## 6.1 IfcSharedBldgServiceElements

### 6.1.1 Schema Definition

The IfcSharedBldgServiceElements schema in the interoperability layer defines basic concepts required for interoperability primarily between Building Service domain extensions, notably IfcHvacDomain, IfcPlumbingFireProtectionDomain, IfcElectricalDomain and IfcBuildingControlsDomain. This schema includes concepts such as basic type and occurrence definitions for flow and distribution systems and property sets for common building service scenarios such as fluid-flow properties, electrical properties, and space thermal properties.

Figure 25 illustrates the concepts of type, occurrence and performance. Types are specializations of IfcDistributionElementType while occurrences are specializations of IfcDistributionElement. A third theme, defined in the IfcControlExtension schema, relates to the performance characteristics of an occurrence using instances of the IfcPerformanceHistory entity.

A type can have zero or many occurrences. Each occurrence can have many performance history entities associated with it, allowing data that is specific to a certain phase of the lifecycle to be captured and maintained throughout the life of the dataset.

Figure 25 — Building service lifecycle

The IfcSharedBldgServiceElements schema specializes building services concepts symmetrically for occurrences and types, with the primary functional role of the entity determining its classification into the following generic concepts:

- Distribution Chamber: a formed volume used in a distribution system, such as a sump, trench or manhole.
- Energy Conversion Device: a building systems device that converts energy from one form into another such as a boiler (combusting gas to heat water), chiller (using a refrigeration cycle to cool a liquid), or a cooling coil (using the phase-change characteristics of a refrigerant to cool air).
- Flow Controller: a device that regulates flow within a distribution system, such as a valve in a piping system, modulating damper in an air distribution system, or electrical switch in an electrical distribution system.
- Flow Fitting: a device that is used to interconnect flow segments or other fittings within a distribution system, such as a tee in a ducted system that branches flow into two directions, or a junction box in an electrical distribution system.
- Flow Moving Device: a device that is used to produce a pressure differential in a distribution system, such as a pump, fan, or compressor.
- Flow Segment: a section of a distribution system, such as a duct, pipe, or conduit.
- Flow Storage Device: a device used for the temporary storage of a substance (solid, liquid, or gas) such as a tank, or the voltage potential induced by the induced electron flow (a battery).
- Flow Terminal: acts as a terminus or beginning element in a distribution system such as a ceiling register in a ducted air distribution system, a sink in a waste-water system, or a light fixture in an electrical lighting system.
- Flow Treatment Device: a device used to change the physical properties of the medium, such as an air, oil or water filter (used to remove particulates from the fluid), or a duct silencer (used to attenuate noise).

Refer to the domain schemas where types and occurrences are further elaborated using PredefinedType enumerations for examples of the range of supported concepts within these broad classifications. If a new type is needed within this classification, extend using the ElementType attribute. However, if a completely new concept is required that does not fit within this classification, use instances of the generic IfcDistributionElementType and IfcDistributionElement entities for the type/occurrence objects as needed.

Occurrences in a distribution system are typically coupled together using instances of IfcDistributionPort. This is also where concepts such as mass-flow properties are applied based on performance characteristics. Refer to the IfcDistributionPort documentation within this schema for further elaboration on coupling together components in a distribution system and tracking the flow characteristics across the port boundaries.

> HISTORY This schema has been significantly modified in IFC2x2. Refer to the change log and issues resolution database for details.