routes in which no objects may be located. In this way, you can ensure free space for fixing and assembly. Each collision is recorded as an issue and can be easily resolved individually in the Issues and Tasks tab.
Placing and Replacing Components
The placement of components from the Library tab has been extended. Components can now also be replaced by another component from the library tab. This mode allows for the placement of a component, the replacement of one or even the replacement of multiple components.
New Options in the View Control
More options have been added to the Create new views dialog. By creating building parts, you can organize levels and views for different building parts. Select the building part for which the views are to be created. These are then only displayed as a suitable view if the corresponding building part is selected. All views of the project that can be used as templates for new views. After creating a view it is listed under Template. By selecting floors, you can create views for all selected floors at once. This greatly speeds up the start of a new project.
Filter for Views
In the course of a project, a large number of different views are created. Some of them are used for output to sheets, others are not. Views that are intended for use on sheets are usually created once with all the desired display settings and then only slightly modified - they are basically static. Work views, on the other hand, are continuously adapted to the requirements of the current situation and change in viewing angle, zoom levels, level of detail, etc. If the project is edited by several users, each user usually works with his own work views. In order to work effectively with the large number of views, you can filter the list of views according to work and sheet views and the user in the Suitable Views area of the Project tab. When creating a new view, select whether it applies to the current user and/or is used in sheets. A view is also automatically marked as a sheet view once it is placed on a sheet.
Revised Detection of the Air Duct Network and Sound Level Determination
The detection of air duct networks has been fundamentally restructured. Now systems with several weather protection grilles and several systems on one weather protection grille can be detected and calculated. In addition, the sound level determination has been optimized according to VDI 2081 and adapted to the current standard.
The flow paths are now divided per air type (outside air, supply air, escaping air, exhaust air). Previously, a flow path for a supply air system was considered from the weather protection grille of the outside air to the supply air diffuser. With the new version, the ventilator is the starting component of the flow path, from which one system on the discharge and one on the supply side spreads out to the air diffusers or weather protection grilles. By dividing the ventilator into individual systems, it is now possible to calculate an outside air or exhaust air duct section with several weather protection grilles.
Classification and component definition combined
The pipe networks recognize components by assigning block names (AutoCAD) or families (Revit) entries in to the Tec file. The Tec entries show how the component is calculated and which parameters are required. The technology behind this has matured and refined over the years. Besides classification, there has always been a component definition in the pipe network calculations. This allowed individual components to be assigned a similar Tec entry. This assignment was handled differently in each pipe network and the differences between classification and definition were often not obvious to the user. For this reason, both functionalities have been merged and the Classification dialog has been fundamentally revised.
The dialog and the operation are uniform across all pipe networks. The user now has the choice of classifying individual components, all components in this project or setting it as default for all further projects. Due to the clear design, structuring and search, the required Tec entries can be selected much easier and faster.
Command for Parallel Pipes Extended
The Parallel pipes function has been extended by a reference setting. You can now choose whether the distances between the adjacent pipes refer to the axis or the clear distance. In the settings you can select whether the pipes are to be constructed with insulation and enter the respective insulation thickness. If the pipe to which the parallel pipes are to be added is in a link, activate the option Select guide pipe in link. Then select the pipe to be added from the link. The new parallel pipes are constructed in the current model.
Designing Pipes and Ducts With Height Reference
Six new buttons have been added to the Pipes and Ducts function, which allow you to determine the height reference and orientation of the pipes and ducts. For the height reference, the construction level then refers to the upper edge, the middle or the lower edge of the pipe or duct. The alignment determines whether the cursor is to be aligned to the left edge, the middle or the right edge of the pipe during drawing.
Extension of the IFC export – exclusion of systems
By definition, IFC files contain not only the definitions of all individual components but also information about the related systems.
Since the output of systems has led to problems during the IFC import of some external programs, you can now optionally deactivate them for the export.
Note: However, we still recommend the IFC export including the systems (IfcSystem) in order to be able to show and hide them with all their components in receiving platforms as well as to simplify navigation. For example, it is thus possible to view only the "supply air" within the IFC. Only in the case of a problem, deactivating would be a way to overcome deficits in the IFC import on the opposite side.
New functions when drawing supply pipes in panel heating
When drawing the supply pipes of panel heating systems, the function "End (+manifold port)" is now available in the context menu in addition to "End".
Analogous to the previous function, this command ends the supply pipes at the last selected point, but adds a "pipe extension" of the supply and return to the manifold.
Especially in case of complex pipe runs, this facilitates the pipe routing in the wall. Previously, only the last section was routed vertically upwards to the manifold. Now, for example, you can run supply pipes down from the ceiling to the side next to the manifold and have them connected directly below the manifold. The additional pipe length is of course also taken into account within the performance and pressure loss calculation.
Calculation of 6-way valves
Especially in combination with ceiling heating or cooling systems, 6-way valves are increasingly used. These can now also be calculated within the pipe network calculation. With these valves, you build your systems exactly as in reality, and can then calculate both the heating side and the cooling side.
For this purpose, neutral and also manufacturer-specific 6-way valves are available. The desired valve data can be assigned to the components via the Valve preselection dialog. You can choose between valves with and without a flow control. So that the sections downstream of the 6-way valve can be detected and calculated by both disciplines, the system classes (Revit) or media (AutoCAD) heating/cooling supply water and heating/cooling return water have been added.
Renaming components
In response to many customer requests, the option of individual renaming has now been implemented for all components in pipe networks. This means that you can now assign your own descriptions to each component via the components dialog. These are then used both for the calculation dialog and in the parts lists. A reset button next to the input field can be used to reset the name to the original, automatically assigned one at any time.
Calculation of simultaneity of dwelling stations according to VDI 2078
For the calculation of simultaneity of fresh water and dwelling stations in the heating pipe network, the procedure according to VDI 2078 has been supplemented. This can be found in addition to all existing calculation procedures in the dialog Dwelling and decentralized fresh water stations.
Calculation of the tap rate of home stations based on DIN 4708 or VDI 6003
Within the Assistant for Fresh Water and dwelling stations, the calculation of the tap rate based on DIN 4708 or VDI 6003 has been integrated in the Potable Water Requirements dialog.
This now gives you the opportunity to determine a standard-compliant tap rate for the selection of a suitable dwelling or fresh water station before designing the potable water network.
VDI 6003 for the determination of the ejection times
The calculation of the ejection times has been extended by the procedure according to VDI 6003. Here you define the required comfort level in the configuration and the program checks for each consumer, depending on its type (washbasin, shower, etc.), the compliance with the required temperature and time.
Support of a priority circuit for potable hot water tanks
For the optimization of heating systems, the priority circuit for the heating of potable hot water tanks has now been implemented in Analyse Heating.
By using such a circuit, the heat supply to the radiators is "interrupted" during the heating phase of the hot water tank. The pipes from the boiler to the switching valve of the priority circuit are dimensioned for the respective larger mass flow (usually for the Potable water heating) instead of using the sum of both mass flows.
Accessing Training videos directly from the Help menu
Under the Help menu button, the Training Videos entry has been added. Clicking on the option will take you directly to the tutorial section on the liNear website.
As a customer you have access to all training videos here. For this your website account must be verified as a customer account. If you are not yet activated here, use the form on the tutorial website to request activation. For new accounts this request is optional within the registration. We will activate your account immediately after verification.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
Extension of the IFC import for AutoCAD
The IFC import has been extended by a variant that allows you to read in the IFC in such a way that the geometric presentation is optimized. Therefore, select the Import geometrically correct model option in the IFC Architecture Import.In this case, the architectural objects are not displayed as AutoCAD objects, but as solids, meshes and block references. This generates an optically correct model, which provides helpful details especially for the construction and can be used for further MEP design. For the building analysis and calculations based on it (e.g. heating and cooling load calculation) the import as architectural objects is necessary, as (so far) all necessary component information for thermal load calculations are contained only here.
21.1
- liNearDesktop
IFC categorization for components
With this version, the possibility of manually classifying components for IFC export is introduced. Use the keys IfcExportAs, IfcElementType and IfcElementName in the component data dialog to edit category, type and description of the component. These are then applied during IFC export. This is another important step to extend AutoCAD with liNear for participation in openBIM processes.
21.1
- liNearAnalyse
Labeling parameters select/deselect all with one click
In the configuration of the labels from the network calculations, you can now include all available parameters in the label with one click. Click the column header on in the Configure Labeling Parameters dialog to activate all units of the parameters. Click again to deactivate all. Similarly, the decimal places can now be conveniently reset to the default value by clicking on the column header Dec.pl..
21.1
- AnalysePotable Water
Calculation of flow dividers in the calculation of potable water network calculation
In the potable water calculation, flow dividers can now be calculated based on VDI 3805 data sets (e.g. of the manufacturer Kemper). As a result, the ring line is consistently dimensioned with the same nominal diameter. In addition to the pressure loss, the calculation also checks compliance with hygienic operation. The flow dividers are available in the preselection like all other valves.
21.1
- AnalyseVentilation
Dimensioning of the air duct network based on volume flow ranges
In the duct network calculation, the dimensioning of the ducts can now be carried out not only based on the maximum velocities of connection and distribution pipes but also on the basis of maximum velocities, which are staggered into volume flow rate ranges. You can set these velocity limits manually.
21.1
- AnalyseVentilation
Controllable dimensioning of air duct networks
In the duct network calculation you can control the dimensioning of the air ducts even more precisely now. By fixing individual attributes, they are not automatically adjusted within your design, which is a great advantage especially when working in 3D. You can, for example, enable the dimensioning of the ducts and at the same time specify that the pre-selected setting of the device description (rectangular, round, oval) be not changed. You can selectively control the following attributes: Device description, Height, Width, Diameter, max. velocity and max. R-value. This is possible by object selection for the entire system, selected flow paths as well as individual sections.
21.1
- AnalyseVentilation
Advanced processing of room-related sound data in the duct network calculation
With the liNear duct network calculation, you get a clear dialog for editing the rooms. By displaying the data in a tree structure, the required parameters for the calculation of the desired target value and the acoustics can be easily defined. The existing parameters, such as the dimensions, as well as the placed air diffusers are automatically read from the rooms contained in the model. These are clearly displayed per room. If outlets are not clearly assigned to a room, this can be corrected manually in the dialog now.
liNear Installation Center – New Central Location for Updates and Manufacturer Data Sets
With the liNear Installation Center, the installation of the liNear software, updates and manufacturer data sets is carried out centrally. All available installations are displayed, which you can select and then install together. With the manufacturer data sets, the program checks your already installed data sets at every start and offers you only the data sets that are suitable for you. These can then be downloaded in bundles and installed directly. In the future, downloads will only be possible via the liNear Installation Center, so you do not have to download and install each data set individually from the website. To download the data sets, use your login from our website.
New Function for Drainage Connection in 3D
The new function Drainage connection realizes the connection of consumers such as toilets, washstands, showers, etc. to collection or down pipes. The function is of course based on the technical guidelines for drainage. From the selected consumers, the pipes with suitable media are searched for and waste water pipes are constructed.
Revised Detection of the Air Duct Network and Sound Level Determination
The detection of air duct networks has been fundamentally restructured. Now systems with several weather protection grilles and several systems on one weather protection grille can be detected and calculated. In addition, the sound level determination has been optimized according to VDI 2081 and adapted to the current standard.
The flow paths are now divided per air type (outside air, supply air, escaping air, exhaust air). Previously, a flow path for a supply air system was considered from the weather protection grille of the outside air to the supply air diffuser. With the new version, the ventilator is the starting component of the flow path, from which one system on the discharge and one on the supply side spreads out to the air diffusers or weather protection grilles. By dividing the ventilator into individual systems, it is now possible to calculate an outside air or exhaust air duct section with several weather protection grilles.
Classification and component definition combined
The pipe networks recognize components by assigning block names (AutoCAD) or families (Revit) entries in to the Tec file. The Tec entries show how the component is calculated and which parameters are required. The technology behind this has matured and refined over the years. Besides classification, there has always been a component definition in the pipe network calculations. This allowed individual components to be assigned a similar Tec entry. This assignment was handled differently in each pipe network and the differences between classification and definition were often not obvious to the user. For this reason, both functionalities have been merged and the Classification dialog has been fundamentally revised.
The dialog and the operation are uniform across all pipe networks. The user now has the choice of classifying individual components, all components in this project or setting it as default for all further projects. Due to the clear design, structuring and search, the required Tec entries can be selected much easier and faster.
Reports From Pipe and Duct Network Calculations
The Reports from the pipe and duct network calculations are now also accessible outside the calculation dialogs via the Reports button. For this purpose, the Reports button has been added wherever you can access the pipe and duct network calculations and where collisions, open ends and missing position numbers from the Design 3D Pipe & Power and Design 3D Ventilation modules may occur. In the Reports dialog, all messages that have occurred in this drawing so far are collected. You can use the dialog to locate the source of the message in the drawing and correct the cause.
Annual simulation in the dynamic cooling load according to VDI 2078
The dynamic cooling load calculation according to VDI 2078 has been extended by the calculation of a year simulation. Using the test reference years of the German Weather Service or comparable sources, you can now determine the required heating and cooling loads for every hour of the year.
In the course of the extension, the entire program interface has been optimized to simplify e.g. the creation and management of profiles for temperatures, utilization, etc.. In addition, the positions and designations of individual interface elements have been optimized
Temperatures of unheated rooms via stationary heat balance
You can now calculate the transmission heat losses of building components that neighbor on unheated rooms, in addition to the calculation by means of a correction factor or a fixed temperature, now also via a stationary heat balance to determine the resulting temperature.
For the calculation in liNear Building the unheated rooms have to be transferred during the building analyse. The then calculated temperature is displayed in the result window of the unheated room and transferred to the neighboring building components to calculate the transmission losses. This applies to the calculation according to DIN/TS 12831-1, EN 12831-1 as well as to the Swiss standard SIA384/2.
Alphabetical Ordering of rooms in Building
In most projects numerical values are used for room numbers. Therefore, in liNear Building the order in the building structure is done by default according to this room number.
In projects where also letters are used for room numbers (e.g. GF.010), these room numbers appear in the abbreviation field. In the program options you can now optionally activate the alphabetical sorting of this abbreviation.
Accessing Training videos directly from the Help menu
Under the Help menu button, the Training Videos entry has been added. Clicking on the option will take you directly to the tutorial section on the liNear website.
As a customer you have access to all training videos here. For this your website account must be verified as a customer account. If you are not yet activated here, use the form on the tutorial website to request activation. For new accounts this request is optional within the registration. We will activate your account immediately after verification.
21.1
- liNearBuilding
Consider several apartments as one unit
In the project, settings of liNear Building you can now define that several apartments are connected to each other in the consideration. With this function, apartments that are spread over several storeys can now be easily considered as one unit for the heat load calculation and domestic ventilation. Additionally, suggestions for predefined configurations of the building type, building unit and ventilation zone are now available. You can select these using the Examples button based on common types of buildings.
21.1
- BuildingHeating
Extended Heat Load Calculation for all European countries
In addition to EN 12831-1 in combination with the German DIN/TS, you can now also perform the heat load calculation generally on EN 12831-1 (2017), so that a heat load calculation can be created for all European countries. Furthermore, the heat load calculation has been extended by the printout agreements and the option to increase the default values.
21.1
- BuildingCooling Dynamic
Window configuration for dynamic cooling load determination at project level
The window configuration in the dynamic cooling load can now be accessed directly at the project level and replaces the external shading. This allows all configurations to be defined at the beginning of the project and then assigned to the individual windows. External shading is still a part of the window configuration and can be set here.
liNear Installation Center – New Central Location for Updates and Manufacturer Data Sets
With the liNear Installation Center, the installation of the liNear software, updates and manufacturer data sets is carried out centrally. All available installations are displayed, which you can select and then install together. With the manufacturer data sets, the program checks your already installed data sets at every start and offers you only the data sets that are suitable for you. These can then be downloaded in bundles and installed directly. In the future, downloads will only be possible via the liNear Installation Center, so you do not have to download and install each data set individually from the website. To download the data sets, use your login from our website.
Search and Replace Extended
The Search & Replace dialog has been extended. The search filters for room components have been extended by the option Room name. The filter allows to change component data of components in similarly named rooms. In addition, the filtered components or rooms can be deleted from the project using the Delete elements button.
Saving Shading Calculation in the Project
In the configuration you can select whether the results of the shading calculation should be saved in the project. This speeds up the opening of the project considerably, especially in projects with many shading elements, because the calculation does not have to be performed again at startup.
Consideration of Uninsulated Pipes in the Heat Load
The heat losses of uninsulated pipes are taken into account in the heat load calculation with the function Additional loads from uninsulated pipes in the Analysis tab for architecture. This function is available within the heat load calculation according to SP 60.13330.2016 so it just appears if you have set the region to Russia. The heat losses of the pipes are considered in the heat load calculation as heat gains, which may allow to dimension radiators smaller or to save heat. The heat losses of the pipes are calculated with the average system temperature based on free convection.
Weishaupt – Product dataset completely revised
In addition to new VDI datasets (Heat generators, Solar collectors, Heat pumps, Storage tanks), new products such as the Weishaupt WKmono 80 Burner have been integrated.
- The WKmono 80 are the most powerful Weishaupt monobloc burners with up to 17,000 kW output.
The Weishaupt gas boilers with 80 and 100 kW can now be configured in cascade with up to 8 boilers in series or back-to-back.
IVT – Updates and Expansion
- Product dataset:
- Panel heating and cooling systems
- Pipe systems for heating
- Pipe systems for potable water
- Heating valves (VDI 3805-02) 2020-09
- Potable water valves (VDI 3805-17) 2020-09
- CAD-library:
- Heating valves (VDI 3805-02) 2020-09
- Potable water valves (VDI 3805-17) 2020-09
- Piping systems (VDI 3805-29) 2020-03
- Piping systems 3D (Revit & AutoCAD)
- PRINETO Sliding Sleeve System
- PRIPRESS Radial Pressing System
- Stainless steel fittings
- Standard fittings
- PRINETO fittings made of Cuphin and PPSU
Vaillant – Updates
The data set has been comprehensively updated, expanded and improved
- Heat generators from VDI 3805 sheet 03
- Storage tanks and instantaneous water heaters from VDI 3805 sheet 20
- Heat pumps from VDI 3805 sheet 22
- Solar collectors from VDI 3805 sheet 19
Controlled domestic ventilation:
- Air diffusers from VDI 3805 sheet 05
- Residential ventilation units from VDI 3805 sheet 23
- Ducts and manifolds from VDI 3805 sheet 29
- Duct systems (3D duct classes)
Zehnder – Extension of the data set
CAD library:
- Radiators and accessories (VDI 3805 sheet 6) 2017-05
- Home ventilation units (VDI 3805 part 23) 2020-02
- Pipes and fittings for domestic ventilation (VDI 3805 Part 29) 2017-10
- Air diffusers for domestic ventilation (VDI 3805 Part 5) 2018-11
- Product dataset:
- Domestic ventilation
- Duct systems (3D duct classes)
liNear Installation Center – New Central Location for Updates and Manufacturer Data Sets
With the liNear Installation Center, the installation of the liNear software, updates and manufacturer data sets is carried out centrally. All available installations are displayed, which you can select and then install together. With the manufacturer data sets, the program checks your already installed data sets at every start and offers you only the data sets that are suitable for you. These can then be downloaded in bundles and installed directly. In the future, downloads will only be possible via the liNear Installation Center, so you do not have to download and install each data set individually from the website. To download the data sets, use your login from our website.