SketchUp Models
Several years ago, we came up with the idea of using Sketchup to create 3D models of mechanical rooms and central plants as a way to provide a virtual field experience in some of the classes we teach. They turned out to be very popular and fairly effective and as a result, the folks I work with on training have encouraged me to continue developing them and applying them as training aids.
This page will give you access to some of the models so you can use them for self study purposes. We plan to continually grow this resource, like many of the other resources on the website. The first exercise we put up was a newer version of the system diagram exercise I put up on my blog several years ago. Since then, we have been adding scoping exercises as well as a control system logic exercise.
The vision for the scoping exercises is that they will become little packages that let you identify an opportunity by exploring the model, then take you through the steps to assess the opportunity, develop the cost benefit relationship, develop the implementation strategy, and develop a verification plan. We even hope to make versions of the model that show the change being put in place so you can do some construction observation and maybe even some virtual functional testing.
The packages will use a combination of the models, videos, blog posts and narrated slide sets to accomplish the mission. So you may want to check back every once-in-a-while if that sort of thing interests you to see if we have added any content. It's a work in progress and the amount of content is constantly evolving and growing.
Each of the links at the bottom of this page will take you to an exercise with a narrative that sets it up, the model and other resources you need to do the exercise, and content that provides the answer for the exercise. The idea is that you would:
To use the models, you need to have SketchUp installed on your computer because the models are too large to upload into the current free version of SketchUp. If you don't have the professional version of SketchUp or one of the legacy free versions that will run locally on your computer, the SketchUp Resources link below takes you to a page with a number of SketchUp options and information to get you started.
Even if you already have SketchUp, before working with the models take a minute to review the following topics on the SketchUp Resources page:
These topics cover several common questions that come up when folks start working with the models and also highlight some features that will make it easier to navigate through and work with the models.
This page will give you access to some of the models so you can use them for self study purposes. We plan to continually grow this resource, like many of the other resources on the website. The first exercise we put up was a newer version of the system diagram exercise I put up on my blog several years ago. Since then, we have been adding scoping exercises as well as a control system logic exercise.
The vision for the scoping exercises is that they will become little packages that let you identify an opportunity by exploring the model, then take you through the steps to assess the opportunity, develop the cost benefit relationship, develop the implementation strategy, and develop a verification plan. We even hope to make versions of the model that show the change being put in place so you can do some construction observation and maybe even some virtual functional testing.
The packages will use a combination of the models, videos, blog posts and narrated slide sets to accomplish the mission. So you may want to check back every once-in-a-while if that sort of thing interests you to see if we have added any content. It's a work in progress and the amount of content is constantly evolving and growing.
Each of the links at the bottom of this page will take you to an exercise with a narrative that sets it up, the model and other resources you need to do the exercise, and content that provides the answer for the exercise. The idea is that you would:
- Read through the narrative that sets the scene, and then
- Work with the model on your own to develop your own answer to the exercise, and finally
- View the content that contains our answer and compare it to yours.
To use the models, you need to have SketchUp installed on your computer because the models are too large to upload into the current free version of SketchUp. If you don't have the professional version of SketchUp or one of the legacy free versions that will run locally on your computer, the SketchUp Resources link below takes you to a page with a number of SketchUp options and information to get you started.
Even if you already have SketchUp, before working with the models take a minute to review the following topics on the SketchUp Resources page:
These topics cover several common questions that come up when folks start working with the models and also highlight some features that will make it easier to navigate through and work with the models.
Copyrights and Permissions
The models and related content are copyright protected so please take a minute to review our copyright statement and permissions before you use them.
SketchUp
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CHW System Diagram Exercise
This exercise will allow you to practice your system diagram development skills by creating a system diagram for the chilled water piping in a central chilled water plant. It includes the models you need to do the exercise along with the "answer" in the form of a system diagram created using symbols that are drawn using PowerPoint.
Scavenger Hunt Exercise
The Bureaucratic Affairs Building is a good model to work with for learning how to navigate in SketchUp because it is not as complex as some of the other models. So, as a way to prepare for a class where the models will be used, try your hand at answering the 10 Scavenger Hunt questions by working your way through the model.
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The Hijend Hotel
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