Place Device Array

The Place Device Array settings dialog is activated when dynamically placing Mechanical discipline array of components like diffuser array in HVAC, sprinkler array in Plumbing or floor drains array from Drains and Basins. Based on the extent of selected area or Element, the array of currently selected components is created. The devices are equally distributed in rows and columns permissible in the selected perimeter .The tool interface is common to all device array placement tools, and appears when an array placement icon is selected from the ribbon.

Accessed from:

Ribbon: Building Systems Design > Mechanical > Place Mechanical Systems > > Diffusers > Place as Array
Ribbon: Building Systems Design > Plumbing > Place Plumbing Systems > Fire Protection > Place as Array
Ribbon: Building Systems Design > Plumbing > Place Plumbing Systems > Drains and Basins > Place as Array

Note: Place as Array

tool is available on ribbon when components -Diffusers, Sprinklers, Floor drains, Drain Planter, Rain water outlet are selected for placement

Use the Placement settings together with the Place Device Component settings dialog to set user properties like inlet/outlet sizes, component dimensions, flow rates, insulation materials, service type, system ID, and pressure class.

Placement Tabs

Selection of the Place Device Array tool opens a contextual ribbon tab in the Building Systems Design > ribbon. The Placement tab contains placement and HVAC/Plumbing discipline related offsets and settings used to control the physical placement and positioning of array of selected component.

The Placement tab; Placement, and Placement Options for component array.

Note: The Placement tab opens on the ribbon when placing Building elements. The Placement tab contains settings specific to the Building element being placed that are used to define the position, orientation or dimensions of the Building element being placed. Also available on the Placement tab, are a collection of Building common tools selected specifically because of their relevance to the Building element being placed.

Setting	Description
Placement	Sets the positional relationship of new linear component with respect to the position of the previously placed segment. Setting supports all nine points of justification. The active point of justification is marked with an arrow. Use the justification setting to maintain flush route edges, when segments of duct or pipe change size along linear walls or when hanging beneath bar joists. The justification setting determines the exact shape and size of the transition piece that is needed when routes change size. Note: Justification is disabled for all non linear component types and while in Single-Line mode.
Placement Options	Placement Method - Allows placement of component array within selected Area or within selected elements in the model. Select Element - Selects an existing Space/Ceiling/Slab/Free from/Shape for placement. Define area - Invokes boundary element which will define area of placement. You will need to draw/trace the area in the view. Dynamic This method is not depended on any space/boundary parameters hence, can be placed anywhere in design view. Note: For placement Method Dynamic , Perimeter Setback, No.of Rows and No.of Columns options are disabled. Place By - The array can be placed at Center out/Manual when Placement method is Select Element or Define area And Orthogonal /Rotated if placement method is Dynamic Center Out - the default option. Example of Center out placement of 2 rows x 2 columns Placement point would be center of the array Row & Column spacing derive from the center of the space Will not need any data point to be defined, as it will pick the center of the space selected. Note: For Center out placement, the justification setting is not applicable. Manual - This would enable the placement point option in the ribbon and allow you to choose one of the five placement points. Top Left Top Right Middle Center Bottom Left Bottom Right Example of Manual 'Bottom left' placement point (3 rows x 3 columns) The Row and Column spacings get derive from the selected placement point. Orthogonal - the default option when placement method is Dynamic . User selects first placement point and after this cursor movement is restricted to below three directions Horizontal: Moving cursor horizontally (right or left) would show devices with single row & multiple columns with an offset distance provided In column spacing. Vertical: Moving cursor vertically (top or bottom) would show devices with single column & multiple rows with an offset distance provided In row spacing. Diagonal: Moving diagonally would show devices with both multi rows & columns with offset as defined as row & column spacing. Rotated - This option is available when placement method is Dynamic.It start the placement dynamics with two points and then user can rotate along the line to place an array Base Offset-Defines the Base offset Height from the current ACS plane (base offset can be used to provide negative and positive placement elevation) Note: Base Offset is disabled when placement method is Select Element and the element selected is Ceiling grid. This is critical to maintain device placement point align with Ceiling grid elevation Perimeter Setback - Sets the offset to the outer components in the array from perimeter of the selected area/space. The value defines the setback distance from the perimeter of the selected shape (min=0 max=half the defined space). This parameter act from the edge of the diffuser and center point for the sprinkler head. Row Spacing - Sets the distance between the consecutive rows of the device array. This is center to center horizontal distance between adjacent fixture (min=shouldn't overlap max=defined by spatial constraint and perimeter setback). Column Spacing - Sets the distance between the consecutive columns of the device array. This is center to center vertical distance between adjacent fixture (min=shouldn't overlap max=defined by spatial constraint and perimeter setback) No. of Rows - Sets the number of rows for component array within selected area. The spacing between rows is adjusted according to the allowed margin in the area. Default 1, and can set max 100. No. of Columns - Sets the number of columns for component array within selected area. The spacing is balanced per available margin in the active area. Default 1, and can set max 100.

Setting

Description

Placement

Sets the positional relationship of new linear component with respect to the position of the previously placed segment. Setting supports all nine points of justification. The active point of justification is marked with an arrow.

Use the justification setting to maintain flush route edges, when segments of duct or pipe change size along linear walls or when hanging beneath bar joists. The justification setting determines the exact shape and size of the transition piece that is needed when routes change size.

Note: Justification is disabled for all non linear component types and while in Single-Line mode.

Placement Options

Placement Method - Allows placement of component array within selected Area or within selected elements in the model.
- Select Element - Selects an existing Space/Ceiling/Slab/Free from/Shape for placement.
- Define area - Invokes boundary element which will define area of placement. You will need to draw/trace the area in the view.
- Dynamic This method is not depended on any space/boundary parameters hence, can be placed anywhere in design view.
Note: For placement Method Dynamic , Perimeter Setback, No.of Rows and No.of Columns options are disabled.
Place By - The array can be placed at Center out/Manual when Placement method is Select Element or Define area And Orthogonal /Rotated if placement method is Dynamic
Center Out - the default option.

Example of Center out placement of 2 rows x 2 columns
- Placement point would be center of the array
- Row & Column spacing derive from the center of the space
- Will not need any data point to be defined, as it will pick the center of the space selected.
Note: For Center out placement, the justification setting is not applicable.
Manual - This would enable the placement point option in the ribbon and allow you to choose one of the five placement points.
- Top Left
- Top Right
- Middle Center
- Bottom Left
- Bottom Right
Example of Manual 'Bottom left' placement point (3 rows x 3 columns)
- The Row and Column spacings get derive from the selected placement point.
Orthogonal - the default option when placement method is Dynamic . User selects first placement point and after this cursor movement is restricted to below three directions
- Horizontal: Moving cursor horizontally (right or left) would show devices with single row & multiple columns with an offset distance provided In column spacing.
- Vertical: Moving cursor vertically (top or bottom) would show devices with single column & multiple rows with an offset distance provided In row spacing.
- Diagonal: Moving diagonally would show devices with both multi rows & columns with offset as defined as row & column spacing.
Rotated - This option is available when placement method is Dynamic.It start the placement dynamics with two points and then user can rotate along the line to place an array
Base Offset-Defines the Base offset Height from the current ACS plane (base offset can be used to provide negative and positive placement elevation)
Note: Base Offset is disabled when placement method is Select Element and the element selected is Ceiling grid. This is critical to maintain device placement point align with Ceiling grid elevation
Perimeter Setback - Sets the offset to the outer components in the array from perimeter of the selected area/space. The value defines the setback distance from the perimeter of the selected shape (min=0 max=half the defined space). This parameter act from the edge of the diffuser and center point for the sprinkler head.
Row Spacing - Sets the distance between the consecutive rows of the device array. This is center to center horizontal distance between adjacent fixture (min=shouldn't overlap max=defined by spatial constraint and perimeter setback).
Column Spacing - Sets the distance between the consecutive columns of the device array. This is center to center vertical distance between adjacent fixture (min=shouldn't overlap max=defined by spatial constraint and perimeter setback)
No. of Rows - Sets the number of rows for component array within selected area. The spacing between rows is adjusted according to the allowed margin in the area. Default 1, and can set max 100.
No. of Columns - Sets the number of columns for component array within selected area. The spacing is balanced per available margin in the active area. Default 1, and can set max 100.

Place Device Array - Properties

Example of Place Device Array (Sprinkler Head Component)

Setting	Description
Catalog Type Selector	Used to select from available Catalog Types. Selections made here updates the Catalog Item Selector combo box.
[Default array]	The recent type is assigned as default placing devices -ceiling and floor diffusers and the vertical sprinklers as set in current configuration.
Catalog Item Selector	Used to select from available Catalog Items. The Catalog Item Selector combo box contains several options and settings designed to make it easier to find the exact catalog item you need to place/change. A generic example of Catalog Item selector options for searching, grouping and navigating The Catalog Item list also includes user defined assemblies, and RFA catalog items, if any. Search - Used to search for catalog items by name. Results are dynamically updated in the catalog items list. The searched text is also highlighted in the results. Group By: - Used to list catalog items in groups based on values assigned to specific catalog item properties. Groups can be collapsed and expanded by clicking the down/up arrows on the group name headers. For instance, selecting Group By: > Type for a wall catalog type creates groupings with Schematic, Partition, WallComponent, etc headings. Catalog items which have Type defined as Schematic, Partition, or WallComponent will be listed under those headings. You can also select Group By: > Do Not Group to create a flat list with no grouping. (Exemption Mechanical). (Large Icons) - Displays a representative icon for each catalog item listing. (List) - Displays catalog item listings without any icons. (Float) - When selected, the Catalog Item Selector combo box is detached from the placement/modify dialog, and becomes a separate dialog. You may prefer to have the floated dialog docked and always open over clicking the Catalog Item Selector in the placement/modify dialog for each catalog item selection. Note: The main dialog remains open and refreshes the thumbnail and preview in response to the selected catalog item. Click the Dock icon to close the floated dialog. Recently Used - Lists catalog items that were recently selected in a "Group". This is useful because when you need to repeatedly place or modify the same catalog items, you do not need to repeatedly browse or search the main catalog items list. Note: When you make your catalog item selection, it becomes the active part the Family/Part Toolbar.
Catalog Tools	A split button located to the right of the Catalog Item Selector contains tools to assist with managing catalog data prior to placement of selected catalog items. (Reset to Defaults) - Resets the selected catalog item property values to the default state as defined in the catalog library. (Edit Catalog Item) - Used to edit the selected catalog item. Opens the Catalog Editor, where you can create and edit new catalog types and catalog items. Catalog Editor can also be used to edit existing data and to view catalog item instance properties and values by definition. (Catalog Item Manager) - Used to manage catalog items library into organizational dataset. Opens the Catalog Item Manager, where you can copy or move catalog items into the dataset, and promoting current catalog items by moving then across workset levels. (Save Catalog Item) - Updates the active catalog item in the DataGroup System catalog library with the values currently shown in the Properties list box permanently changing the defaults for the catalog item. Note: The Save Catalog Item tool performs administrative tasks on DataGroup System catalogs. Administrators and users may want to hide the tool icon to avoid incidental or unwanted changes to their firm's dataset by setting the user configuration variables BB_CATALOGITEM_ADMIN_IN_PLACECMDS and to "0".
Preview	Displays the selected catalog item in the preview window. This display changes and the preview updates as various options are chosen. The preview also changes dynamically with some of the prominent settings on the Placement tab, e.g Height, Rotation angle, etc. A right-click in the Preview opens a Show/Hide Viewing Tools option menu: Zoom In - Zooms in about center of preview. Zoom Out - Zooms out about center of preview. Pan - Moves the preview following the pointer. Click again to stop panning. Fit - Fits the object to the extents of the preview. Rotation - Sets the orientation of the selected item in the preview to one of the standard orientation options: Isometric Right Isometric Top Bottom Left Right Front Rear Display Mode - Sets the display of the selected item in the preview to one of the standard display modes. Solid Wire Frame Visible Edge Filled Visible Edge For Place workflow, the Hide/Show Preview controls displaying preview of the element currently selected for placement.
Properties list - toolbar	Used to manage catalog item properties during placement or modification. Catalog item properties define the catalog item instance in the model, and are accountable in the DataGroup System data management tools. You can place a catalog item with its default property values or you can change property values as needed, place an instance in the model, and optionally save the changes to the catalog. The Properties combo box contains tools for sorting and searching the properties list: (Categorize) - When on, catalog item properties are grouped in categories based on the catalog type definitions. When off, the properties are listed alphabetically without grouping. (Alphabetical) - When on, catalog item properties are listed alphabetically without grouping. When off, the properties are listed in categories. (Description) - Toggles a description field at the bottom of the placement dialog listing information about the highlighted catalog item property. The information listed includes the property definition display name, internal name, and type definition. Search - Used to search for catalog item properties by name. Results are dynamically updated in the properties list.
Properties list - tables	Information in the Value column rows can be completed by selecting the applicable cell to activate an editor field, an option menu, or a pop up dialog. This data is written to the element properties. Properties displayed with grey text are read only. Note: Some of these are set in the placement tool's Placement tab, and can be modified there. The dividing bar between the Property, and Value columns can be moved to change the width of either area. Vertical and horizontal scroll bars are available to adjust Properties panel viewing and the display of data. Majority of Mechanical discipline properties are provided with schema defined context sensitive options. A downward-pointing arrow icon next to the value field opens a pull-down list of property options. Selecting one of these Context Menu Options opens context menu activated dialog that aids in settings property attributes. The pull-down list also contains Automatic Entry Context Menu Items automatically sets the property without the additional settings or secondary dialog.

The DataGroup property Mechanical Component Properties provide detailed information regarding applicable entries and ranges of values for each property.

Key-in: MDL LOAD Bentley.Building.Mechanical.DeviceArrayPlacement; Bmech Place componentarray [ Catalog_Type ] [ Catalog_Item ]

Use the Catalog_Type and Catalog_Item arguments to key-in catalog items directly. For instance BMECH PLACE COMPONENTARRAY SqCeilingDiffuserRect "Square Diffuser Top" where SqCeilingDiffuserRect is the catalog type and "Square Diffuser Top" is the catalog item.

Note: This tool is enabled only when the MDL application DeviceArrayPlacement is loaded. Selecting the tool icon automatically loads the application. Because DeviceArrayPlacement is not loaded by default when starting OpenBuildings Designer, the key-in listed for this tool will not respond if keyed in before using the tool icon.

Place Device Array

Placement Tabs

Example of Center out placement of 2 rows x 2 columns

Example of Manual 'Bottom left' placement point (3 rows x 3 columns)

Place Device Array - Properties

Example of Place Device Array (Sprinkler Head Component)

A generic example of Catalog Item selector options for searching, grouping and navigating