Kitchen Make-up Air

[chubbd]

I'm wondering what methods have been used successfully to handle MUA for the large powerful kitchen range hoods that are popular today. I've seen methods for splicing a wire on the hood to activate a damper somewhere, but I'm concerned about voiding the warranty on the expensive hood.

The other question is where to bring that unconditioned air back into the house? I'm looking for a generic solution that would work in any area of the country.

Any recommendations or past experiences would be helpful!

[mryan1]

run a supply fan duct right down in front of the range...just an idea

[chubbd]

I am designing a new residential range hood for a major appliance manufacturer and want to solict some input from the people that are actually dealing with this type of thing everyday.

Here's where I am.
Hood is going to be 600 or 1200 CFM and per ASHRAE 62.2 needs to be able to control the MUA coming back into the house. This would need to work in every home in North America. Of course, cost is an issue.

What way would you recommend having the hood "control" the MUA? Hard wire a motorized damper to the hood motor? Use some type of switch that the cook would turn on?

Where would the make-up air come into the house? I've seen some come under the range/cooktop, but I can't imagine having cold air blowing on my feet when I'm doing the cooking and have the hood on.

I know 600 or 1200 CFM is a lot for a range hood, but that is the assignment I have and that will not be reduced. There are hoods this size installed everyday, and there has to be a solution out there.

[chubbd]

I'm concerned about two things: First, this air blowing on the person at the cooktop might not be a good thing. Second, I'm not sure what this air supply would do to the performance of the cooktop (blowing the flames and heat around) or to the hood capturing all the smoke and steam from the food.

[pwg11386]

pump the mua into the return of the hvac system for the house. It would disperse through the house evenly. if the air is too cold or warm, the thermostat would simply turn on the unit to condition the air. This only really works on houses with no door to the kitchen (which is most)