FAQ Category: Understanding the Technology

1) Size of the kitchen ventilation system
2) Hours of operation at reduced airflow
3) Climate of your food service facility
4) Available utility rebates
5) Cost of electricity
6) Indirect factors such as improved kitchen comfort and decreased noise

We have tested and have the ability to control dampers. But we do not practice it or recommend doing it because the minimum energy savings to be gained does not outweigh the risk and life safety of the facility.

The first priority for a Type 1 grease duct is to extract grease-laden air from the kitchen hood and maintain the safety of the occupants in the building. Any obstructions in the air flow prevent the duct from performing its core life safety mission. And Melink does not advocate the usage of modulating dampers as a control strategy.

We offer an Energy Saving Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of energy savings with Intelli-Hood installed. Fill out the contact form at the bottom of our Intelli-Hood page to submit your site information. We’re always glad to help.

DCKV will reduce your operating costs. Factors that help determine the total impact include operational hours, cost of energy, heating and cooling loads, and the efficiency of your HVAC equipment.

No, while direct-drive fans are becoming more popular, they are not a requirement for Intelli-Hood.

Yes, Intelli-Hood controls both the exhaust and make-up air unit or supply fan in concert with the exhaust to maintain space pressure. Typically, the system will take direct control of the supply fan. However, there are various options available depending on your building’s application. There are numerous analog and digital I/Os available to interface with the sites BAS/BMS system.

Sure thing. It probably wouldn’t be too “intelligent” if it couldn’t. There are several methods available to talk with your building management system about, including BACnet /IP, digital inputs, digital outputs, scalable 0-10vDC or 0-20mA percent speed references. Our applications engineers are here to help. Please send us an email or give us a call at 513-965-7300. You can also view our Bacnet Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement (PICS) on our resources page.

We can take a 115v or 230v single-phase input through our VFDs and convert it to 208v three-phase. These are special drives, and so we are limited to 1-1/2 hp on the 115v input.

Two options exist for using single phase motors. We evaluate your application and will supply the necessary motors for your site conditions and equipment.

1) Utilize direct signals with single-phase electronically commutated motors to command the speed.
2) Utilize a variable frequency drive (VFD) that is capable of inputting single-phase power and converting to a three-phase power output. For these VFDs to work, the fan motor will typically need to be replaced with a motor capable of receiving three-phase power.

One standard Intelli-Hood system is capable of controlling up to 39 hoods and 64 fans. However, each application is unique and will likely require a tailored solution to meet your operational needs.