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 £9,506 which dropped to £4,448 after deployment, resulting in a £5,057 savings—a 58% reduction in expenses.

David Lloyd Fitness Center Case Study for DCKV, Intelli-Hood UK

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 3,250 kg 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 £5,057. 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 studies: USD, GBP, or contact us today to learn more about Intelli-Hood® and the benefit of kitchen hood controls.

Intelli-Hood UK David Lloyd Fitness Center, Key Savings GBP

McDonald’s Multi-Site Case Study

Overview

This multi-case study examines the impact of Intelli-Hood installations across 40+ McDonald’s locations in the U.S. northeast. As the world’s largest restaurant chain, McDonald’s used Intelli-Hood to reduce annual utility costs and carbon emissions. With rising utility rates, the system served as a proactive solution to offset increased energy expenses through efficiency upgrades.

Performance

The installation of Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls across McDonald’s locations delivered significant cost savings and efficiency improvements. Before implementation, the restaurant chain’s total annual utility costs amounted to £291,797. Following the installation, McDonald’s achieved an annual savings of £123,334, reducing operational expenses by 55%. This substantial decrease in energy costs highlights the effectiveness of Intelli-Hood’s technology in optimizing kitchen ventilation, enhancing sustainability, and improving overall operational efficiency.

McDonald's utility cost chart, Intelli-Hood UK energy savings

 

Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls helped McDonald’s reduce energy waste by adjusting fan speeds in real time based on cooking demand rather than running at full capacity. With an average fan speed of 68% across 40+ locations, the system improved energy efficiency, lowered costs, and supported the company’s sustainability efforts.

Conclusion

The installation of Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls across 40+ McDonald’s locations in the northeastern U.S. proved to be a highly effective investment. By reducing annual utility costs to £168,463 and cutting carbon emissions, the system enhanced operational efficiency while supporting McDonald’s commitment to sustainability. As utility rates continue to rise, this energy-efficient solution helps the company offset expenses and advance its long-term green initiatives.

This project was completed domestically by Melink Corporation. Download the full case studies: USD, GBP, or contact us today to learn more about Intelli-Hood® and the benefits of kitchen hood controls.

Hard Rock Hotel Case Study

Overview

Hard Rock Hotel is a well-known hospitality brand located in Dublin, Ireland. This hotel was a new construction that proactively sought to reduce their energy usage. With long operating hours in the kitchen, they decided to implement Intelli-Hood® in their hotel’s commercial kitchen. Melink’s Intelli-Hood® is a dual sensing DCKV solution that maximizes a commercial kitchen’s operation and performance. As cooking loads are reduced, so is your energy demand through AI metrics and measurements. This study shows the savings results Hard Rock achieved with Intelli-Hood®.

Performance

In Figure A below, the customer’s average fan speed for the exhaust fans over a period of several days can be seen. The dips in the chart represent times when the fans are not running, and the spikes represent when the fans are operating. The spikes in fan speed change slightly which means the fans are running more efficiently. The average fan speed for these exhausts was 60%.

Then Hard Rock Hotel spent an average of £14,001 in utility costs per year without Intelli-Hood®. Figure B below depicts the customer’s annual energy costs as compared to their actual energy costs. After installing Intelli-Hood®, Hard Rock realized a 54%+ reduction in energy costs their first year. This facility is saw an annual reduction of £7,554 on their energy bill by utilizing Intelli-Hood® in their hotel’s commercial kitchen.

Hard Rock Hotel annual kitchen utility costs in GBP, Intelli-Hood UK energy cost savings

Conclusion

The installation of Intelli-Hood’s DCKV system at the Hard Rock Hotel proved to be a worthwhile investment, offering significant financial and environmental benefits. With notable annual savings, a short payback period, and reduced carbon emissions, the system lowered costs while supporting the hotel’s energy efficiency goals. This success underscores the long-term value of intelligent kitchen ventilation solutions in commercial settings.

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.

Hard Rock Hotel Key Savings chart, Intelli-Hood UK performance in GBP

Ikea Case Study

Overview

The IKEA store in Reims, France, encountered issues with their existing kitchen controls, leading to dissatisfaction. To enhance efficiency and sustainability, they retrofitted Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls. The installation was carefully planned and executed outside peak hours to avoid disruptions, with thorough communication to manage staff expectations. This approach allowed IKEA to maintain smooth operations while upgrading their kitchen controls, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Performance

Before installing Intelli-Hood, IKEA’s kitchen used inefficient controls, leading to high utility costs of £25,107 annually. Seeking a solution to optimize energy use and support sustainability, they installed Intelli-Hood. This resulted in significant improvements, reducing annual utility costs to £9,195 and saving £15,912 annually—a 63% decrease in operating expenses, showcasing the benefits of Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls.

Ikea Annual utility costs in pounds, Intelli-Hood UK energy savings GBP

Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls optimized the kitchen’s energy usage by maintaining an average fan speed of 45%, which matched ventilation with cooking demand and reduced energy waste. This improvement not only boosted operational efficiency but also contributed to IKEA’s sustainability goals. The installation resulted in annual CO2 savings of 45,793 kg, significantly reducing the kitchen’s environmental footprint and reinforcing IKEA’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

IKEA Fan Speed Chart, Intelli-Hood, Energy Savings, Retail

Conclusion

The retrofit of Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls at IKEA in Reims, France, significantly improved efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability. With a payback period of 1.9 years, the investment was economically viable. Intelli-Hood reduced operating expenses, optimized energy usage, and minimized environmental impact, enhancing IKEA’s kitchen operations and sustainability efforts. This case study highlights Intelli-Hood’s transformative impact in commercial kitchens, showcasing its role in driving efficiency and sustainability in the foodservice industry.

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

Ikea Key Savings Chart, Intelli-Hood UK, Benefits in pounds

Darden Case Study

Overview

Melink Corporation teamed up with Darden Restaurants to bring Intelli-Hood® Demand Control Kitchen Ventilation (DCKV) systems to 32 Olive Garden locations across the U.S. This large-scale initiative focused on boosting energy efficiency, reducing utility costs, and advancing Darden’s sustainability goals. To ensure the systems were performing at their best, Darden also implemented Melink’s Active Monitoring service—providing real-time performance verification and instant alerts for any operational issues.

Performance

Melink’s Intelli-Hood systems ensure commercial kitchens operate efficiently by modulating fan speeds correctly and providing immediate alerts for issues like VFD failures, schedule overrides, or human error. Active monitoring offers performance validation. With over 10,000 monitored days, the data showcased remarkable reliability, with an impressive 99.89% system uptime across 32 Olive Garden locations. This consistency delivered significant results for Darden Restaurants, including $245,854 in annual utility cost savings and a yearly reduction of 1,182,469 lbs of CO₂—equivalent to removing over 115 cars from the road.

Conclusion

Melink’s Active Monitoring is key to maximizing the long-term success of Intelli-Hood® systems. By providing real-time performance validation, it ensures optimal HVAC performance, prevents costly energy waste, and minimizes operational risks—all without requiring additional oversight. For customers like Darden Restaurants, this service not only protects their investment but also guarantees ongoing energy savings and sustainability benefits. With Intelli-Hood and Active Monitoring, businesses can achieve immediate cost savings and long-term reliability, making it the smart choice for optimizing commercial kitchen operations.

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

Social House Case Study

Overview

Social House, a popular restaurant in Dubai Mall, faced rising utility costs due to inefficient kitchen ventilation. To address this, they chose Intelli-Hood®, a leading Demand-Controlled Kitchen Ventilation (DCKV) system, known for optimizing energy use by adjusting fan speeds based on cooking demands. The installation was carefully timed to avoid disrupting daily operations, ensuring a smooth transition. This solution not only reduced energy waste but also maintained the restaurant’s operational excellence.

Performance

The installation of Intelli-Hood at Social House significantly improved the restaurant’s operational efficiency, leading to major performance and resource utilization gains. Utility costs dropped from $78,278 to $63,327, resulting in savings of $14,951. Additionally, the restaurant saw a 19% reduction in overall operating costs, highlighting the effectiveness of Intelli-Hood’s advanced control mechanisms.

Social House, Annual kitchen utility costs graph, Intelli-Hood energy savings

The Intelli-Hood installation at Social House maintained an average fan speed of 88%, ensuring optimal ventilation during high-demand cooking periods. This adaptation not only supported a conducive kitchen environment but also led to an annual reduction of 148,455 lbs in CO2 emissions, highlighting the system’s significant sustainability benefits.

Social House commercial kitchen fan speed chart

Conclusion

The successful installation of Intelli-Hood at Social House led to significant cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint, showcasing the system’s effectiveness in optimizing kitchen ventilation. This achievement underscores Intelli-Hood’s reputation as a leading global provider of DCKV controls, delivering both financial benefits and environmental sustainability for its clients.

 

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

Key Savings, Social House restaurant, Intelli-Hood performance results

Texas Roadhouse Case Study

Overview

Texas Roadhouse, located in the vibrant Dubai Mall, faced the challenge of optimizing its kitchen’s energy consumption amidst rising utility costs and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The restaurant’s outdated kitchen ventilation system was inefficient, leading to excessive energy use and higher operational costs, especially during non-peak hours.

To address these concerns, Texas Roadhouse implemented Intelli-Hood, a leading Demand-Controlled Kitchen Ventilation (DCKV) system known for its ability to optimize kitchen ventilation and deliver substantial energy savings. The installation was strategically carried out during off-peak hours, ensuring a seamless transition without disrupting the restaurant’s operations or customer experience.

Performance

The installation of Intelli-Hood® at Texas Roadhouse led to substantial operational improvements, including a significant reduction in utility costs. Before Intelli-Hood, utility expenses were $30,376, but after installation, they dropped to $19,434, resulting in a savings of $10,942. Additionally, the restaurant saw a 36% reduction in operating expenses, with a payback period of just 1.5 years, highlighting the system’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Annual kitchen hood utility costs, Intelli-Hood DCKV savings, Dubai Mall Texas Roadhouse

The installation of Intelli-Hood® at Texas Roadhouse optimized the kitchen’s ventilation system by enhancing the average fan speed to 72%, ensuring efficient ventilation while reducing unnecessary energy use during low-demand periods. This improvement not only minimized energy waste but also resulted in significant environmental benefits, with annual CO2 savings of 135,801 lbs, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability.

Texas Roadhouse Dubai Mall, Fan speed, Intelli-Hood DCKV

Conclusion

The installation of Intelli-Hood at Texas Roadhouse in Dubai Mall has achieved significant cost savings and operational efficiency, while also highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to environmental sustainability. By adopting this leading DCKV technology, Texas Roadhouse has set a new standard for sustainable practices in commercial kitchens, enhancing both the dining experience and reducing its environmental impact.

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

Texas Roadhouse key savings, Total energy, carbon dioxide reductio, simple payback, operating expense reduction, Intelli-Hood

Grocer HVAC Maintenance Case Study

Overview

With over 35 years of HVAC experience, Melink collaborated with a national grocery retailer to assess HVAC issues across 83 sites. Leveraging their extensive expertise, Melink conducted a thorough evaluation to identify and address critical and moderate-level concerns, as well as issues related to the Energy Management System (EMS) communication. The assessment revealed that critical concerns could severely disrupt operations or performance, while moderate concerns, though less immediate, could worsen over time. Prompt recognition of these issues allows for timely intervention, preventing hazards, minimizing operational disruptions, and optimizing system performance and longevity.

Results

Numerous high-level concerns were identified across the evaluated sites, posing significant operational and safety risks. Alarming issues included broken belts and excessively worn components jeopardizing HVAC efficiency and functionality, non-functioning units or key components such as compressors compromising overall performance, and damaged coils and unit components reducing operational efficiency and presenting potential hazards. Additionally, exposed electrical components were found, posing fire hazards and necessitating immediate corrective measures to ensure safety and prevent disruptions in the operational workflow.

Apart from critical concerns, many evaluated sites exhibited moderate-level issues that could gradually impact system performance. These included dirty or missing filters, such as economizer and outdoor/air filters, compromising air quality and overall system efficiency. Dirty components, including coils, blower wheels, and evaporators, were found across various sites, diminishing system effectiveness and cooling capacity. Additionally, 24% of the sites had deficiencies with Energy Management System (EMS) communication, including non-functioning EMS and the inability to control units through the online EMS interface, indicating potential inefficiencies in energy management and system control.

Conclusion

An evaluation of HVAC systems across 83 sites for a national grocer revealed key findings. Approximately 67% of the sites had at least one deficiency needing routine maintenance. Critical deficiencies, such as broken belts, damaged coils, and exposed electrical components, were found in 24% of the sites, jeopardizing functionality and safety. Over half of the sites (53%) had moderate-level deficiencies, with 90 issues identified in total.

Urgent action is needed to address major operational deficiencies and safety risks. Routine maintenance and cleaning are necessary to mitigate the impact of dirty filters and components. Rectifying EMS communication issues is crucial for effective energy management and system control. Implementing a comprehensive maintenance strategy and investing in repairs will ensure HVAC system functionality, safety, energy efficiency, and enhanced customer comfort across the retail sites.

Download the full case study here.

83 Sites Surveyed circle data chart, deficiency levels

Graben Hotel Case Study

Overview

Graben Hotel in Austria aimed to enhance operational efficiency and reduce utility costs by installing Intelli-Hood’s Demand Control Kitchen Ventilation (DCKV) system in its commercial kitchen. This advanced technology optimizes energy consumption by adjusting fan speeds based on real-time cooking demands, leading to significant energy and cost savings while bolstering sustainability. The installation was meticulously planned to minimize disruptions, starting with a thorough assessment of the existing system and detailed planning for a smooth upgrade. Melink’s local distribution partner worked closely with the hotel’s management to schedule the installation during off-peak hours, ensuring continuous operational efficiency and service quality.

Performance

Before installing Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls, Graben Hotel faced an annual utility cost of $89,497 due to its continuously running ventilation system. After the upgrade, costs dropped significantly to $39,170, resulting in annual savings of $50,327—a 56% reduction in operating expenses. The project achieved a payback period of just 0.7 years.

Graben Hotel, Annual Utility Costs, Intelli-Hood, Vienna Austria, DCKV

Beyond financial savings, the installation of Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls had a substantial environmental impact at Graben Hotel. By achieving an average fan speed reduction of 65%, the hotel conserved significant energy and saved 249,250 lbs of CO2 annually. This reduction in energy waste not only cut utility costs but also enhanced the hotel’s sustainability profile, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

Graben Hotel, Fan Speed, Intelli-Hood, DCKV Case Study

Conclusion

The installation of Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls at Graben Hotel demonstrates how innovative technology can significantly improve financial performance and environmental sustainability. The hotel achieved annual savings of $50,327 and a 56% reduction in utility costs, along with a notable decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. This successful implementation sets a benchmark for other luxury hotels, showing that adopting advanced technologies can lead to substantial cost savings and a greener future.

 

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

Graben Hotel, Key Savings, Intelli-Hood, Vienna Austria, Hotel Savings, Utility Costs, Payback

Nancy Hands Case Study

Overview

Nancy Hands, an upscale pub in Dublin, aimed to enhance sustainability and reduce utility costs by upgrading to Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls. This smart technology optimizes energy use by adjusting fan speeds based on real-time cooking demands, significantly cutting energy consumption and costs. The installation was meticulously planned to avoid disrupting staff and operations. A comprehensive assessment of the existing system was conducted, followed by detailed planning for a smooth installation. Melink’s local distribution partner worked closely with the restaurant’s management to schedule the upgrade during off-peak hours, ensuring minimal impact on service quality and operational efficiency.

Performance

Before installing Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls, Nancy Hands restaurant faced annual utility costs of $13,594 due to its ventilation system running at full capacity. After the upgrade, costs dropped to $5,626, yielding annual savings of $7,968 and a 59% reduction in operating expenses. The project achieved a payback period of just 1.3 years.

Nancy Hands, Utility Costs, Intelli-Hood, DCKV, Restaurant, Dublin

The installation of Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls at Nancy Hands also provided significant environmental benefits. The restaurant achieved an average reduction of 55% in fan speed, resulting in substantial energy conservation and an annual CO2 savings of 39,086 lbs. This optimization of the kitchen’s ventilation system has effectively lowered utility costs and reduced overall energy waste.

Nancy Hands, Fan Speed, Commercial Kitchen, Intelli-Hood, Dublin Ireland, Restaurant Kitchen

Conclusion

The installation of Intelli-Hood’s DCKV controls at Nancy Hands, a prominent Dublin restaurant, highlights the substantial benefits of advanced ventilation technology. The system led to annual savings of $7,968 and a 59% reduction in utility costs, along with a significant decrease in CO2 emissions. This successful adoption sets a new standard for restaurants aiming to enhance both operational efficiency and sustainability. Intelli-Hood’s dual-sensing technology allows establishments to achieve significant cost savings while supporting environmental stewardship.

 

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

Nancy Hands, Utility Costs, Intelli-Hood, Energy Savings, Dublin, Restaurant, Ireland