Exporting a network as DXF
Export network plans with pipe dimensions, IDs and calculation results as a DXF file for CAD programs
Overview
The DXF export produces a CAD-ready network plan from the heat network – optionally with separate supply and return, color or layer coding by pipe dimension, labeling of the IDs as well as the results of the steady-state calculation (e.g. volume flow, pressure loss, heat loss). The file can be processed further in all common CAD programs.
Opening
Menu Export > DXF drawing … (only visible when the network perspective is active). After confirming the options, you choose the storage location of the .dxf file.
Exporting the network
| Option | Default | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Export supply and return separately | enabled | Draws two parallel offset lines per route (supply/return). Disabled: one line per route. |
| Pipe spacing | 0.5 m | Offset between the supply and return line (only with separate display). |
| Pipe color | Uniform color | Color and layer scheme of the pipes, see below. |
| Pipe fitting information | Default | Default: only the essential fitting information per node. Detailed: all fittings (bends, T-pieces, reducers) at the node. |
Color scheme
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| Uniform color | Supply and return each receive one color (supply red, return blue). |
| Internal colors | Pipes use the colors from the VICUS pipe database. |
| Unique colors | Pipes are split onto separate layers by dimension; each dimension receives its own color. |
Proven combinations:
| Display type | Recommended color coding |
|---|---|
| Separate pipes (supply/return) | Uniform color |
| One line per route | Unique colors per pipe dimension |
ID export
| Option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Consumer IDs | Labels each consumer with its ID. |
| Pipe IDs | Labels each route with its ID. |
| Use internal VICUS IDs | Uses the IDs from the project – identical to the IDs in the bill of materials and in the calculation results. |
| Use separate IDs for pipes and consumers | Assigns consecutive, separate number ranges for pipes and consumers – clearer for passing on to third parties. |
Including calculation results
A prerequisite is a previously performed steady-state calculation – otherwise the options are grayed out (note in the dialog: “First perform the steady-state calculation to enable the export of the calculation results.”).
| Option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Operating point | Selects which calculated operating point (e.g. 100 % load, summer case) is used for the labeling. |
| Pipe properties | Selection of the result quantities that are labeled on each route – e.g. heat loss, heat loss per meter, volume flow, pressure loss, utilization, reserve. |
| Consumer properties | Selection of the result quantities that are labeled on each consumer – e.g. connection load, volume flow. |
| Prepend quantity symbol | Prepends the formula symbol to the number (e.g. “Q = 150 kW” instead of “150 kW”). |
Exporting OpenStreetMap along with it
If OpenStreetMap data is loaded in the project, buildings and streets can be exported along with it as additional layers – this keeps the network plan spatially locatable even without further map material.
In practice:
For passing on to third parties (e.g. civil-engineering planners or the municipality), it has proven useful to enable Use separate IDs for pipes and consumers: the consecutive number ranges are clearer than the internal VICUS IDs. But keep in mind that these numbers do not match the bill of materials and the calculation results – for reconciling with your own calculation, use Use internal VICUS IDs.
Structure of the DXF file
- Labels: All selected quantities (IDs, result values) are placed as text at the respective element.
- Layer system: Network elements, labels and OSM data lie on separate layers; with the Unique colors setting, additionally one layer per pipe dimension. Details can thus be selectively shown and hidden in the CAD.