Design Master
Design Master provides specialized electrical and HVAC engineering software that automates complex calculations and drafting tasks directly within AutoCAD and Revit to streamline your entire building design process.
PVcase
PVcase provides a suite of solar design and data management tools that help you automate engineering workflows and optimize the performance of utility-scale solar power plants.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Design Master | PVcase |
|---|---|---|
| Website | designmaster.biz | pvcase.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Custom |
| Starting Price | $90/month | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2001 | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, USA | Kaunas, Lithuania |
Overview
Design Master
Design Master offers a suite of engineering tools specifically created for electrical and HVAC professionals who work in AutoCAD and Revit. Instead of jumping between separate spreadsheets and drafting programs, you can perform complex calculations like load analysis, short circuit studies, and duct sizing directly within your design environment. This integration ensures your schedules and drawings stay synchronized automatically as you make changes.
You can choose between specialized modules for electrical, HVAC, or plumbing needs depending on your project requirements. The software is designed for MEP engineering firms and individual consultants who need to increase accuracy while reducing the time spent on repetitive drafting tasks. By automating the technical math, you can focus more on high-level design and less on manual data entry.
PVcase
PVcase offers a specialized suite of solar engineering tools designed to help you streamline the entire lifecycle of utility-scale solar projects. By integrating directly with AutoCAD, the platform allows you to automate complex layout tasks, perform terrain analysis, and generate accurate energy yield estimates without switching between multiple disconnected applications.
You can manage everything from initial site selection and topographical assessment to final electrical design and data monitoring. The software helps you reduce manual data entry errors and significantly cuts down the time required for site iterations, ensuring your solar assets are optimized for maximum energy production and financial return.
Overview
Design Master Features
- Integrated Electrical Calculations Perform short circuit, voltage drop, and arc flash calculations instantly as you place components in your drawings.
- Automated Panel Schedules Generate and update panel schedules automatically, ensuring your documentation always matches the latest version of your design.
- One-Line Diagram Tools Create dynamic one-line diagrams that stay linked to your floor plans to eliminate coordination errors between views.
- HVAC Load Calculations Calculate heating and cooling loads directly from your building geometry to size equipment accurately without external tools.
- Duct and Pipe Sizing Size your ductwork and piping systems based on flow requirements and pressure drop limits with built-in automation.
- Revit Integration Enhance your BIM workflow with specialized tools that add advanced engineering data and calculations to standard Revit elements.
PVcase Features
- Automated Layout Generation. Generate optimal solar layouts instantly by defining boundaries and exclusion zones directly within your AutoCAD environment.
- Terrain Following Analysis. Analyze complex topography to see how your trackers or fixed-tilt structures will interact with the actual ground surface.
- Electrical Design Automation. Automate your stringing and cabling layouts to reduce copper waste and ensure your electrical systems meet project specifications.
- Yield Estimation. Calculate potential energy production using integrated meteorological data to provide stakeholders with reliable financial projections.
- Civil Analysis Tools. Evaluate grading requirements and earthwork volumes to minimize site preparation costs before construction begins.
- Cloud Data Management. Centralize your project data in the cloud so your team can collaborate on the most recent design versions.
Pricing Comparison
Design Master Pricing
- Short circuit calculations
- Voltage drop analysis
- Automated panel schedules
- One-line diagram generation
- Photometric lighting levels
- Equipment and wire sizing
- Everything in AutoCAD tier, plus:
- Native Revit parameter syncing
- Advanced arc flash analysis
- Feeder and branch circuit sizing
- Customizable shared parameters
- Enhanced Revit schedule control
PVcase Pricing
Pros & Cons
Design Master
Pros
- Significant reduction in manual calculation errors
- Excellent technical support from knowledgeable engineers
- Seamless integration with existing AutoCAD workflows
- Automatic updates to schedules save hours
- Highly specialized for NEC compliance standards
Cons
- Initial setup requires significant time investment
- Interface feels dated compared to modern apps
- Learning curve for customizing specific block libraries
PVcase
Pros
- Seamless integration with existing AutoCAD workflows
- Significant reduction in manual design time
- Highly accurate terrain and shading analysis
- Excellent technical support for complex engineering questions
Cons
- Requires an existing AutoCAD license to operate
- High learning curve for advanced civil features
- Premium pricing reflects enterprise-level capabilities