We recently created a Revit family for a dry type power transformer by Powersmiths called the E-Saver-C3. The transformer comes in 10 different models based on apparent power (measured by kVA), and the case size of the transformer varies based on the kVA model being used. There are a number of potential spec configurations for each kVA model depending on the components used in the actual transformer, but for this order we only had to supply the C3L configuration with a primary/secondary voltage of 480/208 and a k-rating of 7.
Because the transformer’s geometry was fairly simple and straightforward, we created the family to be driven entirely by a type catalog. This allows users to quickly select and load only the case geometry and parameters of the kVA model(s) they are using in their Revit project, thereby improving the family’s usability and performance. In the future, having the type catalog will also facilitate keeping the family updated with current products specs and dimensions, or using it as a template to create new families for similar products from the same manufacturer.
Below are few images of the family in 3D. The first shows the family at different levels of detail, while the second shows several different types in Fine, and the third shows a rendering.
The black box on top of the second case above represents an optional smart energy meter that can be turned on or off by the user.
In addition to giving us a good opportunity to brush up on our electrical equipment families, the project called for adding a couple custom visual features to the family in order to meet the needs of engineers working with this product in Revit. One of these features is an option to display the transformer’s center of gravity, which is important information for ensuring safe placement of the transformer, especially in areas with seismic activity (i.e. right here in California). Below are a couple images showing the family in different views with the center of gravity indication turned on.
The second custom visual feature we added to the family was contextual highlighting of the transformer’s conduit access areas. Each model’s case has two areas where the manufacturer recommends cutting a hole for hooking up an electrical conduit to the transformer. We built the family so that the conduit access areas appear highlighted when a user attempts to create a conduit connection to the family. While within Revit it’s currently not possible to restrict the actual placement of a conduit connection on a family (i.e. you can choose to connect a conduit anywhere on the surface of a family), this visualization feature at least gives the user an indication of where they ought to place their conduit connection for compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Below are a couple images showing the conduit access area highlighting in action.
Both we and our customer were excited to develop these custom features for the E-Saver-C3L family, and we’re eager to receive further feedback once the family has been put to thorough use in Revit projects. We’d also love to hear your questions or comments either about the features presented in this post or about any other aspects of working with transformer families in Revit.
