VARIABLE VOLUME KITCHEN HOODS REDUCE COST AND INCREASE EQUIPMENT LIFE

As a result of our Energy Management Survey programme we have recognised the need to reduce the energy usage in commercial and industrial kitchen ventilation systems. A typical kitchen hood ventilation system runs at maximum design volume at all times and does not consider the cooking loads or requirements. As most kitchen hoods require full exhaust performance for only a small part of the day significant energy running cost and Carbon emission savings can be made by integrating a VAV kitchen control system.

The TEL kitchen hood VAV system automatically varies the exhaust and supply air as the cooking demands change or if the presence of smoke or cooking effluent is detected.

BENEFITS GO BEYOND ENERGY SAVINGS

Variable volume control can also mean:

A Significantly Quieter Kitchen
Even relatively small decreases in speed can reduce the kitchen noise level. When the fans run at 80 percent speed, the air noise generated at the grease filters decreases more than 20 percent; when the fans run at 50 percent speed, air noise is virtually eliminated. The result: a more pleasant environment for employees and guests (when the hoods are located near customers).

Reduced HVAC Equipment Wear
Soft-starting the hood fans with a VFD extends belt life, and reducing the outside air load on the kitchen air-conditioning units reduces compressor run time and extends its life as well (this also can apply to refrigeration units inside the kitchen). In addition, reducing the make-up airflow decreases the rate at which the filters become dirty and need to be cleaned or replaced.

Decreased Grease Entrapment
Excessive fan speeds send grease up the duct, into the fan and out to the building roof— and, sometimes, even into the atmosphere. Slowing down the exhaust fans and reducing the air duct velocity allows the grease to drain back to the hood and into grease cups, where it can be easily disposed of, which reduces the frequency that the hood and ducts need to be cleaned. For information on our energy saving kitchen hood systems, contact us.

GAS INTERLOCKING

Cutting off the gas flow in the event of kitchen ventilation failure is now a mandatory requirement in most commercial kitchens:-

• On installation of a completely new extraction/ventilation canopy
• On installation of a new Gas pipe run
• On installation of a new cook line or layout
• When fitting any new or replacing any Category B equipment (Ovens/fryers/grills etc)

The optional Gas Interlock system senses the ventilation system pressure and switches off the gas flow if the ventilation fails. The gas flow is also switched off when the ventilation system is switched off from the Kitchen Hood controller.

The TEL kitchen hood VAV system can be supplied with an integrated Gas Interlock system.