3. Computer Aided design¶
This week I worked on defining my final project idea and started to getting used to the documentation process.
Research¶
My research began with the thought that keeping a home warm is essential. In considering an efficient way to do so, I remembered a conversation I had with a woman who lived in Minnesota. She told me friends of hers were building homes that used hydronic (“radiant”) heating systems that were built into the floor. They used heated water or oil (I believe) encased in sand. My early research indicates that it is much more efficient than radiators, or other traditional heating methods. So, for this week, I’m sketching early designs of what that system will look like.
Useful links¶
CAD Designs¶
Since I struggled so mightily with creating a 2D raster image in GIMP, I was left with limited time to work in the other programs. My later CAD work is not as complete as my initial sketch. Nevertheless, my work for this week is documented below.
Inspiration - Hydronic System¶
Credit: Open Building Institute
Original Sketch¶
As mentioned above, the main focus of my final project will be the hydronic heating system for radiant heating in the floor of a tiny house. I’m including a bare-bones electrical system, since the pump for the hydronic system will require power to operate. I’m throwing in lights and a light switch.
2D Raster¶
GIMP
I had a great struggle with this program. GIMP is primarily for image manipulation, not so much for 2D drawings, but I was able to struggle through it to produce this:
2D Vector¶
Inkscape
I enjoyed Inkscape much more than I did creating a sketch in GIMP. That stands to reason, since Inkscape is much more of a sketching program.
3D CAD¶
Fusion 360
I’ve used Fusion 360 previously, so this was actually the easiest program for me to generate an image for. There is certainly plently more for me to learn in the program, as its capabilities are immense, and I’m looking forward to that.
