CASE STUDY: Ensuring Optimal Ventilation for Hotels and End Users 

Introduction 

Ventilation Directs is dedicated to delivering exceptional air handling refurbishment services that are crucial for maintaining key ventilation systems. Our solutions are designed for quick turnarounds and efficiency, particularly in plant rooms with limited space and accessibility. 

Challenges in Plant Room Accessibility 

Many plant rooms have been overlooked in terms of future maintenance and accessibility, especially in old, listed buildings and inaccessible plants. This can pose significant challenges. 

Our Experience with Leading Hotel Chains 

We have been invited to refurbish and supply new air handling units to a wide range of prestigious hotels, including Ibis, Radisson, Mercure, Hilton, and Waldorf, among others. These hotels operate 24/7 and require reliable, up-to-date, and efficient services to ensure minimal impact on their guests’ experience. 

Key Refurbishment Tasks 

Our refurbishment process includes several critical tasks: 

• Replacing Existing Impellers 

• Changing Belts, Pulleys, and Motors 

• Upgrading from AC to EC Motors 

• Assessing Flow Rates, Velocities, and Pressures 

• Finding Existing Fan Curves and Comparing with New Motors 

• Coil Replacement and Expertise 

• Controls/Inverters 

Tailored Solutions for Unique Needs 

Each unit is unique to the individual hotels and their specific areas. Some units date back to the early 90s. With our extensive knowledge, we offer modern solutions to help hotel chains stay current with new and improved systems. 

Collaborative Efforts and Successful Delivery 

We work closely with local councils to ensure timely delivery of each product. This includes coordinating road closures, weekend work, crane lift companies, and transport to minimize impact on surrounding areas and communities. 

Conclusion 

Ventilation Directs is committed to providing efficient and reliable air handling refurbishment services. Our collaborative approach with Hevac consultants, mechanical engineers, and other stakeholders ensures that we meet the unique needs of hotels and end users, maintaining optimal ventilation systems. 

Case Study: Ventilation Solutions for Catering Companies and Canopy Extract Systems 

Introduction 

The Heart of the City project in Sheffield represents a significant £470 million investment by the Sheffield City Council. Ventilation Direct has played a crucial role in developing, supplying, and delivering ventilation solutions for various parts of this area, including the Kangaroo Works (apartment development) and, more recently, the Cambridge Street Collective, Europe’s largest purpose-built food hall. 

Project Overview 

Working alongside the Blend Group, Ventilation Direct was tasked with designing, manufacturing, and supplying all kitchen ventilation requirements for the site. Our primary challenge was to navigate the ducting within limited spaces, selecting round standard spiral ducting and transforming it into purpose-made rectangular ducting. This approach ensured minimal impact on the building’s aesthetics while achieving the correct velocities, volumes, noise levels, and pressures in line with existing plant systems. 

Collaboration and Expertise 

Our engineers collaborated with Arup and Sheraton consultants to ensure our in-house manufactured ducting met Class C standards to DW144 and complied with DW172 kitchen ventilation rates. This collaboration resulted in the successful development of ventilation systems for over 14 kitchens from two main extract systems. 

Customized Solutions for Canopy Extract Systems 

Working with both the client and mechanical consultants, we navigated the complex routes to each canopy, ensuring each kitchen vendor had adequate airflows for various cooking methods. This involved considering all coefficients and canopy factors in line with DW172 standards. 

Innovative BBQ Kitchen Extract System 

For the impressive food hall, we delivered a comprehensive 22-unit BBQ kitchen extract system. Utilizing state-of-the-art Systemair MUB T high-temperature fan units, we provided the correct flow rates and integrated electrostatic and advanced gas interlock systems/panels to ensure the safety and comfort of guests throughout their stay. 

Aesthetic and Functional Design 

The BBQ feel and elegant design were also prioritized by supplying top-of-the-range twin-wall matt black flue piping. This ensured we met the client’s desired look and experience for diners at this fantastic Sheffield food hall. 

Conclusion 

Ventilation Direct is proud to have contributed to the Heart of the City project, providing innovative and reliable ventilation solutions for catering companies and canopy extract systems. Our collaborative approach and commitment to excellence ensure that we meet the unique needs of our clients, delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.