An existing commercial kitchen can usually be upgraded to FlowHero demand control ventilation without replacing or modifying the air handling unit, hoods, or ductwork. The kitchen’s design and minimum air volumes stay unchanged.
Is a FlowHero upgrade a ventilation renovation project?
A FlowHero upgrade is normally not a full ventilation project. FlowHero does not change design or minimum air volume. The system controls ventilation between those limits according to the kitchen’s needs. Ventilation can also be stopped when the site’s operating principle allows it and ventilation is not needed.
Because sizing is not changed, hoods, ductwork, and the air handling unit usually do not need to be resized for FlowHero.
How large is the upgrade project?
Installing the FlowHero system in the kitchen typically takes a few hours. In addition, the building automation contractor makes the required changes to building automation.
Total investment in a FlowHero project is typically about €6,000–12,000. Payback time is usually about 2–5 years. Site-specific figures are calculated before the investment decision.
How is profitability assessed?
Safera first produces an energy savings estimate. If savings look sufficient, a quote is requested from the site’s building automation contractor for the required automation work. That way, savings, investment, and any special implementation details are known before ordering.
What is needed for the savings estimate?
- A photo or screenshot of the kitchen air handling unit on the BMS workstation.
- A photo or screenshot of the air handling unit timer schedule.
- A ventilation drawing showing hoods and preferably kitchen appliances. If no drawing is available, photos of the kitchen are fine.