Cheetah™ is an energy management and safety control system primarily for restaurants/kitchens but also for commercial food preperation zones in general.  A processor controls the extract and air supply fans to ensure that at all times they run at the lowest speed to minimise the energy usage, whilst maintaining comfortable and safe conditions.  To achieve this, the operating parameters are monitored continuously and the data processed for communicating with the fan motor variable speed drives. 
The Cheetah™ system offers the user the following:

Flow monitoring and measurement

In duct flow measuring devices give accurate flow measurement which enables the operator to evaluate the effectiveness of the extract system.  Low flow can result in gas shut off and a deterioration in kitchen conditions.  It can also give early indications of extract/supply fan failure or duct/filter system problems.

Data logging and remote access

A remote access unit is available for Cheetah™ that utilises GPRS technology.  This can be installed and the system monitored by Food Industry Technical.  If necessary, running adjustments can be made remotely and preventative maintenance can be scheduled.  The remote access facility also allows the creation of performance graphs showing the daily savings made by the Cheetah™ system.

Flow and Energy Control

Cheetah™ regulates the fan speed to reach the optimum flow required for the cooking activity taking place.  This happens whilst maintaining comfort levels for the staff in the kitchen.  Reducing the fan speed also reduces the energy consumption.  Therefore, lower energy consumption results in lower energy bills.

Energy Monitoring and Metering

Constantly monitor energy usage of both individual equipment or the complete kitchen.

Gas Safety

The Gas Isolation Automatic Gas Proving System provides complete protection from leaks and critical loss of pressure. This unique system provides a full pressure test of all supply pipe work and detects all levels of leaks unlike other systems using weep bypass method.

Cheetah™ consists of a number of electronic modules which are interconnected by a data-communications network.  Sensors installed into the canopy and ducts are used to monitor the cooking environment.  A sensor processor unit uses the data obtained from the sensors to calculate the ideal rate of airflow.  The sensor processor sends commands over the communications network to variable speed drives which in turn control the flow of electricity to the extract fan motors.

Airflow Sensor

The rate of airflow within the duct is monitored to ensure that the extract system is working in a satisfactory manner.  Monitoring airflow allows Cheetah™ to carry out any required safety procedures if a problem arises in the extract system, such as clogged filters, closed dampers or a reduction in fan performance.

Temperature Sensor

Air temperature within the hood is constantly monitored by sensors connected to the processor.  This varies the output of the drives controlling the fans.

Smoke/Steam Sensors

Mounted on opposite sides of the hood the smoke/steam sensors consist of a low power laser beam emitter and receiver.  Steam and smoke from cooking interrupts the beam and sends a signal to the processor to ramp up the fan speed.

Sensor Processor

The processor monitors the inputs from the temperature and smoke/steam sensors, communicating information to the variable speed drives controlling the fans.

System Display

The display is the interface of the Cheetah™ ventilation control system.  It is used to indicate any faults or view data provided by the various components.

Data-Logger

The datalogger is used to log and store specified data, such as temperature, running speed of fans and smoke/steam sensor usage.

Variable Speed Drive

The fan speeds are controlled by variable speed drives(Inverters).  The drives are housed in electronically shielded enclosures, fitted with appropriate filters and installed to ensure compliance with EMC regulations.  These can be installed internally or externally.

Gas Isolation System

This unit is the interface for the Gas Isolation system. It gives visual and audible run/fault signals and houses the remote emergency shut off button.  A solenoid valve is used to isolate the gas supply, the solenoid valve is operated by electrically controlled signals from the gas isolation display unit.