In busy kitchen environments, the noise from a fan or ventilation system can impact both staff comfort and overall workflow. We have recently launched our Turboflow Max to cover the key factors in kitchens, whilst also focussing on better sound performance.

Understanding the Difference: Fluctuating vs. Constant

To grasp the real impact of the Turboflow Max, it’s beneficial to understand how noise perception works. Our previous Turboflow fan used contra-rotating technology, where two sets of fans rotate in opposite directions. This is effective for high pressure generation, although this design leads to fluctuating noise patterns.

This type of fluctuating noise is more distracting to the human ear in comparison to constant sound. As humans, our brains are wired to detect sudden changes in noise; however we are able to “tune out” steady sound over time. In a kitchen environment, where focus is paramount, inconsistent noise can contribute to disruption and elevated stress levels.

The Solution: Single-Stage, Consistent Sound

In contrast, our Turboflow Max uses an advanced single-stage technology that produces a consistent, steady sound, whilst still creating that high pressure. While decibel levels provide a measure of noise, they don’t fully capture the quality or characteristics of the sound.

On paper, the overall decibel level of the Turboflow Max may be higher than that of the Turboflow model. However, the sound it generates is much more predictable and, therefore, easier for the brain to process and ignore. So despite higher dBA readings on paper, is much less intrusive in real-world environments.

Why Reduced Low-Frequency Noise Matters

Another crucial aspect of the Turboflow Max is its ability to reduce low-frequency noise. This is the kind of deep, rumbling noise that is often more intrusive and carries through the space. The single impeller design results in smoother air flow, which cuts down on these low-frequency fluctuations. For a team working hard in the kitchen, this means less of a bass-heavy noise profile and more of a manageable, steady hum.

A Balanced Approach

With the Turboflow Max, Elta has focussed on balancing the demands of both performance and acoustics. The new single-stage design delivers higher pressures with a simpler, more efficient mechanism, making it particularly suited for commercial kitchens, especially where carbon filters are used. It’s designed to be lightweight, easier to maintain, and capable of higher pressures, all while offering a shorter casing length for easier installation in tight spaces.

Key Benefits at a Glance

•  Reduced Low-Frequency Noise: The smoother airflow reduces intrusive noise and creates a more constant sound, contributing to a more pleasant working environment.
• Engineered for Performance: Delivers higher pressures with a simpler, more efficient design.
• Easier Maintenance and Cleaning: With shorter casing lengths, the Turboflow Max is lightweight and compact, built for ease of maintenance, making it more reliable for commercial kitchens operating in demanding environments.
• Variable Speed Drive Controllable: Allows for precise adjustment of airflow, giving greater control over ventilation performance to suit specific kitchen demands.
• Shorter Casing Lenths: Easier to install in tight spaces, making it adaptable to a wide range of commercial kitchen setups.

Setting the Standard in Kitchen Ventilation

At Elta, delivering cutting-edge ventilation solutions that not only meet but exceed industry standards.

Earlier this year, we also introduced our new Qube fan range, with the Qube HT engineered to handle temperatures of up to 120°C, making it another ideal choice for high-temperature applications such as commercial kitchens.

As sustainability becomes a key consideration in the hospitality industry, fans like the Turboflow Max and Qube are designed with future-proof features that ensure both environmental and economic benefits. By focusing on engineering excellence and user experience, we ensure that our fans don’t just meet ventilation demands but improve overall working conditions, making kitchens more productive, efficient, and comfortable.

View the Turboflow Max product page here.

Why is this boost needed?

With the construction industry tackling a balancing act of declining budgets alongside improved sustainability and safety targets, the need for an all-round solution is greater than ever.

What has Elta done?

Having gained compliance with BS EN12101-3:2015, the fans are now capable of being powered through a VSD in times of emergency. Incorporating the VSD with the fan itself has meant system specifiers and designers are now offered a more streamlined approach. By testing the high-performance smoke fans in conjunction with various VSDs, this has ensured that the two can be used together without the need for bypassing or fitting filters to the VSD in fire mode. Using the VSDs alongside Elta’s impellers has also increased the efficiency of the system, and thanks to the completion of the BS EN12101-3:2015 testing, allows for a fully compliant and highly efficient holistic solution.

Where will we see the benefits?

With urbanisation growing across Europe, the need for space-saving has led to the construction of more mid-rise to high-rise buildings. In turn, this is driving an increase in demand for high-performance equipment compliant with strict government regulations to ensure the safety of all people and property.

While there are different ways to ensure the systems do this, the most efficient way is to have the fans and VSDs tested together, hence why Elta now has the BSI accreditation.

Elta are committed to conforming to the highest standards, and as a result hold a number of additional accreditations alongside this BSI certification. 

One of the striking facts to come out of the testing is that the Mori dMEV has an annual running cost of less than £1 per year in kitchens and just £0.75 in bathroom/utility areas. Power consumption for continually running the Mori dMEV equates to just a third of the energy of an 18W low energy light bulb in use four hours a day. The unit also has exceptionally low noise levels that make it quieter than a ticking watch (typically 13 dB(A) for bathroom/utility. The product brings, to house builders, housing authorities and social landlords, unprecedented efficiency.

Each Mori dMEV also saves 1.96 kg per year of CO₂ compared to the next best unit on the market. Shortlisted for the H&V News ‘Domestic H&V Product of the Year – Sustainability and Safety’ award, the Mori dMEV constant volume unit is designed for System 3 ventilation in new build or refurbishment for social housing, and private housing applications.

Elta also contends that its latest Mori dMEV is 62% more efficient than the dMEV which won the H&V Award two years ago. During two years of intensive and stringent design and product testing, started in February 2012, the Mori dMEV has been meticulously developed by Elta. For the impeller alone, more than 35 3D models were created, 19 of which became prototypes with the most recent of these becoming the unique ‘BLADELET’ impeller.

The result is a product which has the lowest SFP (0.09 W/(L/s)) and provides the lowest running costs of any dMEV to date. Elta Residential Division, is part of the Elta Group – a family of businesses with operations in seven countries on four continents – the 2015 Ecobuild exhibition is an important opportunity to demonstrate the value of the Mori dMEV for the housing sector and, in particular in social housing.

Elta Group Building Services Head of Sales, Mathew Axford said: “Our company is committed to providing exceptional indoor air quality in the most cost effective way for the health of the nation. “Our focus at Ecobuild is to engage with social landlords and building companies to expand our message of being the ‘Home of Ventilation’ offering market leading, innovative products,” explained Matthew Axford. Other features of the Mori dMEV include: Low energy, highly efficient EC motor with onboard electronics, Operates up to 50°C, TMP safety tested of domestic fans to IEC 60335-1 AND 60335-2, Low energy, 2.5W EC motor with inbuilt constant volume control. Compliant with ISO/IEC 17025, 3 year warranty and many more. .

In the tests conducted by BRE, the Mori dMEV unit outperformed anything currently available on the market. In the analysis of the unit’s performance with both rigid ducting and flexible ducting, an SFP (Specific Fan Power) rating of 0.09 W/(L/s). was achieved in both cases at an air flow of 13 L/s measured through the wall. When the same air flow rate was generated in the room, the SFP rating rose to just 0.13 W/(L/s). Alan Macklin, Technical Director of Elta Group is delighted at the results.