Archives: Case Studies

Case Studies

David Lloyd Case Study

Overview

David Lloyd, a leading UK health and fitness club operator, sought to improve the energy efficiency of its Enfield fitness center’s kitchen. To achieve this, they partnered with Intelli-Hood to install a Demand Control Kitchen Ventilation (DCKV) system. This smart technology uses dual sensing to monitor real-time cooking activity, automatically adjusting fan speeds to optimize energy use and kitchen performance. The installation was carefully planned to minimize disruption, with work scheduled during off-peak hours to ensure seamless operations. By integrating the system into the existing ventilation setup, the project was completed smoothly without delays or operational issues.

Performance

The installation of Intelli-Hood’s DCKV system significantly improved energy efficiency and reduced operational costs. Before implementation, the fitness center’s annual utility costs were $12,912 which dropped to $6,042 after deployment, resulting in a $6,870 savings—a 58% reduction in expenses.

David Lloyd Fitness Center Case Study_USD

A major factor in these savings was Intelli-Hood’s ability to optimize kitchen fan speeds. Previously running at a constant 100%, the fans were adjusted to an average of 61%, aligning with real-time cooking demand. This not only improved energy efficiency and reduced costs but also extended the ventilation system’s lifespan. Additionally, the reduced energy consumption helped David Lloyd advance its sustainability goals by cutting carbon emissions by 7,165 lbs annually, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

white fan speed line graph, blue line date for David Lloyd fitness club, Intelli-Hood DCKV fan speed controls

Conclusion

The installation of Intelli-Hood’s smart DCKV system at David Lloyd’s Enfield fitness center showcases the significant financial and environmental benefits of advanced energy-saving technology. By optimizing fan speeds and reducing energy waste, the center cut utility costs by 58%, achieving annual savings of $6,870. The project was executed smoothly with minimal disruption, demonstrating the value of intelligent energy solutions in enhancing efficiency, lowering expenses, and promoting sustainability in commercial kitchens.

 

This project was installed by one of Melink’s local distribution partners, Elgin Bay. Download the full case study or contact us today to learn more about Intelli-Hood® and the benefit of kitchen hood controls.

Key Savings for David Lloyd Case Study, Intelli-Hood USD

Jewelry Distribution Center Case Study

Overview

A jewelry distributor in Ontario faced comfort issues in their warehouse after a recent renovation. To address the unclear causes, they enlisted Melink Corporation for a comprehensive TAB service and ductwork investigation. Melink’s customized approach included standard TAB, a detailed ductwork analysis, and an as-built layout to document post-renovation changes.

Performance

Melink’s technician identified several critical issues in the jewelry distributor’s warehouse, including a non-functional RTU due to a damaged fan motor, disconnected VFDs, and damaged ductwork and OA dampers. The technician worked with the onsite team to repair the motor, recommended replacing pulleys, and provided a comprehensive punch list and recommendations in a detailed report.

While onsite, the technician made key adjustments, such as reconnecting VFDs, performing minor ductwork repairs, and implementing temporary fixes to improve ventilation. A detailed action plan was provided for further improvements, including installing remote sensors and conducting extensive ductwork repairs. Melink’s longstanding relationship with the distributor, previously handling HVAC commissioning and TAB services for their retail stores, ensured a smooth transition to addressing these new challenges in the distribution center.

Conclusion

The case study of the jewelry distributor’s distribution center showcases Melink Corporation’s expertise in addressing large-scale HVAC challenges. Through a comprehensive TAB and ductwork investigation, Melink resolved immediate issues and provided a plan for future improvements. The project, completed on new equipment, underscores that new installations don’t always guarantee proper performance. Melink’s ability to optimize systems, regardless of equipment age, reinforces their reputation as a trusted HVAC solutions provider.

Download the full case study here.

Jewelry Distribution center case study, key takeaways for TAB
Jewelry Distribution Center PDF download, TAB case study thumbnail

Food Manufacturer Case Study

Overview

A major food manufacturing facility in New York recently undertook an extensive re-design to enhance performance and integrate new oven lines into their space. To ensure the project’s success, their engineering partner enlisted Melink Corporation to perform a thorough survey of the current equipment conditions and performance balance. This survey would provide a crucial baseline for the upcoming re-design efforts.

Results

Melink Corporation was tasked with conducting a comprehensive TAB survey at an operational food manufacturing facility. The survey involved precise readings, equipment assessments, and recommendations, all while adhering to a strict no-adjustment policy. To prevent contamination and ensure production remained uninterrupted, Melink’s technicians followed stringent food safety protocols. They evaluated over 100 exhaust fans and other equipment, providing a detailed overview of current performance levels.

Broken fan belt, dry rotted, exhaust fan belt

Exhaust fan that was discovered broken and dry rotted with chunks missing.

The resulting report from Melink was crucial for guiding the facility’s re-design efforts, offering a solid baseline for the engineering partner’s work. This project was enabled by the strong trust and relationship built through previous collaborations, as an engineer familiar with Melink’s expertise reached out. This connection has led to further opportunities with other brands in the firm’s portfolio.

Conclusion

The successful completion of the survey at the food manufacturing facility demonstrates Melink Corporation’s expertise in managing complex, cleanliness-sensitive projects within the food industry. By delivering a detailed baseline report, Melink was instrumental in guiding the re-design process, ensuring the new facility layout would meet performance standards. This case study exemplifies Melink’s dedication to quality, precision, and upholding rigorous safety standards across all their projects.

 

Download the full case study or contact us today to learn more about how Melink’s Service offerings can benefit your building’s HVAC performance.

Food Manufacturer key takeaways, TAB case study
PDF download for Food Manufacturer case study

Major US Online Retailer Case Study

Overview

In the competitive e-commerce industry, efficient HVAC operations are crucial for safeguarding inventory and ensuring smooth operations. A prominent online retailer partnered with Melink for a comprehensive TAB service to optimize their HVAC systems. Proper climate control in their vast warehouse is essential for maintaining product quality, worker comfort, and equipment reliability. By addressing temperature, humidity, and air quality through well-balanced HVAC systems, the retailer can prevent issues like mold, mildew, and mechanical failures, ensuring uninterrupted operations and preserving their valuable inventory.

Performance

Melink collaborated with the customer to resolve critical HVAC issues by taking key steps that included replacing incorrectly sized motors in 40 out of 55 RTUs, which improved system airflow and performance. Following this, a comprehensive TAB service was conducted to adjust and balance air and water distribution throughout the facility. To maintain ongoing efficiency, Melink recommended a regular maintenance and monitoring program. As a result, the customer experienced optimized airflow, reduced risks of mold and mildew, and energy savings, leading to lower operating costs and enhanced HVAC system performance.

Conclusion

In this case study, Melink resolved critical HVAC issues for a leading online retailer by identifying improperly sized motors and conducting a thorough TAB service. Once the underperforming RTUs are replaced, the HVAC system will be optimized for better climate control, reducing the risk of organic growth and equipment failure. Melink also recommends rebalancing outside air every five years, per ASHRAE standards.

 

Download the full case study here. To learn more about Melink’s TAB offerings, please email us at [email protected].

Customer review quote for Melink's TAB service, review for online retailer case study
Online retailer PDF thumbnail

National Coffee Retailer – Quality Verification Case Study

Overview

A leading national coffee retailer prioritizes a uniform and high-quality customer experience across all its locations. Achieving this requires reliable performance of equipment and infrastructure. This case study examines a commissioning (Cx) review that uncovered critical deficiencies in pump installation and performance. The findings underscore the strategic importance of commissioning in safeguarding operational standards and ensuring long-term asset reliability.

Performance

Despite having established design standards for electrical and plumbing installations, a national coffee retailer encountered critical execution gaps due to miscommunication and specification omissions. Contractors were expected to adhere to the provided guidelines, but incomplete design documents and a lack of clarity around required equipment led to key components being overlooked.

A recent in-depth commissioning (Cx) inspection by Melink revealed systemic issues with water pump installations. Specifically, pumps that did not meet specification were installed by default, as plumbers mistakenly assumed pre-mounted pumps were compliant. This led to the use—or complete omission—of incorrect equipment across multiple sites.

These oversights had measurable operational and brand-level consequences:

  • Inadequate water pressure, limiting future equipment scalability.

  • Negative impact on coffee quality, undermining brand consistency and customer satisfaction.

  • Residue buildup in water lines, posing long-term performance and sanitation risks.

National Coffee Retailer Case Study, Melink Deficiency Log for Quality Verification

 

Commissioning provided the coffee retailer with a proactive solution to ensure equipment, such as combi ovens and exhaust systems, met safety and performance standards. Through a comprehensive inspection by Melink, the retailer was able to maintain consistency across its locations and address any deviations from specifications by contractors and suppliers. This process not only enhanced operational safety but also improved accountability, ensuring uniformity in customer experience and store performance.

Conclusion

A key outcome for the national coffee retailer was the implementation of a centralized data portal, enhancing visibility and control over equipment performance and installation quality. The portal offers streamlined tracking of deficiencies, customizable tagging for improved data accuracy, and consistent, automated report generation.

By leveraging commissioning (Cx) services, the retailer strengthened its operational oversight and reinforced its brand promise of consistent, high-quality customer experiences. The insights gained supported improved equipment accountability, ensured system performance, and protected brand integrity. As customer satisfaction remains a strategic priority, continued investment in Cx plays a critical role in maintaining operational excellence across all locations.

Download the full case study here.

McDonald’s Texas Case Study

Overview

This case study highlights how a Texas McDonald’s improved operational efficiency with the installation of Intelli-Hood. The system helped lower annual utility costs and carbon emissions, offering a proactive solution to rising energy rates through smart, energy-saving upgrades.

Results

The impact of Intelli-Hood’s installation is clearly demonstrated in the data below. Figure A illustrates the average exhaust fan speed in the kitchen, which operated at 72% thanks to the intelligent controls of the DCKV system. By dynamically adjusting fan speeds based on real-time cooking activity, McDonald’s was able to significantly reduce unnecessary energy use—improving efficiency and cutting waste across their kitchen operations.

McDonald's Texas Fan Speed Chart for Intelli-Hood Installation, average fan speed of 72%

This McDonald’s installation showcases the powerful impact of Intelli-Hood’s DCKV smart technology, delivering annual utility savings of $7,753 and achieving a rapid payback. In addition to the financial benefits, the restaurant also made meaningful progress in reducing its carbon footprint—resulting in an annual CO2 savings of 25,998 lbs.

McDonald's Texas Annual Utility Chart, Before Intelli-Hood vs. With Intelli-Hood, Energy Savings in green

Conclusion

The Texas McDonald’s achieved impressive results after intelligently adjusting exhaust fan speeds with Intelli-Hood’s DCKV system. The system significantly lowered energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions. These improvements led to substantial cost savings and a complete return on investment within 1.8 years—proving Intelli-Hood to be both a financially sound and environmentally responsible solution.

Download the full case study or contact us today to learn more about Intelli-Hood® and the benefit of kitchen hood controls.

Texas McDonald's Key Savings Chart for Intelli-Hood DCKV Project

McDonald’s California Case Study

Overview

This case study highlights how a McDonald’s restaurant in California successfully lowered its annual utility costs and carbon emissions by installing Intelli-Hood. As energy rates continue to rise nationwide, the system provided an effective, forward-thinking solution to improve efficiency and control operating expenses.

Results

The chart below illustrates the average exhaust fan speed over a three-month period. Fan speed fluctuates in response to cooking activity—slowing during lighter use and increasing with higher heat loads. This dynamic operation improves efficiency compared to running at full speed continuously. The average fan speed during this period was 68%.

Fan Speed Chart for McDonald's California site, average fan speed of

Following the installation of Intelli-Hood, a McDonald’s location in California reduced its kitchen energy costs by 45%, resulting in annual savings of $7,929 and achieving a full return on investment within just one year. In addition to the cost savings, the upgraded system cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 12,000 pounds annually—delivering measurable results in both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility

McDonald's California Annual Utility Chart, Before Intelli-Hood vs. With Intelli-Hood, Energy Savings in green

Conclusion

By optimizing kitchen ventilation with Intelli-Hood’s DCKV system, a McDonald’s location in California achieved significant energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, and saw a full return on investment in just one year—making it a smart, sustainable upgrade.

Download the full case study or contact us today to learn more about Intelli-Hood® and the benefit of kitchen hood controls.

California McDonald's Key Savings Chart for Intelli-Hood DCKV Project

Shake Shack Case Study – JBR

Overview

Shake Shack in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai sought to improve efficiency and cut energy costs by investing in Intelli-Hood’s Demand Control Kitchen Ventilation (DCKV) for their kitchen exhaust systems. Before this installation, their annual utility costs for ventilation were £12,051. With Intelli-Hood’s system, using dual-sensing technology to adjust exhaust fan speed in real-time based on cooking activity, they achieved significant improvements. This ensured their ventilation operated efficiently, consuming only the necessary energy for optimal air quality.

Performance

After installing Intelli-Hood at Jumeirah Beach Residence’s Shake Shack, their kitchen energy costs decreased from £12,051 to £5,454 annually, saving £6,597. This resulted in a quick 1-year payback period on the investment, showcasing its cost-effectiveness. Operating expenses reduced by an impressive 55% due to optimized energy use. Additionally, the improved ventilation not only cut costs but also slashed carbon dioxide emissions by 45,736 kg yearly, marking a substantial step toward sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Annual Utility Costs, Shake Shack JBR, Intelli-Hood DCKV results
Following the installation of Intelli-Hood, the average fan speed was optimized to 62%, striking a balance between efficient ventilation and maintaining high air quality. This adjustment significantly cut down on unnecessary energy consumption. The chart illustrates the fluctuations in fan speed directly correlating with cooking demand, showcasing the system’s real-time responsiveness to kitchen activity. This dynamic control ensured that the ventilation operated precisely as needed, avoiding excessive energy usage during low-demand periods while ramping up efficiently during peak cooking times to maintain optimal air quality.

 

Shake Shack Jumeirah Beach Resort, Intelli-Hood Fan Speed Chart

Conclusion

The implementation of Intelli-Hood’s DCKV system at Shake Shack in JBR, Dubai successfully demonstrated substantial operating expense savings, achieved a 1-year payback, and significantly lowered carbon emissions by optimizing their kitchen’s exhaust and ventilation system. Intelli-Hood not only lowered their utility costs but improved their overall sustainability as well, making this installation a sound investment.

This project was installed by one of Melink’s local distribution partners, Klima Global. Download the full case studies: USD, GBP, or contact us today to learn more about Intelli-Hood® and the benefits of kitchen hood controls.

Shake Shack JBR Key Savings, Intelli-Hood GBP results

Jumeirah Al Qasr Case Study

Overview

Jumeirah Al Qasr, a renowned luxury hotel in Dubai, is celebrated for its exceptional guest experience. In line with the hospitality industry’s growing focus on sustainability, the hotel implemented Intelli-Hood®, an advanced smart kitchen ventilation system, to reduce costs and improve energy efficiency. This study highlights the significant savings and efficiency improvements achieved through this initiative.

Performance

Before installing Intelli-Hood®, Jumeirah Al Qasr faced high utility costs, particularly in kitchen operations, with annual expenses reaching £68,015. To enhance efficiency and reduce costs, the hotel adopted Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls, achieving annual savings of £17,093.

Jumeirah Resort Savings, Intelli-Hood UK, GBP case study

Intelli-Hood® was installed in Jumeirah Al Qasr’s commercial kitchen to intelligently regulate exhaust hoods based on real-time cooking activity, maintaining an average fan speed of 86%. By automatically adjusting ventilation to match cooking demands, the system optimized airflow, minimized energy waste, and enhanced kitchen efficiency. This smart solution resulted in an impressive annual energy savings of 182,770 kWh while significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to the hotel’s sustainability efforts.

Jumeirah Al Qars fan speed chart, Intelli-Hood UK GBP case study

Conclusion

The installation of Intelli-Hood® at Jumeirah Al Qasr proved to be a highly effective solution for reducing energy consumption, lowering costs, and enhancing kitchen efficiency. By optimizing ventilation based on real-time cooking activity, the hotel achieved substantial savings while contributing to its sustainability goals. This case study highlights the significant impact of smart technology in improving operational performance and environmental responsibility in te hospitality sector.

This project was installed by one of Melink’s local distribution partners, Klima Global. Download the full case studies: USD, GBP, or contact us today to learn more about Intelli-Hood® and the benefit of kitchen hood controls.

Jumeirah Al Qasr Key Savings Chart, Intelli-Hood UK savings chart

Travelodge Hotel Case Study

Overview

Travelodge Dublin was built in 2018 and is a recently constructed hotel in the vibrant city of Dublin, known for its exceptional services and comfortable accommodations. To ensure efficient ventilation and temperature control within the premises, the hotel management decided to implement an Intelli-Hood installation, an advanced system that optimizes kitchen exhaust hoods. This case study aims to analyze the impact of the Intelli-Hood installation on the hotel’s utility costs and operating expenses.

Performance

Before the Intelli-Hood installation, Travelodge Dublin was estimated to spend approximately £15,124 per year on utility costs without Demand Control Kitchen Ventilation (DCKV) controls. Recognizing the potential for substantial cost savings and improved energy efficiency, the hotel management opted to invest in the Intelli-Hood system.

Travelodge annual utility costs graph, Intelli-Hood UK energy savings

Intelli-Hood’s controls were installed in the hotel’s kitchen to regulate the exhaust hoods based on real-time cooking activity. This intelligent technology ensures that ventilation is adjusted according to the cooking load, thereby minimizing energy waste and optimizing airflow. The hotel’s commercial kitchen achieved an average fan speed of 70%, helping reduce the overall energy waste.

Travelodge fan speed chart for Intelli-Hood UK

Conclusion

The case study of Travelodge Dublin’s Intelli-Hood installation demonstrates the remarkable impact of this advanced technology on the hotel’s utility costs and operating expenses. With an estimated annual savings of £7,829 and a substantial 48% reduction in operating expenses, the hotel has not only achieved financial benefits but also showcased its commitment to sustainability. The improved guest experience further solidifies Travelodge Dublin’s position as a premier hotel in Dublin, attracting more patrons and positive word-of-mouth. Overall, the Intelli-Hood installation has proven to be a wise investment, setting an example for other hotels seeking to enhance energy efficiency and operational excellence.

This project was installed by one of Melink’s local distribution partners, Eftech. Download the full case studies: USD, GBP, or contact us today to learn more about Intelli-Hood® and the benefits of kitchen hood controls.

Travelodge Key Savings Chart GBP, Intelli-Hood UK results, DCKV case study