CAD software helps cut household energy use

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 6, 2008

Greentec uses SolidWorks to show how disparate heating, cooling and other energy-efficient systems will work together to help homeowners save money.

Greentec Systems is using SolidWorks 3D CAD software to integrate third-party eco-friendly technologies that let homeowners heat and cool their homes for as little as GBP 100 a year.

Greentec uses SolidWorks to design these systems and visually demonstrate how disparate heating, cooling and other energy-efficient systems will work together to help homeowners save money while dramatically reducing harmful CO2 emissions.

Greentec designs and installs whole-house systems featuring solar panels, air filtration units, under-floor heating and other vendor products that eliminate the need for inefficient furnaces and air conditioning units running on oil, gas, or electricity.

Greentec systems capture, store and re-use energy, making homes warmer as outside temperatures drop and cooler in the summer.

The company standardised on SolidWorks software to streamline overall system design, incorporate a variety of vendor designs created in other CAD packages and communicate those design concepts to homeowners and builders.

"Although they know their new heating system could cut expenses by as much as 80%, people need to see why it costs three times as much as a standard gas boiler", said Greentec Managing Director Garry Woods.

"They may not fully appreciate the work that goes into drilling a 200m bore hole used to extract the earth's energy until they see the scale in a SolidWorks model".

"SolidWorks has become the common language to ensure homeowners know what they're getting and that builders work with us to install the system correctly".

Previously, Greentec outsourced all of its design work, ultimately working with as many as 12 different designs from different vendors on one project.

With SolidWorks, the company manages development in-house, enabling engineers to see precisely how parts fit together in only one or two designs.

They can now quickly and accurately modify system designs based on homeowner, builder, or vendor input to ensure all parties are on the same page and that installation is smooth and accurate.

"SolidWorks gives us a clear advantage because it allows us to work in one CAD program, while our competitors toil in multiple systems", said Woods.

"Not only has SolidWorks become a powerful marketing tool, its unparalleled ease of use makes it a fertile seedbed for innovation, letting us devise energy-saving systems that no one has ever attempted".

Some of the additional energy-saving technologies incorporated into Greentec systems include rainwater recovery systems, heat storage cells, humidity control systems, swimming pool heat and ventilation systems and remote maintenance systems.

"First it was our cars and now the focus is on making our homes more environmentally friendly", said SolidWorks European Marketing Manager, Simon Booker.

"Greentec is paving the way with creative, cost-effective approaches to designing systems that let homes stay warm or cool using a minimum amount of energy".

Greentec relies on authorised SolidWorks reseller Solid Solutions Management for ongoing software training, implementation and support.