Energy usage ice arenas

Ice rinks use a lot of energy!

Ice arenas are used for: hockey, curling, figure skating, speed skating …
Ice quality is critical to earning revenue. Operations often year-long
Water contaminants (such as minerals, chemicals, and dissolved air) affect the freezing temperature and quality – hardness, “snow” creation, clarity
From ASHRAE 2010 Handbook: “The resurfacing water temperature affects the load and brine required to freeze the floodwater. Maintaining good water quality through proper treatment may permit the use of lower flood water temperature and less volume” <–- using cold water saves energy
Refrigeration cools a brine solution pumped through pipes under an ice grid
Brine temps usually around 16°F – 17°F – can be set higher
Typically hot water is used to resurface ice many times per day

Example Water and Typical Refrigeration

Typical single pads can use from 1,500 – 2,400 MWh/ year
NHL sized rink or Olympic size
Usage is typically 36+ weeks/year
On average 16hrs/day on weekends, 12 hours/ day weekdays
Resurfacing Ice rink 6 to 12+ times per day depending on usage
Resurfacing typically uses water-heated from 120°F -160°F

For better ice arena maintenance to reduce energy usage and cost see: 20 WAYS TO REDUCE ARENA COST