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Operate bleacher heaters with coins
On a cold day, one of the desired spots for spectators in an arena is beneath the bleacher heaters. Overhead Heaters offer a bit of comfort, at least for the upper body parts while watching the game. Heaters above the bleachers are still featured at many ice arenas and in many cases run all the time. Sometimes they are turned on first thing in the morning, run all day and occasionally the crew will forget to shut them off and they run all night. Taking these heaters out might be a hard sell for the fans, especially if it is mid-season. Another solution however is to consider operating them on coin-operated timers. Charging a dollar or even two to watch a game might make a big difference to the energy spent. Patrons can use their coins to pay to turn bleacher heaters. This might make some patrons think twice about turning […]
Optimize humidity levels
Humidity has a big impact on the quality of the ice and on the energy consumed in an arena. A high level of humidity provides a rugged surface with a lot of snow production when in contact with the sharp blades of a skate. Optimal humidity is in the range of 50-55%, this is especially important when you have a large crowd that often contributes to an increased humidity level. Humidity enters an ice rink with incoming ventilation air, the opening of doors, from the use of showers, and through the normal respiration of the people within the building. Arena operators consider factors such as the temperature and moisture outside, the expected event crowd and what time the game begins. Excessive humidity in the condensing moisture, releases a tremendous amount of heat into the ice surface. This heat must be removed by operating the refrigeration equipment for longer than would normally be […]
Install automatic resurfacer water fill
There is a risk of water overflow in an arena’s ice resurfacing room. Traditionally ice resurfacing machines, when left unattended could overflow with hot or cold water, because the water was not shut off when the machine was full. This wasted water and natural gas (if the water is hot). Installing an automatic water filling system will prevent the ice resurfacer from overflowing. Systems are equipped with a remote sensor mounted on the resurfacer, a solenoid valve and a control unit. When the resurfacing tank is full and starts to overflow, the sensor detects it and sends a radio signal which is picked up by the control unit. The control unit then shuts off the hot or cold (see: resurfacing water treatment to use unheated water ) water valve. The system is automated and can be programmed for the size of the ice resurfacer’s tank. The arena operators can attend to other […]
Appoint an internal Energy Manager
Arenas can appoint an internal representative to research, analyze and implement effective programs and operations processes to create greener arenas. Internal Energy Managers can assess current policies (e.g. recycling) and collaborate with stakeholders (e.g. utilities, local governments, user groups and environmental professionals, etc.) to make suggestions for sustainable green initiatives at their arena and can help to tap in into funding sources for efficiency upgrade equipment. Energy Managers can use information systems to track, manage, benchmark, and report energy, water, waste, emissions and other sustainability data. Information systems can be installed that include automated data exchange services that synchronizes utility and building data directly with the Energy Manager’s portfolio. Information systems enhance long-term value by increasing arena occupancy and revenue, reduce the risk of obsolescence, and strengthening user loyalty, all while reducing emissions to protect the environment. Benefits: Dedicated person that looks at the whole facility to leverage initiatives and reach […]
Maintain consistent pace resurfacing
When resurfacing the ice, driving at the same pace and watching the speed is crucial. None of the operators should go slower or faster anywhere as they shave the ice and apply water. It is important not to put down much water along the boards to prevent the ice building up too much. Going over creases shut of the water and raise the blade. Once past the crease, turn the water on again and lower the blade. 10 minutes should allow to do the ice and ensure a 5-minute window before the next user group is scheduled to be on the ice. Benefits: Optimized ice maintenance Good quality ice Savings: Water Web resources: Ice maintenance in Black Diamond, Alberta
Remove micro air bubbles from resurfacing water
Eliminate big parts of your water heating costs for your flood water and save 10% – 12% energy from your ice plant by lowering the temperature of the resurfacing water used on your ice pad. According to ASHRAE, 7% of an ice rink’s total energy use is due to domestic hot water that is used in the resurfacing process of the ice. The more impurities in water (both minerals and dissolved gas), the harder the refrigeration plant has to work before it will freezes. Local water sources with higher concentrations of salts of various kinds will have different freezing properties and if the concentration is elevated enough to lower the freezing temperature even further. More energy is required to lower that temperature, and the resulting ice will have poorer quality. To address these issues, most ice rinks heat the water to 140°F – 160°F to remove micro air bubbles before resurfacing the […]
Raise efficiency of water heaters
Upgrading to high efficiency water heaters saves on natural gas or electricity (depending on what the water heater is powered by). Getting access to hot water quickly and efficiently is crucial when it comes to adding sensor driven showers in your facility to eliminate water waste from the dressing rooms. Benefits: Reduced water heating costs Higher efficiency for heating water and faster access to hot water Savings: Natural Gas or electricity CO2 Water
Switch to on demand water heaters
On demand or tankless water heaters are compact in size, taking up less space than conventional tank type water heaters. They eliminate energy wasted when hot water cools down in long pipe runs or while water is sitting in the storage tank. Tankless hot water heaters only produce heat when it is being used. When the water is no longer needed, the units are shut off and stop producing hot water. These water heaters can be 24% – 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. But, tankless water heaters may cost more up front (around $800 to $1200) than storage tanks and can have higher installation costs. The need for stored hot water can be decreased dramatically through solutions for resurfacing water treatment and switching to unheated water for the flood water. This makes a tankless water heater a viable option for any other need of warmer or hot water around the ice resurfacer […]
Reclaim waste heat from rink
Refrigeration plants used in arenas provide necessary cooling to produce and maintain ice surfaces. The refrigeration equipment draws electricity; the highest ongoing non-labour cost in arenas. The refrigeration plant removes heat from ice pads and the condenser disposes of it outdoors. On average, as much as 7.2 million Btu of heat, or more than 2,000 kWh, are generated each day by an ice plant. Heat-recovery systems can harness heat as free energy from the refrigeration plant, which can provide overall heating savings of more than 75%. Most of the wasted heat available comes from the refrigeration condenser, but some heat can be recovered from the building’s exhaust air. Recovered heat can be used for space heating, domestic water heating, subfloor heating, slab heating, floodwater heating, ice melting, and preheating cold outdoor air for ventilation. Considerations: Some systems should be located below showers, and require simultaneous flow Use licensed professionals to install equipment […]
Insulate hot water pipes
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