How to tighten the Arena’s building envelope: Some simple measures go a long way to upgrade the building envelope of the ice arena to reduce GHG emissions and the carbon footprint. Have you successfully incorporated some of these measures? Let us know and tell your story so that we can share it here and inspire others to take action!
Solar radiation heat is the main heat radiation in ice arenas. Nearly 30% of the total refrigeration load in heated rinks is radiated from the arena ceiling. The temperature, colour and emissivity index of the inner surface of the ceiling are the main causes of the radiation thermal load to the ice rink. Common materials used for ceilings (wood, steel, etc.), have an emissivity index (EM) of between 0.85 <e< 0.95. Emissivity describes a material’s ability to radiate heat. Perfect radiating materials have an Emissivity (EM) of 1.0. Materials that radiate no heat have an EM of 0. Radiant heat migrates from a warm surface in an arena to a cold surface, the heat load radiates from the ceiling to the ice surface. Reducing the EMs of the arena ceiling has a large impact on the load on the ice plant, reducing energy costs and providing better ice conditions. Low emissivity ceilings offer […]
Caulk and weatherstrip your facility’s walls, floors, windows, roof, and doors. Seal air leaks and insulate water heaters and pipes in unconditioned areas. Insulated ceilings and walls make it possible to control the indoor climate regardless of the outdoor climate. Special products are available to stop condensation on the ceiling. The ceiling is cold because of the radiant heat transfer between the ice and the ceiling (i.e. the ice cools down the inner surface of the ceiling.) Though there are technical solutions to minimize the indoor rain problem (low emissive coatings) the ceiling is still subjected to weather conditions and high running costs. Benefits: Reduced energy cost Reduced noise levels Savings: Electricity CO2 Web resources: Technical guidelines of an ice rink – International Ice Hockey Federation
Energy loss through old windows and doors is significant. Heat and cold can escape from poorly sealed windows, cracked door frames, or windows and doors that don’t open and close properly or seal tightly. Condensation can form between panes on non-sealed glazing window or storm windows. Additionally, moist air that has leaked past inner window panes can create condensed on outer window panes. Even dry areas can suffer from condensation problems if the windows and doors are not sealed to the interior space. Benefits: Better ice Less humidity Reduced energy cost Savings: Electricity CO2 Web resource: Natural Resources Canada – Energy efficiency improvements On Design of Low-Operation-Cost Ice Arenas with Energy Saving Approaches
Insulating hot water pipes can reduce heat loss in arenas. The water temperature will be raised by 2°F–4°F (apx. -16.7°C – -15.6°C) compared to uninsulated pipes. This in turn allows to reduce the water temperature setting at the boiler. Hot water will be available faster when the faucet or shower head is turned on. This helps to conserve water. Every decrease of 41°F (apx. 5°C) will save up to 5% on water bill. Insulated hot water pipes can reduce heat loss up to 33%. Benefits: Use less water Save costs Improve efficiency of water heater – allows water tank to be set at lower tempeature Minimal cost investment Helps reduce risk of pipes freezing, reducing need for repairs Savings: Water Natural Gas CO2 Web resources: Savings Project: Insulate hot water pipes for energy savings How insulating your water lines can save you money
3D Energy is an energy engineering, management, and project development advisory company located in Alberta. At 3D Energy our vision is to assist clients with turning energy challenges into opportunities. We do this by: Diagnosing energy challenges and opportunities. Developing reasonable and bankable solutions. Delivering projects that achieve results.